Music Performance - Nordic Master: The Composing Musician

Would you like to further develop your instrumental/vocal and compositional practice and strengthen your work as a professional musician and composer within the framework of a strong Nordic educational collaboration, where you can immerse yourself in performance and composition as both artistic expression and investigative practice – with an international perspective?

The programme consists of four semesters, with the first and last semesters at RMC. The other two semesters are spent at our partner institutions:

1. semester at RMC

2. semester at The Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo

3. semester at The Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg

4. semester at RMC

Each semester, the partner institutions take turns hosting a Joint Intensive Module, where all students on the programme gather for a week. In addition to being an intensive course module focusing on composition and performance, among other things, the module will also focus on strengthening the network across all students on the programme.

The programme emphasises that your own ideas and practices are given the best conditions for development in a study environment that supports experimentation, exploration and an open work process. At the same time, there is a focus on building knowledge and skills at a high professional level within your field of work.

Teaching alternates between scheduled weekly classes, project work, individual tuition and group tuition. On the one hand, teaching seeks to meet the needs of the individual student, while at the same time emphasising the establishment of a common platform where students inspire and support each other in their artistic and professional development.

Some of the programme's subjects are studied together with students from the conservatory's other Masters programmes.

The programme's subject areas are Composition/Performance, Semester Project and Electives, with the core subject being Semester Project. In this subject, you will develop and complete one finished artistic project each semester. The semester projects will have different focuses and may, for example, be interdisciplinary or revolve around performance. In the subjects Composition/Performance and Electives, you will develop the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to support the semester projects. The subjects are organised in dialogue with your supervisor.

In accordance with the joint programme description, the three partner institutions support the programme's subject areas in different ways, depending on the local study plan. As an RMC student, you will follow the curriculum for the Masters programme in Music Performance in the 1st and 4th semesters of the programme. 

The programme concludes with an independent Masters project in which you develop, realise and communicate your artistic work through concerts, recordings and written reflection.

After completing your Masters programme, you will have a solid foundation for creating and performing music in many contexts – both independently and in collaboration with others – and for influencing contemporary music life with your own artistic expression.

The language of instruction is primarily Scandinavian, but English will also be used to the extent necessary.

The programme lasts two years (120 ECTS), is a full-time programme with compulsory attendance, and entitles you to the title cand. musicae (Music Performance, NoCoM) / Master of Music (MMus) (Music Performance, NoCoM).

In the drop-down menu below, you can see the programme's curriculum, where you can read more about the programme's purpose and structure and find detailed descriptions of the individual subjects.

To apply, you must either 

• have completed a Bachelor's degree in music from RMC, a relevant Bachelor's degree in music from another Danish music conservatory, or a relevant Bachelor's degree in music from a foreign music conservatory, 

or 

• expect to have completed an eligible Bachelor's degree by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

Based on a specific assessment, the conservatory may recognise other artistically based Bachelor's degrees in music as qualifying.

Please note that the conservatory's Master programmes have a limited number of study places and that you will be admitted on the basis of a specific assessment of your abilities and skills.

How to apply

You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, fill in the application form and upload your material for the entrance examination:

• Portfolio with 3-4 music examples on video (mp4, total duration 15 min.), possibly sheet music/graphic notation/text (pdf), if included in your work, brief supplementary information about the works and your role.
• A CV describing your professional background and experience as a composer and performing musician.
• Documentation of either a completed Bachelor's degree or documentation of the qualifying Bachelor's degree that you expect to complete by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

The music examples in your portfolio must contain material composed and/or arranged by yourself; there must be improvisation, and you must participate as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music.

Application deadline and fee

Deadline: 3 February 2026 at 12:00 CET. Fee: DKK 600

Entrance examination

The entrance examination consists of two rounds, in which the assessment panel evaluates:

1. Portfolio, you are not present yourself.

2. An examination at RMC, consisting of a concert, an oral presentation and an interview.

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

The application must contain

Information about your primary instrument

Please note that you must apply for permission if you are applying for an instrument other than bass, guitar, piano, organ, percussion, voice, saxophone, trombone, drums, trumpet, vibraphone, violin or electronics.

Portfolio for the first round consisting of:

• 3-4 music examples on video that you believe provide relevant insight into your practice as a composer and as a performing instrumentalist/vocalist. The music examples may be excerpts from longer works. Total duration 15 minutes. (File format: mp4)
• Sheet music/scores/graphic notation/lyrics, if included in your work. (File format: pdf)
• Supplementary information with brief descriptions of how the music was created (maximum 500 keystrokes per music example) and with precise details of your own and, where applicable, others' roles 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.

