Amsterdam, Netherlands

Direct Enrollment - Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Shared Housing

Credits:

15 to 18 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

You have the opportunity to directly enroll as a fully matriculated student at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA). The CvA is the largest and most diverse music conservatory in the Netherlands, specializing in performance, composition, and theory. Students who are highly motivated, independent, and willing to immerse themselves in this outstanding institution will find great opportunities.

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Take Classes Like a Local

Attend courses with incredible students from all over the world.

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Take Lessons from the Best

Study one-on-one and in a small-group.

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Personalize Your Schedule

With the help of CvA staff.

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Practice in State-of-the-Art Facilities

CvA’s building includes recital halls, classrooms, and practice rooms.

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Lindsay Smith

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Amsterdam?

As a Music student, you’ll flourish in Amsterdam’s thriving arts environment. Long known as a center for arts and culture, Amsterdam embraces expressions of the human spirit.

Learn More About Amsterdam

Get to Know Your New City

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Cycle Everywhere

Rent or buy a cheap bike and get around Amsterdam the way the Dutch do!

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Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes

From coffee to stroopwafels, eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.

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Appreciate Art

Visit world-renown art museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

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Swing Out Over Amsterdam

Try riding the swings on the observation deck of the A’DAM Tower.

Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, student athletes have the option to add on a baseball or softball training program on top of their coursework. Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam provides college baseball and softball players high-quality coaching and access to world-class training facilities.  Students who wish to participate will apply to an IES Abroad Amsterdam program, and once accepted, choose the baseball or softball add-on. We know how important it is to your sports performance to continue working and improving in the offseason. Why not work with international coaches and get stronger in Amsterdam?

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The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean bedroom with a window, modern chairs, a bed, a desk, and a television.
  • Shared Housing

Shared Housing

A home with amenities! In our housing, you will meet IES Abroad students, international students, travelers, and (young) professionals. During orientation you will get an extensive neighborhood tour from our onsite staff. Additionally, reception staff will be available to answer any questions you might have. All housing locations are in safe areas with public transport.

Base Option: You will have a single or shared room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen,

Premium Option: You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be slightly larger than the Base option. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen. This option carries an additional cost.

Premium Plus Option: You will be centrally located in Amsterdam at this housing option. You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your bedroom will be furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and desk. You will share a kitchen with other IES Abroad students. This option carries an additional cost. 

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Partner Institution

A large, modern building sits on the Conservatorium van Amsterdam's campus with reflective windows.
  • Conservatorium van Amsterdam

Conservatorium van Amsterdam

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) takes full advantage of Amsterdam’s established reputation in music to offer outstanding instruction in classical and jazz music performance, theory, and composition. The Conservatorium is dedicated to upholding superior standards of teaching, performing, and creating music through a highly-individualized course of study. It aims to train you to become a versatile musician at the highest level of professional musicianship. If you wish to study at the CvA, you should be a strong Performance, Composition, or Theory major with the motivation and intention to become a professional musician, a music scholar, or a composer. 

A member of the Amsterdam School of the Arts, the CvA was originally established as the Amsterdam Conservatorium in 1884. The vast majority of courses at the CvA are taught in English. 

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components: 

  • Music Courses at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (required, up to 15 credits) 
  • IES Abroad-taught Dutch language course (optional, 3 credits) 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Partner Institution Courses

Conservatorium van Amsterdam

While the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) has several musical departments, IES Abroad students may select either a track in Classical music or a track in Jazz music. 

Courses previously offered include: 

  • Brass Instruments 
  • Percussion 
  • Piano and Other Keyboard Instruments 
  • String Instruments 
  • Voice 
  • Woodwind Instruments 
  • Historical Instruments (Classical only) 
  • Improvisation (Jazz only) 

Please note that, due to restrictions by the CvA, IES Abroad students are not able to apply to the following departments: 

  • AEMA (Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy) 
  • Music in Education 
  • Opera 
  • Pop Music 

Once on-site, and in close consultation with the IES Abroad Amsterdam staff, you will establish a personalized, full-time (15-17 credits) course of study that includes applied and theoretical aspects of music study. The mandatory/practical component of the curriculum is a combination of one-on-one and small-group instruction. 

Your studies will include highly-individualized lessons with a tutor and participation in an extensive chamber music and ensemble program, that culminate in final performances. Theoretical components aim to develop students’ musical imagination and perception. 

Elective Courses 

In addition to the required courses, students will also choose electives. The elective component includes additional performance and theory options. Past electives offered within both the Classical and Jazz departments have included courses such as: 

  • Analysis 
  • Arranging 
  • Chamber Music 
  • Composition
  • Conducting 
  • Counterpoint 
  • Drama 
  • Ear Training 
  • Harmonic Analysis of the Piano 
  • Harmony 
  • Music and Social History 
  • Orchestra or Ensemble Projects 

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PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Amsterdam, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Keukenhof

1 Day ($) Spring

Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Take in over 7 million followers, including 4.5. million tulips and a variety of sculptures at this historic park.

Texel

2 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Join us for a weekend away in one of the Dutch Islands, Texel. Come bike around, explore the Northern Sea and its dunes. We'll be taking a ride on a shrimp boat and visiting a local seal sanctuary.

windmills near a lake in Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans

Half Day ($) Fall & Spring

Enjoy a cycling trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a quintessential Dutch town, famous for its windmills.

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Cheese & Clog Making at Local Farm

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Get introduced to Dutch culture by getting your hands dirty and making your own Gouda cheese wheel at this local farm! We'll not only be sampling cheese, but also traditional Dutch apple pie.

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Maastricht

2 Days ($) Spring

Explore this university city with its beautiful medieval architecture and lively arts and culture. Visit the famous labyrinth caves of Limburg, and take a walk in the spectacular hilly countryside.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
17,309
Housing
$
5,595
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
23,149

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
31,140
Housing
$
12,280
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
43,910

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is in the old city Center nearby the famous Nieuwmarkt Square, and easily accessible via public transport from Amsterdam Central Station. With plenty of study space, classroom areas, and meeting rooms, the Center is your study abroad hub. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Amsterdam
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Amsterdam. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the University
Following the IES Abroad orientation, you participate in another orientation at the CvA to learn more about the staff, facilities, Amsterdam, and other students.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Amsterdam before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Dutch culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 19 - December 21

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Early June

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Junior or senior standing when program begins
    • To be considered of junior standing by the CvA, applicants must have completed four full college semesters (about 60 credit hours) by the start of the program. Transfer credits from AP Exams are not counted towards this total.
  • Final admissions decision rests with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (Amsterdam School of Music)
  • Applicants whose GPAs are below 3.0 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis (additional application materials below are required).
  • Please note, due to restrictions by the CvA, IES Abrad students are not able to apply to the following departments:
    • AEMA (Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy)
    • Music in Education
    • Opera
    • Pop Music

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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