APD - Contemporary Music

Would you like to challenge and explore your existing artistic practice through a self-selected artistic development project? Are you interested in identifying, discussing, and contextualising questions and issues related to your artistic field of study? 

Would you like to meet students at the same high level? And do you want to be part of an open and inspiring study environment with students from other artistic environments and disciplines?

Then the APD in Contemporary Music at RMC offers you the best opportunities.

The APD at RMC is anchored in a self-selected project based on one or more research questions that you formulate yourself. The self-selected project is based on your artistic practice and serves as the prism through which you carry out your artistic work during the two years of the programme.

The self-selected project should be an extension of your current artistic practice, but at the same time point to something that is still unknown to you; something that needs to be explored and illuminated.

In the APD, it is a prerequisite that you are already working in a clear and exploratory artistic practice at the start of the program and that you are prepared to further develop your own practice through an experimental and process-oriented approach, in which exploration and reflection meet in a constant interaction. It is also essential that you are willing to share your artistic investigations and reflections with teachers and fellow students, so that the artistic process is made as transparent as possible.

During the programme, you will gain experience and insight into practice-based artistic development work, and you will be able to transfer your artistic practice to other areas and identify possible related career opportunities. 

The core focus of the programme is to enable you to expand your artistic understanding and to be able to communicate and realise these insights to the fullest. 

The APD covers artistic practice and artistic development, as well as a course in entrepreneurship. The programme focuses on contemporary music through the development of your artistic practice, including the ability to carry out reflective, independent artistic development. 

The programme lasts two years (120 ECTS), is a full-time study with compulsory attendance, and concludes on one of RMC's stages with a public presentation and a public performance or similar, accompanied by a portfolio containing your reflections and documentation of your artistic work, processes, and results.

Applicants for the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma programme must hold a relevant Masters degree from a music conservatory — or equivalent qualifications acquired in other ways, demonstrated in artistic practice at a similarly high level.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements will be invited to an entrance examination at the conservatory.

How to apply

You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, fill out the application form, provide documentation of your master's degree (or equivalent), and upload audio material (or video material, if relevant) related to your artistic practice for use in the assessment.

It is your responsibility to upload your own relevant artistic material that best demonstrates your artistic practice.

Application deadline and fee

Deadline: 1 December at 12:00 CET. Fee: DKK 600.

Entrance exam

The entrance exam consists of an examination at RMC, where you will give a presentation and have an interview with an assessment panel.

When applying for the programme, you must create a profile on Studieoptag, fill out the application form, and upload your material for the entrance exam. 

The application must contain

Written application 

• Describe your artistic background and your motivation for studying (maximum 500 keystrokes).
• Describe your artistic and professional goals and how you imagine the APD can help you achieve these goals (maximum 500 keystrokes).
• Describe what you envision as a possible artistic development project to be explored and developed during the soloist programme (maximum 3000 keystrokes), including
  • The intention of the project and what prerequisites you have for realising it.
  • The core questions and contextual placement of the artistic development project.
  • Planned working methods.
• A CV focusing on the aspects of your practice that you consider relevant to the programme (maximum 2400 keystrokes).

Audio material

You must upload audio or video material (e.g., compositions, work documentation, live recordings, etc., in full length or excerpts thereof) that you consider relevant and that demonstrates your artistic practice.

You must upload 3-8 examples with a total duration of 20-25 minutes.

File format: mp3 or mp4

Supplementory information

Precise description of your own role and, if applicable, the roles of others, in relation to the uploaded material. Maximum 200 keystrokesper uploaded file.

Documentation

If you do not have a Masters degree

Documentation of Masters degree. Examination certificate including Diploma Supplement or study certificate documenting study progress and content of passed subjects and confirming that the Masters degree programme will be completed before the start of studies.

If you do not have a Masters degree

If you do not have a Masters degree from a music conservatory but have equivalent qualifications acquired in other ways, you must upload the following:

• Documentation of equivalent qualifications (instead of documentation of a Masters degree).
• Comprehensive professional CV, documentation of artistic work, reviews, etc.
• Audio material 

You must upload audio or video material (e.g., compositions, work documentation, live recordings, etc., in full length or excerpts thereof) that you consider relevant and that demonstrates your artistic practice. The material must not be identical to previously uploaded material in this application. Total duration: 25-30 minutes (10 files, format: mp3 or mp4).

Additional information with precise description of your own role and, if applicable, the roles of others in relation to the uploaded material. Maximum 200 keystrokesper uploaded file.

The documentation must be in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or English. Format: pdf

Material relating to your qualifications, acquired in ways other than through a Masters degree, will only be included in the conservatory's assessment of whether you have qualifications equivalent to a Masters degree from a music conservatory. Other attachments will not be included in the assessment.

