Composing for Film

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA), in co-operation with the Netherlands Film Academy, provides a high-level master's degree programme designed to accommodate the aspirations of composers wishing to specialize in music scoring for film and other audio-visual representations. The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is the first conservatory in Europe to offer this specialization.

The two-year master's programme provides a profound training based upon a multidisciplinary teaching framework aimed at fully equipping students for the scoring demands of contemporary film & audio-visual industries. By means of lessons, lectures, workshops, excursions and special guest teachers (composers, film directors), students will be given the opportunity to work with professionals on gaining knowledge in different aspects of the film scoring industry (artistic, creative, technical, business).

Students will gain experience in dealing with film scoring assignments and film projects by Film Academy students, developing not only creative but also interpersonal skills through the different levels of cooperation necessary to fulfill these projects. During their last semester students will work on scoring a complete film, mentored by their teachers and finally having the opportunity of recording part of it with live musicians at the CvA studios.

Please note: lessons at CvA will be in English, lessons at the Film Academy will be in Dutch. All students should have at least a basic knowledge of the Dutch language.

Artistic director
Jurre Haanstra

Research and programme development
t.b.a.

Study load
120 EC

Study length
2 years, full-time

Language of instruction
Dutch and English

CROHO code
44739 (M Music)

Title
Master of Music

The programme follows a threefold structure divided into:
1. Technical
2. Drama - Theoretical & Practical
3. Scoring - Theoretical & Practical

The Composing for Film master's degree programme is primarily designed for those with a bachelor's degree in music composition or equivalent. Candidates with a bachelor's diploma in another musical field may be admitted, provided that they show proficiency in music theory and a sufficient level in composition skills.

Entrance exam material
In addition to the completed and signed application form and the other documents, students are requested to send:
* an audio recording (on CD or Mp3) which includes a maximum of 15 minutes original composition(s) material, preferably written for audio-visual projects (MIDI recordings acceptable)
* written scores (preferably in Finale or Sibelius) or musical drafts (schematic score) in cases where traditional musical notation does not apply
* including DVD(s) with your own film score(s) is important
* a motivation letter stating the student's reasons for wishing to enter the programme.

Formats (important)
* Audio on CD only (digital files will not be accepted)
* Films on DVD only (digital files will not be accepted)
* Scores printed only (digital files will not be accepted)

Technical skills
Our film projects in collaboration with the Netherlands Film Academy will mainly be done using MIDI. During your study you should be able to produce solid audio versions of your compositions using your own equipment. Therefore your MIDI skills should be clearly reflected in your work.

Candidates will be selected to be interviewed by the entrance examination committee based on their submitted material, as well as aspects such as general film knowledge, perceptive skills and insight into dramatic uses of music, and collaboration skills.

Contact: