Welcome to the website of the programme Contemporary Music Through Non-western Techniques
This is a programme of study at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) in the Netherlands intended for both composers and performers (classical and jazz musicians).
The goal of the programme, through the study of rhythmical complexity and microtonality, is to increase understanding and accuracy of contemporary music, and/or to broaden one's creative possibilities in both composition and improvisation.
Classes are given in English (except when all students in a group are Dutch).
This programme is available to three groups:
Undergraduates - Open to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students of the CvA. For study points and frameworks see Advanced Rhythm and Contemporary Music Through Non-Western Techniques.
Post-graduates and Advanced Programme students - Any student (Dutch or foreign) can make this an important part of their program. Contemporary Music Through Non-Western Techniques awards 20 of the 60 necessary study points per year.
Contract students - any professional musician or graduate student from any music centre around the world, as well as any bachelor's student from any Conservatory in the Netherlands, can take part in the programme, without further requirements from the CvA.
Professional musicians and graduate students will receive a certificate of studies stating the number of years of the programme that the student has followed.
Bachelors students from any Dutch Conservatory, can use the study points awarded as part of their curriculum. They are considered contract students by the CvA and should arrange the payment of fees with their own Conservatory.
photo by Elisabeth Melchior