Composition

Do you want to develop your own musical expression – and at the same time learn to compose and create music for others and other contexts across different musical formats? And would you like to meet students from the RMC's other programmes and become part of an open, inspiring study environment?

Then the Bachelor programme in Composition at RMC offers you the best opportunities.

The programme is for you if you want to immerse yourself in creative processes and explore a wide range of compositional approaches and formats. Here, you will be supported in developing your craft and strengthened in finding your own artistic standpoint.

Central to the programme is the subject Artistic Development Practice (KUA), where you create new music based on your own ideas and through your own artistic practice. You will learn to test and develop new artistic methods, to document and communicate your process to others, and to reflect on both your own work and that of others. All of this takes place in an open and creative study environment, where reflection, feedback, and collaborative learning are an important part of the teaching.

You will work with composition in many forms, from arrangements and work production to electronic and acoustic formats and cross-aesthetic collaborations. At the same time, you will learn to relate your music and artistic practice to a broader world across music life and society, and you will gain experience in reflecting on the role of music in different cultural and social contexts. 

An important element of the programme is the field of music pedagogy, where you will work on creating frameworks for the musical development of others. You will learn to develop teaching methods and collaborative approaches, and you will gain skills in building healthy working communities. In this way, you will strengthen your ability to share your knowledge and artistic practice with others – both as a teacher and as a co-creator of communities in the music world.

During the programme, you will participate in the External, Collaborative, Integrated Project (EKIP), where you will work with fellow students to develop and implement a project in collaboration with partners from the music and cultural scene and other sectors of society. Here you will test your skills outside the school, build networks, and gain experience in how your artistic and pedagogical practice can create value and change in your encounters with other people and environments.

As a student, you will experience a mix of individual teaching, group courses, projects, and independent work. You will meet students from other programmes and courses, with an emphasis on creating an inspiring community and study environment at RMC.

After completing the Bachelor programme, you will have a strong artistic foundation and an independent compositional profile. You will have established a network that you can build on in your professional life, where you will be equipped to create artistic projects, both individually and in collaboration with others. The programme also provides you with the basis for applying for a Masters degree programme at RMC or other conservatories in Denmark and abroad.

The programme lasts three years (180 ECTS), is a full-time study with compulsory attendance, and concludes with an independent Bachelor project, which you present at public graduation concert on one of RMC's stages.

In the dropdown menu Study Programme, you can read more about the programme's subjects, structure, and content.

Anyone can apply for the Bachelor programme in Composition. No specific background is required, and all genres and musical expressions are welcome. 

You do not need to play an instrument or sing yourself – the focus is on your compositional work.

All applicants will have their applications assessed during the first round of the entrance examination

You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, complete the application form and upload your material for both the first and second rounds of the entrance examination.

The application deadline is 1 December at 12:00 noon CET.

The application fee is 600 DKK.

Normally, 8 students are admitted to the programme.

Read more about the requirements for your application materials under About the application in the drop-down menu.

Read more about the audition process under About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

When applying for the programme, you must create a profile on Studieoptag, complete the application form and upload your materials for the entrance examination.
You must upload materials for both the first and second rounds before the application deadline. 

The application must contain

Portfolio A for round 1

• 2–3 music examples that you have composed yourself and which you believe provide a relevant insight into your practice as a creative composer. 
  The music examples may be excerpts from longer works. (file format: mp3, total duration 7–8 mins)
• Sheet music/scores/graphic notation, lyrics, if these form part of your work. (file format: PDF)
• Supplementary information with brief descriptions of how the music was created (maximum 500 keystrokes per music example), and a precise specification of your own role and, where applicable, the roles of others in connection with each of the uploaded music examples (maximum 250 keystrokes per music example). 
  If the examples are excerpts from longer works, this must be stated.

The following applies to portfolio A
You must have composed all the music yourself; no co-writes are permitted, although lyric writing is not subject to this requirement.

Portfolio B for round 2

• 2–3 music examples that you have composed yourself and which you believe provide a relevant insight into your practice as a creative composer. 
  The music examples may be excerpts from longer works. (file format: mp3, total duration 7–8 mins)
• Sheet music/scores/graphic notation, lyrics, if these form part of your work. (file format: PDF)
• Supplementary information with brief descriptions of how the music was created (maximum 500 keystrokes per music example), and a precise specification of your own role and, where applicable, the roles of others in connection with each of the uploaded music examples (maximum 250 keystrokes per music example). 
  If the examples are excerpts from longer works, this must be stated.