A CV describing your professional background and experience as a composer and performing musician, including your previous music-related activities and projects that you consider relevant to the programme. (Maximum 2,400 keystrokes)

Documentation of qualifying Bachelor's degree:

• Completed Bachelor's degree. I.e. exam certificate including Diploma Supplement, which must be prepared by the institution that issued your Bachelor's degree. (File format: pdf)

or

• Documentation of the Bachelor's degree programme that you expect to complete. 

You document this with study documentation for the subjects you have passed at the time of application and the programme's curriculum. (File format: pdf)

In order to commence the Masters programme, you must document that you have passed your Bachelor's programme by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

Other attachments will not be included in the assessment.

The music examples in your portfolio should:

• be video recordings that document a live situation – with or without an audience – for example from a rehearsal room, a studio or a stage.
• be one-takes from a fixed camera (e.g. a mobile phone) without post-production, i.e. without cuts or overdubs.
• contain material composed and/or arranged by yourself and include improvisation.
• You must participate as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music.
• All genres and expressions are welcome, and there are no special requirements for sound quality.

Application fee

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

If you apply for a Masters programme immediately after completing a Bachelor's programme at RMC, special rules apply, and you will be refunded the application fee after the application deadline.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 3 February 2026 at 12:00 CET. 

Do you have questions about the application form? See the FAQ about application and admission in the dropdown-menu below.

The entrance exam for the Nordic Master: The Composing Musician programme takes place in two rounds.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements will have their applications assessed in the first round of the entrance examination.

First round

You will not be present during the first round of the entrance examination.

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

• The extent to which you can create, perform and communicate music that is characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you have the instrumental/vocal and compositional skills necessary to realise your music and your artistic expression.

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 exam. 

The assessment is made in relation to the level required to commence the programme.

RMC usually selects two to three times as many applicants for the second round as are admitted to 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 entrance exam. 

No feedback is given to applicants who do not advance from the first round.

Second round

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 two examiners.

The exam lasts 25 minutes and includes:

Concert with your own group (minimum one and maximum four other people participating in the concert). Duration: 10 minutes.

Presentation in which you briefly describe the working methods you have used to develop the music you have performed, and in which you relate the music and your artistic practice to contexts that you consider relevant to your work (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, scenes, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.). Duration: 5 minutes.

Interview between you and the assessment panel, based on your concert, your presentation and your CV. Duration: 10 minutes.

The music for the concert must not be identical to the material you uploaded to your first-round portfolio.

• The music must contain material composed and/or arranged by yourself.
• It must include improvisation.
• You must participate as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music.
• All genres and expressions are welcome, and there are no special requirements for sound quality.
• You are welcome to bring and show lyrics, sheet music, scores or other graphic notation if this is part of your working method. The material must be brought in physical print in two copies.
• You may not bring other people with you to the presentation of your works methods or to the interview.

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

• The extent to which you can create, perform and communicate music that is carried by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you have the instrumental/vocal and compositional skills necessary to realise your music and artistic expression.
• The extent to which you can use relevant instrumental/vocal and compositional methods to create, process and develop musical material on your instrument or with your voice.
• The extent to which you can assess artistic challenges and opportunities, as well as justify, select and develop qualified expressions, approaches and solutions.
• The extent to which you can reflect on your own artistic practice, processes and methods – and relate this to relevant contexts (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, scenes, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.).
• Your experience in developing and realising artistic projects independently and in collaboration with others.

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 exam. 

The assessment is made in relation to the level required to commence the programme.

Admission

Based on the results of the second round, the most qualified applicants will be admitted to the programme. If several applicants are equally qualified, factors such as the needs of the music industry may be taken into account in the conservatory's decision on admission.

Normally, 2 students are admitted to the programme. Due to the limited number of study places, the conservatory may have to reject applicants even if they have passed the entrance examination.

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

All applicants who are not admitted will be offered a short 10-minute telephone conversation with the head of the examination committee, 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 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 places become available.

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

Questions about the application

Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply, you must either 

• have completed a Bachelor's degree in music from RMC, a relevant Bachelor's degree in music from another Danish music conservatory, or a relevant Bachelor's degree in music from a foreign music conservatory, 

or 

• expect to have completed an eligible Bachelor's degree by 1 July 2026 at the latest. 

Based on a specific assessment, the conservatory may recognise other artistically based Bachelor's degrees in music as qualifying.

All applicants who meet the admission requirements will have their applications assessed in the first round of the entrance examination. 

All genres and forms of expression are welcome.

How do I document my qualifying programme?
If you have completed your qualifying programme, you must upload your diploma, including the Diploma Supplement, which must be issued by the institution that awarded your Bachelor's degree.

