ECMAster – European Chamber Music Master

New launch of an international joint programme in chamber music

The ECMAster is a two year joint programme on the master level for pre-existing chamber music ensembles. It is operated by seven leading higher music education institutions in Europe in close collaboration with ECMA (European Chamber Music Academy), an association of European music universities, conservatoires and festivals.

By tailor-made curricula the ECMAster enables the students to develop their specific artistic, technical, reflective and social skills and to act as strong, independent and innovative ensemble musicians who can meet the high professional demands in tomorrow’s music scene. The admitted chamber music groups will take advantage of the expertise, culture and tradition of three separate music institutions.

During the two years of advanced study, two obligatory exchange semesters at two different host institutions will be supported by Erasmus+ mobility funds. In addition the ensembles will also participate in at least six ECMA sessions and get access to an European network in the profession of chamber music.

Participating Institutions

Next to the mdw, the following institutions are involved:

In cooperation with the European Chamber Music Academy (ECMA).

How does it work?

ECMAster students spend semesters 1 and 4 at their home institution and semesters 2 and 3 at two different host institutions. Exchange semesters at partner institutions and intensive programmes are both obligatory in this master programme.

It is expected that the ensemble should spend the two exchange semesters in the respective city of the host institution.

Each ensemble is appointed a principal artistic supervisor from the home institution and artistic supervisors form each host institution. The responsibility of the principal artistic supervisor is to have regular contact with the students, to have a full overview of the ensemble's progression and to act as a contact person for the other institutions' artistic supervisors.

  • Semester 1: Home institution
  • Semester 2: Potential host institutions: Fiesole, Manchester, Oslo or Vienna
  • Semester 3: Potential host institutions: Paris, The Hague or Vilnius
  • Semester 4: Home institution

Intensive modules (ECMA Sessions)

The ensembles are committed to attend a minimum of 6 ECMA sessions within the two years, normally one session in semesters 1 and 4, and two sessions in semesters 2 and 3. In semesters 2 and 3, one of the sessions will be at the host institution.

Who is eligible?

The programme is open to established ensembles with a standard instrument combination:

  • String quartets
  • Piano trios
  • String trios
  • Piano quartets
  • Wind quintets
  • Brass quintets
  • Saxophone quartets
  • Other ensembles (see the General programme description for more information)

Requirements and admission

General admission: 15 November 2021  – 20 January 2022
Admission examination: 11 March 2022

Eligibility requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Music or equivalent qualifications
  • Member of an established ensemble
  • IMPORTANT: All Ensemble Members must apply at the same institution

Joint admission criteria

All applicants must possess the skills and experience listed below at a level sufficient for them to meet the requirements of this programme of study both individually and as an ensemble.

Applicants must:

  • demonstrate advanced instrumental and musical abilities,
  • possess the relevant skills and experience in chamber music,
  • and prove their ability to independently make and reflect upon their own artistic decisions.

Application procedure

  • submit application to the institution the ensemble wishes
  • CV; Description of the ensemble activities; Degree; Master project proposal

Audition

  • A prepared ensemble program of 60 minutes of at least three contrasting works or movements in different styles relevant for the ensemble type.
  • An interview

ECMAster degree programme

Please find further details about our ECMAster degree programme here.