Application fee

The application fee is DKK 600. The fee covers part of RMC's costs for processing applications and conducting entrance exams. The fee is non-refundable after the application deadline.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 1 December at 12:00 CET. If this date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the application deadline is 12:00 CET on the next working day.

Do you have any questions about the application form? See the FAQ about application and entrance exam in the dropdown menu.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements are invited to an entrance examination at RMC, where you must be present.

The entrance exam consists of a presentation and an interview, and is conducted by an assessment panel consisting of three examiners

Presentation (20 minutes).

• During the presentation, you may perform live and/or present recorded audio material or film.
• Scores or other relevant work documentation may be included in the presentation.
• The material presented at the entrance exam must not be identical to material you previously uploaded as part of your application.
• If you perform live as (part of) your presentation, you may bring a maximum of four other performers, and they may only be in the room while they are performing.

Interview (20 minutes).

• The interview  and is based on the presentation and the submitted application.

It is your responsibility to present your own relevant artistic material that best demonstrates your artistic practice.

• If you need to use a computer in connection with the entrance exam you must bring your own.
• You may not bring other people to the interview.

Based on the presentation, interview, and written application, an overall assessment will be made based on the following criteria:

• The artistic and contemporary perspectives in the material you have uploaded and what you have presented at the entrance exam;
• The technical skills related to the material uploaded and presented at the entrance exam;
• The perspectives in the proposed artistic development project that you described in your application;
• Your motivation for applying to the program and your artistic and professional goals as described in your application;
• Your ability to reflect on your own artistic practice, including your ability to curate, share, and contextualize your own artistic practice.

The assessment is made on a 100-point scale, which is a subdivision of the 7-point scale. You must achieve a minimum of 40 points, corresponding to 02 on the 7-point scale, to pass the entrance examination. The assessment is given in relation to the level required to commence the programme.

Admission

Based on the results of the entrance exam, the most qualified applicants will be admitted to the program. 

Normally, 4-5 students are admitted to the program. Due to the limited number of places, the conservatory may have to reject applicants even if they have passed the entrance exam.

You will be notified by email whether you have been admitted.

All applicants who are not admitted will be offered a short telephone conversation with the responsible examiner.

A limited number of qualified applicants who are not admitted due to limited study places may be placed on a waiting list. 
Until 1 July, applicants on the waiting list may be offered a study place if vacancies arise.

Do you have questions about the entrance exam? See the FAQ about application and admission in the dropdown menu.

Questions about the application

Who can apply?
Applicants for the APD programme must have a relevant Masters degree from a music conservatory - or equivalent qualifications acquired in other ways, demonstrated in artistic practice at a similarly high level.

How do I apply?
You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, fill in the application form, and upload your files.

When is the application deadline?
1 December at 12:00 p.m. CET. If the deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, it will be moved to the next working day.

Can I apply for more than one programme at RMC?
Yes, you can apply for multiple programmes at RMC. The entrance exams are not coordinated.

Can I apply to other conservatories?
Yes, RMC's entrance exam is independent of other conservatories. You are welcome to apply to multiple places, including multiple programmes at RMC, but the entrance exams are not coordinated.

Is there a fee to apply?
Yes, the application fee is DKK 600. The fee covers part of RMC's expenses for the entrance exams and is non-refundable. If you apply for multiple programmes, you must pay a fee for each programme you apply for.

What should the application contain?
You can read about this in the dropdown menu About the Application.

What should I do if I do not have a qualifying Masters degree?
If you do not have a Masters degree from a music conservatory but have equivalent qualifications acquired in other ways, you must upload the following:

• Documentation of equivalent qualifications (instead of documentation of a Masters degree).
• Comprehensive professional CV, documentation of artistic work, reviews, etc.
• Audio material: You must upload audio or video material (e.g., compositions, work documentation, live recordings, etc., in full length or excerpts thereof) that you consider relevant and that demonstrates your artistic practice. Total duration: 25-30 minutes (10 files, format: mp3 or mp4).
• Additional information: Precise description of your own role and, if applicable, the roles of others in relation to the uploaded material. Maximum 200 keystrokes per uploaded file.
• The documentation must be in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, or English. Format: pdf

Material relating to your qualifications obtained in ways other than through a Masters degree programme will only be included in the conservatory's assessment of whether you have qualifications equivalent to a Masters degree from a music conservatory. Other attachments will not be included in the assessment.

Questions about the entrance exam

Who will be invited to the entrance exam?
All applicants who meet the admission requirements will be invited to an entrance examination at the conservatory.

How is the entrance exam structured?
The entrance exam consists of a presentation and an interview, which take place at RMC.
The interview is conducted by an assessment panel consisting of three examiners and is based on the presentation and the submitted application.