If you expect to complete an entry-qualifying Bachelor's degree, you must document this by uploading study documentation for the subjects you have passed at the time of application, as well as the programme's curriculum.

In order to commence the Masters programme, you must document that you have passed your Bachelor's programme by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

The documentation must be certified in either Danish, Norwegian, Swedish or English.

What is a Diploma Supplement?
Follow this link: What is a Diploma Supplement?

The Diploma Supplement must be prepared by the institution that issued your Bachelor's degree certificate.

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

When is the application deadline?
3 February 2026 at 12:00 CET

Can I apply for more than one Masters programme at RMC?
Yes, you can apply for several Masters programmes at RMC.

If you are applying for several programmes, you must indicate your preference for the programmes in the application form.

You must submit an application for each programme you are applying for.

If you are applying for more than one programme, remember to list your preferences in the same order on all application forms.

Can I apply to other conservatories?
Yes, RMC's entrance examinations are independent of all other conservatories, and the entrance examinations are therefore not coordinated.

Is there a fee to apply?
Yes, the application fee is DKK 600. This amount covers part of RMC's expenses for the entrance exams and is non-refundable after the application deadline.

If you are applying for more than one programme, you must pay a fee for each programme you apply for.

What should the application contain?
You must upload the following in the application form:

• A portfolio with 3-4 music examples on video (mp4, total duration 15 min.), possibly sheet music/graphic notation/text (pdf), if included in your work, brief supplementary information about the works and your role.
• A CV describing your professional background and experience as a composer and performing musician (pdf).
• Documentation of either a completed Bachelor's degree or documentation of the qualifying Bachelor's degree that you expect to complete by 1 July 2026 at the latest.

The music examples in your portfolio must contain material composed and/or arranged by yourself, and must include improvisation. You must also participate as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music. 

The music examples in your portfolio must be video recordings documenting a live situation – with or without an audience – for example from a rehearsal room, a studio or a stage. The recordings must be one-takes from a fixed camera (e.g. a mobile phone) without post-editing, i.e. without cuts or overdubs.

All genres and styles are welcome, and there are no special requirements for sound quality.

You can read more about the framework in the drop-down menu About the application form 

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

Do I have to participate in the material I upload?
Yes, you must participate yourself as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music.

Do I need to have composed the music?
The music examples in your portfolio must contain material composed and/or arranged by you.

Do other musicians need to be featured on the material I upload?
No. That is not a requirement. You can choose to upload music examples featuring other musicians and/or where you perform solo. 

Do I need to submit sheet music or graphic notation?
Sheet music/scores/graphic notation/lyrics should only be submitted if they are part of your work (pdf).

What if my music examples are longer than the specified number of minutes?
The time limit of 15 minutes is the same for everyone and must be adhered to. The panel will not assess more than the specified 15 minutes of music examples. If you do not stay within this time limit, 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 a creative, performing instrumental/vocal performer.

What if my music examples are shorter than the specified number of minutes?
The 15-minute time frame is the same for everyone and must be adhered to. If the total duration of your music examples is less than 15 minutes, the panel's basis for assessment will be reduced, which may negatively affect the assessment.

Can the works I present at the concert in the second round contain the same material as the music examples uploaded for the first round?

No. The music for the concert must not be identical to the material you uploaded to your first-round portfolio.

What file format should the music examples in the first round portfolio be uploaded in?
The music examples for the first round portfolio must be uploaded as mp4 video files.

Can I upload one long 15-minute video with all the music examples in the first round portfolio?
No. You must upload one video (mp4 file) for each of the music examples.

Can I edit different videos together or make overdubs in the first round portfolio?
No. The video must be an unedited live recording, made in one take.

Can I make an excerpt from a longer take in the first round portfolio, for example by shortening it at the beginning or end? 
Yes, you may shorten the video at the beginning and/or end to fit the duration you want to upload, as long as you do not edit several different parts together.

Can the video zoom in and out on me a little while I am performing in the first round portfolio?
Yes, as long as it is filmed from a fixed camera.

What does "fixed camera" mean?
It means that only one camera is used, that the camera is fixed in one position and that the camera does not change position.

Can the accompanying layers in the music be electronic or pre-recorded? 
Yes, as long as there is no overdubbing or editing afterwards.

Can the video for the first round portfolio be recorded on multiple audio tracks and mixed afterwards?
Yes, you may record the video on multiple audio tracks and then mix them together into a stereo or mono track, as long as it is a live recording without subsequent overdubs and without cuts or crossfades between different takes. 

Can audio from multiple takes be mixed?
No. Everything must be recorded in one take. 

Can there be overdubs on the live recording? 
No. It must be a live recording without subsequent overdubs.