The following applies to portfolio B
You must have composed the music yourself; however, one music example (max. 3 mins) may have been written in collaboration with others. Lyric writing is not included and will not be assessed.
The music examples in Portfolio B must not be identical to the material you have uploaded to Portfolio A.

The following applies to both portfolios
You do not need to perform as a musician/singer yourself, and it is not a requirement to be able to play an instrument. 
You are welcome to use other musicians and sound engineers, but you must take artistic responsibility for the final form and expression of the works.
All genres and expressions are welcome.

Overview of activities 

• Selected music-related activities and projects over the past three years that have been important to your personal development and which you believe are relevant to the study programme you are applying for. 
• Describe up to 6 music-related activities.

Application fee

It costs 600 DKK to apply. The fee covers part of RMC’s costs for processing applications and organising examinations. 
The fee is non-refundable after the application deadline has passed.

Application deadline

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

See also the FAQs on applications and entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

The entrance examination for the Bachelor programme in Composition takes place in two rounds. All applicants will have their applications assessed during the first round of the entrance examination. 

Round 1

You do not need to be present for the first round of the entrance examination.

Based on your Portfolio A, which you have submitted, an assessment panel consisting of two examiners will make an overall assessment based on the following criteria:

• To what extent you can create and communicate music characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you possess the compositional skills necessary to create and convey your music and your artistic expression, including skills in developing timbre, texture, melody, harmony, rhythm, form and arrangement.

Assessment is based 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 examination. The assessment is based on the level required to commence the programme.

RMC usually selects two to three times as many applicants for the second round as there are places available on the programme. All applicants will be notified by email. Applicants who progress to the second round will also receive information about the content and timing of the examination, as well as a composition assignment for the second round.

No feedback is provided to unsuccessful applicants.

Round 2

The second round consists of an examination at RMC, which you must attend in person. 

In the second round, the assessment is carried out by an assessment panel consisting of four examiners.

The examination comprises a performance of a piece, a presentation of a set assignment and an interview, and lasts 35 minutes including changeovers.

You may not bring any other people with you to the assignment presentation or the interview.

Work presentation of one or more of your own compositions. You may choose to present your work live, as a recording, or a combination of both. (10 minutes)

• The works presented must not be identical to the material you have uploaded to Portfolio A and Portfolio B. 
• You must have composed, arranged and produced all the music yourself; no co-writes are permitted, although any lyric writing is not subject to this requirement. 
• You are welcome to use other musicians and sound engineers, but you are personally responsible for the final form and expression of the works. 
• You do not need to perform as a musician or singer yourself, and it is not a requirement to be able to play an instrument.
• If you choose to present your work live, a maximum of five musicians may take part. 
• If you choose to present your work as a recording or if your presentation involves the use of a computer, you must bring your own computer.
• If notation and lyrics form part of your work, you must bring sheet music, scores or other graphic notation and lyrics for the music examples, and the material must be provided in physical print in three copies.
• All forms of musical expressions are welcome.

Presentation of the composition assignment sent to you. The presentation must include both a performance of the musical result – either live or as a recording – and an oral description of your work. (5 minutes)

Interview between you and the assessment panel, based on your presentation of the work, the composition assignment sent to you, the material in your Portfolio B and the activity overview. (20 minutes)

On the basis of your presentation of the work, your presentation of the composition assignment, the material in your submitted Portfolio B and the interview, an overall assessment will be made based on the following criteria:

• To what extent you can create and communicate music characterised by an independent artistic expression;
• The extent to which you possess the compositional skills necessary to create and convey your music and your artistic expression, including skills in developing timbre, texture, melody, harmony, form and arrangement;
• The extent to which you can apply relevant compositional methods to create, refine and develop musical material;
• The extent to which you can reflect on your own artistic practice, processes and methods;
• The extent to which you can relate your artistic practice to different contexts (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, scenes, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.);
• To what extent you can reflect on your own learning and development and what you need to learn; 
• To what extent you can reflect on your experiences of working with others.

Assessment is based 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 examination. The assessment is based on the level required to commence the programme.

Admission

Applicants who have achieved the highest scores in the assessment in the second round will be offered a study place on the programme.

