The search for and development of one’s own musical language is a creative process, and in this sense, to compose is to create. Central to this creative process is the unique personality of the composer, who uses his or her knowledge, expertise, insight and an open and questioning mindset to mould his or her creativity and originality in order to make new music.
Composition teacher, Wim Henderickx, leads an enthusiastic team of teachers. They will stimulate you as an individual to discover and develop in an open manner your own creative language, on the one hand with respect for tradition, and on the other hand with a passion for innovation.
Bachelor's students receive intensive coaching to help them develop strong and reasoned analytical knowledge and an inquiring attitude. Your quest for your own creative personality will be supported by general musical knowledge and technical skills. The composition programme encompasses courses on Practical Harmony and Improvisation, Harmony and Counterpoint, Orchestration, and Electronic Music, which provide a strong knowledge-base. Artistic research and rigorous analysis are also important components of the curriculum.
The two-year master's study focuses specifically on the refinement and development of your own musical language and offers a range of (interdisciplinary) projects, concerts, collaborations and masterclasses. In addition to a limited number of fixed course components, the programme offers the student ample opportunity for personal choice.
This broad and open approach, in combination with coaching from various composition teachers, provides an ideal breeding ground for building your own musical language and writing style. Each new idea will be treated with respect, in an open manner using various approaches, and always in an environment involving consultation and discussion.
