The composition class is led by a team of experienced composers and teachers (Alain Craens, Bram Van Camp, Steven Prengels and Mathias Coppens) who work in the spirit of Wim Henderickx. As a student you will have two teachers who will each guide you from their expertise in the search for your musical identity and provide you with the necessary compositional tools: on the one hand with respect for tradition, but on the other hand also with a drive for innovation.
The composition class is the beating heart of the Conservatoir through its intense collaboration with all departments. Students' music is performed within projects with the vocal department, the saxophone ensemble, piano, trombone, harp and the symphony orchestra. In addition, interdisciplinary projects provide opportunities to collaborate with dancers and the Academy of Fine Arts. The Ensemble XXI creates new compositions on final exams.
The department also collaborates with external partners for specific projects: Duo42, HERMESensemble (Times Academy), Antwerp Symphony Orchestra (Soundmine) and Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen (SOV Composers Academy).
Our students form a close-knit group with its own own concert organization: (“This is not a concert hall”), and can experiment to their heart's content within a stimulating environment.
Bachelor
Bachelor students are intensively guided in the development of a strong analytical insight and inquisitive attitude. General musical knowledge and professional skills support your quest for your own creative personality. In addition to Composition, the program also provides for Music Writing and Instrumental Theory/Orchestration, so that creativity is founded by a strong basic knowledge. Artistic research, general cultural education and thorough analysis are also important components of your curriculum. Electronic Music Composition, Instrument, Practical Harmony and Improvisation or Interdisciplinary Project may be included as electives.
Master
The two-year master's program focuses specifically on refining and expanding your personal musical language and offers a range of (interdisciplinary) projects, concerts,
collaborations and master classes. In addition to a limited number of fixed course units, the program contains much room for personal interpretation. This broad and open approach, combined with coaching by several composition teachers, forms an ideal breeding ground for developing your own language and writing style. Each new idea is treated with great respect in an open environment from different points of view and always guided in consultation.
Profiles within the master's program
Because there are a wide variety of styles, genres and formats in which composers are active, you can orient yourself within one of four profiles:
Composer - Composer
Composer - Performer
Composer - Educator
Composer - Composer for Media
These profiles are not always strictly defined and are rather meant to be exploratory. In consultation with your teachers you compose your own curriculum based on an elective package of 18 credits, which you fill in with a selection from specific course units.
Read more about the different profiles.
As a candidate for the Music programme, you can get to know the teachers and the Campus in light of your participation at the entrance exams. By taking part in the Easter or summer courses or by applying for an introductory lesson.
read onLead and supporting roles, debut and compilation albums, finals, beginner's luck and career awards ... here you can read who got recent applause and why.
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