When deciding on admissions, the conservatory may take into account the needs of the music scene.

Normally, 8 students are admitted to the programme. Due to the limited number of places, the conservatory may have to turn down applicants even if they have passed the entrance examination.

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

All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a brief 10-minute telephone conversation with the examiner in charge, who will explain your assessment result in more detail, based on the assessment criteria used.

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

See also the FAQ on application and entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

Questions about the application

Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for the Bachelor programme in Composition, and get their application assessed in the first round of the entrance examination. All genres and forms of expression are welcome, and no specific educational background is required.

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 noon 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 after the application deadline. 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 section About the application in the drop-down menu. 

Are there any requirements regarding genres and musical expression?
No. All genres and musical expressions are welcome. 

Do I have to perform as a musician/singer on the material I upload?
No. You do not need to participate as a musician/singer yourself. Focus is on your compositional work.

Can I upload works featuring other musicians?
Yes, but you must clearly state your own role. The panel will assess your compositional contribution.

Should I submit sheet music, scores, graphic notation or lyrics?
Only if it is part of your work (pdf).

What if my music examples are longer than the specified number of minutes?
The time frame is the same for everyone and must be adhered to. The panel will not evaluate more than the specified minutes of music examples. If you do not stay within this time frame, it will affect your overall assessment, as you have not demonstrated that you can prioritise your material in order to provide a relevant insight into your practice as a composer.

Can the portfolio for the second round contain the same material as the music examples uploaded for the first round? 
No. The portfolio for the second round must consist of new material compared to the first round.

Can I use samples (e.g., from Splice)?
Yes, as long as you are responsible for the artistic processing yourself.

Can I use samples or material that may be similar to other people's works?
Yes. The entrance exam is not considered a public performance, so there are no legal issues regarding copyright.

Can the use of samples affect my assessment?
Yes. The panel may assess how your practice will work professionally in the future. If your work is based on approaches to copyright that make it impossible to share the music in a professional context, this may be included in the assessment.

What is an activity overview?
In the overview of activities, you must describe up to six selected music-related activities and projects from the last three years relating to creating music, performing music, producing music, teaching music, promoting music, pursuing music studies, and other activities within the music world that have been important to your development and which you believe are relevant to the study programme you are applying for. The application form itself provides a template for describing these activities.

Questions about the entrance exam

Who will be invited to the entrance exam?
All applicants for admission to the Bachelor programme in Composition will have their applications assessed in the first round of the entrance examination.

How is the entrance exam structured?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

How am I assessed in the first round?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

How am I assessed in the second round?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

Are grades given in both rounds?
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. 

How many applicants move on to the second round?
RMC usually selects 2-3 times as many applicants for the second round as there are places on the programme. Everyone will receive a response by email. Applicants who proceed to the second round will also receive information about the content and timing of the examination. 

Practical questions about the entrance exam

What language is the entrance exam conducted in?
The entrance exam is usually held in Danish but can be conducted in English if you do not speak Danish.

What happens if I get sick on the day of the entrance exam?
If you fall ill, you may be allowed to sit a make-up exam. This requires a medical certificate, which RMC must receive no later than 3 working days after the exam date. RMC will set the date for the make-up exam, and you will be notified as soon as possible. You cannot choose the date yourself, and you must pay for the medical certificate yourself.

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

• Screen (HDMI)
• PA:
  Room U110: d&b PA + Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer
  Room U111: JBL PA + Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer
• 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 that is not listed above, you must bring it yourself. If you are presenting your work live, musicians are welcome to bring their own instruments. If you choose to play the music from a computer or other medie, you must bring it yourself. Just be aware that you have limited time to set up the equipment and to clear the room after the examination.

How long will I have access to the examination room for setup before the entrance examination starts?
You will have access to the examination room approximately 30 minutes before the examination starts.

Can other people be present during the interview in the second round?
No, you are not allowed to bring other people to the interview.
You may only bring other people to your work presentation in the second round if you choose to perform music live.

How should I present my music for the work presentation in the second round?
You are artistically responsible for how your music is presented in the examination room. For example, you can choose to bring musicians to perform your compositions, you can choose to play your music from a computer or other media you bring with you, or you can present it in a combination of live performance and recorded material. You are responsible for bringing musicians (max. 4, including sound technician) if you want to present the music live.

Can I perform works live in the second round?
Yes. You can choose to perform one or more works live. 