It is your responsibility to present your own relevant artistic material that best demonstrates your artistic practice.

You can read more about the framework in the dropdown menu About the entrance exam.

What is assessed at the entrance exam?
Based on the presentation, interview, and written application, an overall assessment will be made based on the following criteria:

• The artistic and contemporary perspectives in the material you have uploaded and what you have presented at the entrance exam;
• The technical skills related to the material uploaded and presented at the entrance exam;
• The perspectives in the proposed artistic development project that you described in your application;
• Your motivation for applying to the programme and your artistic and professional goals as described in your application;

Your ability to reflect on your own artistic practice, including your ability to curate, share, and contextualise your own artistic practice.

Are grades given?
Yes, grades are given on a 100-point scale, which is a subdivision of the 7-point scale. The assessment is given in relation to the level required to commence the programme.

How many points do I need to pass a round?
You must obtain at least 40 out of 100 points to pass.

Practical questions about the entrance exam

What language is the entrance exam conducted in?
The entrance exam is conducted in Danish — or in English, if you prefer.

What happens if I get sick on the day of the entrance exam?
Illness must be documented by medical certificate if you wish to have the opportunity to take a make-up examination. The medical certificate must be provided no later than three working days after the examination date. The Conservatory will determine the date of any make-up examination, and you will be notified of this as soon as possible. It will not be possible to take the make-up examination at any other time than that set by RMC. You are responsible for paying the cost of the medical certificate.

What equipment is available in the exam room?
In the examination room you find:

• Screen (HDMI)
• L’Acoustic PA + Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer (room U210 & 211)
• 18” BD jazz drum set
• 20” or 22” BD rock drum set
• TC Electronic RH450 Bass Head + 2 x 12” cabinet or Orange Terror Bass 1000 Bass Head + 4 x 10” cabinet
• AER Amp Two double bass combo 
• Fender Blues Deluxe, Deluxe Reverb or Hot Rod Deluxe guitar combo
• Orange Rockerverb 50 combo
• Yamaha or similar grand piano
• Bag of cymbals + clutch
• Shure SM58 microphones (5 available)
• Microphone stands
• Music stands
• Keyboard stand
• Minijack to mixer
• Jack and XLR cables
• Special adapters are not available – bring your own.

Or similar. We reserve the right to make changes if necessary.
If you wish to use any other equipment, you must bring it yourself, but please note, that you have very limited time for setup.

Do I need to bring any equipment for the second round entrance exam?
If you need any equipment, such as instruments, pedals, or amplifiers, that is not included in the above gear list, you must bring it yourself. If you are performing live, your fellow performers are welcome to bring their own instruments and equipment. Just be aware of how much time you have to set up and pack down.

How long will I have access to the examination room for setup before the entrance exam starts?
You will have access to the examination room approximately 45 minutes before the entrance exam starts.

Can I bring other musicians/accompanists to the presentation?
If you are performing live as (part of) your presentation, you may bring a maximum of four other musicians, and they may only be in the room while they are performing. You are welcome to perform solo.

Do sound technicians count towards the four musicians/accompanists you are allowed to bring?
Yes.

Can other people be present during the interview?
No.

What is the interview about?
The panel will ask questions about your presentation and your application.

After the entrance exam

How many applicants are accepted?
Usually about 4-5 students per year.

Can I get feedback if I am not accepted?
Yes, you will be offered a short telephone conversation (10 minutes) with the examiner about your assessment. 

What if I pass but do not get a place? 
A limited number of qualified applicants can be placed on the waiting list. 
Until 1 July, applicants on the waiting list may be offered a place if places become available.

You can read more about the objectives and structure of the study programme in the curriculum, where you will also find detailed descriptions of the individual subjects.

Below you will find the list of teaching staff on the programme in the current study year, permanent academic staff as well as contract teachers.

RMC prioritises diversity in terms of genre and fields of expertise when the entire group of teachers is composed. As a student, you are offered a wide spectrum of professional impulses from permanent teaching staff as well as from contract and external teachers. Within the core subjects of the programme, the teaching performed by the permanent staff will normally not exceed more than two thirds of the total number of teaching hours.

In relation to special courses, projects and similar activities, you will have the opportunity to meet a large number of external teachers.

Artistic Practice & Research

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard

Lotte Anker

Marcela Lucatelli

Pablo Llambias

Artistic Practice & Research (individuel, faglig vejledning) / (Individual Guidance)

Marcela Lucatelli

Rune Søchting

Abdullah Miniawy

Otis Sandsjö

Pernille Benedicte Weng Ellyton

Abdullah Miniawy

Mia Edelgart

Mikkel Thykier

Claus Haxholm

Thorsten S. Høeg

Entreprenørskab / Entrepreneurship

Christian Taagehøj