Can I bring other musicians to the work presentation?
Yes, you can choose to bring musicians (max. 4 musicians, including sound engineer) to perform your compositions live. However, they may not participate in the rest of the entrance exam or the interview.

Can I play music instead of performing live?
Yes, you can play your music from a computer or other media you bring with you.

Can I use electronic or pre-recorded elements if I perform my works live?
Yes, as long as it is clear how you are working artistically with the material.

What does the composition assignment for the second round involve?
Prior to the second round, you will receive a short composition assignment, which you will prepare before the entrance exam and present at the entrance exam itself (3 minutes).

What is the interview in the second round about?
The interview will be based on your work presentation, the composition assignment you were sent, your portfolio B and your activity overview.

After the entrance exam

How many applicants are admitted?
Normally 8 students per year.

Can I get feedback if I am not admitted?
Yes, you will be offered a short telephone conversation with the leading examiner about your assessment. 
This offer only applies to applicants who proceed from the first round.

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.

Kunstnerisk Udviklingsarbejde / Artistic Development Work

Anders Mathiasen

Nikolaj Hess

Anja Tietze Lahrmann

Kasper Tranberg

Qarin Wikström

Kunstnerisk Udviklingsarbejde (individuel, faglig vejledning) / Artistic Development Work (Individual Subject-specific Tuition)

Hein Westgaard

Birk Gjerlufsen Nielsen

Anders Stig Møller

Bod 

Anders Hjernø

Fredrik Lundin

Marcela Lucatelli

Lo Ersare

Sofie Kallan

Kristoffer Rosing-Schow

Ingrid Laubrock

Adam Lilienfeldt

Pablo Llambias

Anders Stig Møller

Helena Rebensdorff

Anders P Jensen

Lars Bech Pilgaard

Helena Rebensdorff

Cæcilie Trier

Lo Kristenson

Anders Vestergaard

Jaleh Negari

Mark Solborg

Calum Builder

Morten Middelbo

Louise Dam Eckardt Jensen

Randi Laubek

Sandra Boss

Nils Bo Davidsen

Valentina Magaletti

Victor Kaas

Rebecca Molina

Pablo Llambias

Peter Navarro-Alonso

Specialisering / Specialisation

Anders P Jensen

Pablo Llambias

Michael Møller

Eksternt, kollaborativt, integreret projekt / External, Collaborative, Integrated Project

Christian Taagehøj 

Kim Boeskov 

Malene Bichel

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard 

Rikke Heinsen

Soffie Viemose

Eksternt, kollaborativt, integreret projekt (individuel, faglig vejledning) / External, Collaborative, Integrated Project (Individual Subject-specific Tuition)

Gry Worre Hallberg

Anders Lauge Meldgaard

Marc Facchini-Madsen

Pablo Llambias

Lea Guldditte Hestelund

Lykke Meyer Vejborg Jakobsen

Maria Laurette Friis

Morten Suder Riis

Jacob Kirkegaard

François Bonnet

Anna Johanne Jensen

Johan Wieth

Andreas Liebmann

Mimmi Bie

Søs Gunver Ryberg

Joakim Lindberg

Trine Løvenrose Pedersen

Simin Stine Ramezanali

James Whipple

Michael Breiner

Signe Lykke

Lukas Quist Lund

Rune Søchting

Bachelorprojekt / Bachelor Project

Marcela Lucatelli

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard

Soffie Viemose

Musikpædagogik og læring / Music Education and Learning

Albert Raft Rasmussen

Clara Vuust

Aisha Thorsen

Jens Skou Olsen

Kim Boeskov

Malene Bichel

Sergio Garcia Cuesta 

Malene Bichel

Nicolai Kaas Claesson

Morten Lundsby

Eva Brandt

Komposition / Composition

Anders P Jensen

Jens Bjørnkjær

Anders P Jensen

Michael Møller

Simin Stine Ramezanali

Alexandra Hallén

Mark Solborg

Mads Bergland

Karen Juhl Jensen

Kunst- og kulturstudier / Art and Culture Studies

Henrik Marstal

Anders P Jensen

Eduardo Abrantes

Camille Behrend Roth

Jens Tang Kristensen

Cecilie Feldvoss Christiani

Mathias Schønberg

Entreprenørskab

Christian Taagehøj

Laura Nyhus Kaae