Can the live recording in the first round portfolio be at my own home? And can it be without an audience?
Yes, there are no requirements regarding where it is recorded or whether there is an audience or not.

Can I sing or play covers? 
The music examples must contain material composed and/or arranged by yourself.

Can fellow musicians in my application submit the same video in the first round portfolio for their application? 
Yes, if they believe that the music examples represent them in the best possible way. Please note that all applicants must be artistically responsible for their own submitted music examples. 

Can sound effects be used in live performances?
Yes.

Can I use samples (e.g. from Splice)?
Yes, if it is part of your music and your artistic practice.

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 professional assessment.

What should my CV contain?
In your CV, you should describe your professional background and experience as a composer and performing musician and include any of your previous music-related activities and projects that you consider relevant to the programme. (Maximum 2400 keystrokes)

Questions about the entrance examination

Who will be invited to the entrance examination?
All applicants who meet the admission requirements will have their applications assessed in the first round of the entrance examination.

How is the entrance examination structured?
The entrance examination consists of two rounds, in which the assessment panel evaluates:

1. Portfolio for the first round, which you do not attend in person.
2. An examination at RMC, consisting of a concert, a presentation and an interview.

You can read more about the framework in the drop-down menu About the entrance examination. 

How am I assessed in the first round?
The assessment panel will evaluate your uploaded material according to the following criteria:

• The extent to which you can create, perform and communicate music that is characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you have the instrumental/vocal and compositional skills necessary to realise your music and artistic expression.

How will I be assessed in the second round?
The assessment panel will evaluate your exam (concert, presentation and interview) according to the following criteria:

• The extent to which you can create, perform and communicate music that is characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you have the instrumental/vocal skills necessary to realise your music and artistic expression.
• The extent to which you can use relevant instrumental/vocal and compositional methods to create, process and develop musical material on your instrument or with your voice.
• The extent to which you can assess artistic challenges and opportunities, as well as justify, select and develop qualified expressions, approaches and solutions.
• The extent to which you can reflect on your own artistic practice, processes and methods – and relate this to relevant contexts (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, scenes, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.).
• Your experience in developing and realising artistic projects independently and in collaboration with others.

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 proceed to the second round?
RMC usually selects two to three times as many applicants for the second round as are admitted to 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 entrance exam.

Practical questions about the second round of the entrance examination

What language is the entrance examination 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 fall ill on the day of the test?
If you fall ill, you can take a make-up examination – but only with a documented medical certificate, which must be received by RMC no later than three working days after the exam date. RMC will set the date for the make-up examination and notify you 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?
The examination room has:

• PA
  Room U110: Funktion-One PA + Allen & Heath ZED-1FX mixer
  Room U111: Funktion-One PA + Allen & Heath ZED-1FX 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, Hot Rod Deluxe or Orange RockerVerb 50 guitar combo
• Yamaha or Steinway 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 with me for the second round of the entrance examination?
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. Your fellow musicians must 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 setting up before the examination starts?
The examination room will be available to you approximately 30 minutes before the examination starts.

Can other people be present during the presentation and interview in the second round?
No. You may not bring other people to the presentation and interview in the second round.

Do I have to perform as a singer or instrumentalist at the concert in the second round?
Yes.

Do I need to bring other musicians/accompanists to the concert in the second round?
Yes, your own group for the concert must consist of a minimum of one and a maximum of four other people who will participate in the concert.

Can I use electronic or pre-recorded elements in my concert?
Yes, if it is an integral part of your live performance and you are still playing or singing at the concert yourself.

Do sound engineers count towards the four musicians/accompanists you are allowed to have with you?
Yes.

How does the concert in the second round work?
You will play a concert for the assessment panel, which consists of two people. You are artistically responsible for how your music is performed in the examination room.

What does the presentation in the second round involve?
During the presentation, which is oral, you must briefly describe the working methods you have used to develop the music you have presented and relate the music and your artistic practice to contexts that you consider relevant to your work (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, scenes, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.).

What is the purpose of the interview in the second round?
The interview will be based on your concert with your own group, your presentation and your CV.

After the examination

How many applicants are admitted?
Normally, approximately 2 students per year.

Can I get feedback if I am not admitted?
All applicants who are not admitted are offered a short 10-minute telephone conversation with the responsible examiner, who will explain your assessment result in more detail based on the assessment criteria used.

This offer only applies to applicants who proceed from the first round.

What if I pass but do not get a study 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 study place if places become available.

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

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

For a list of teachers at Norwegian Academy of Music, Oslo, and the Academy of Music and Drama, University of Gothenburg, please refer to the institutions´ websites.

RMC prioritizes 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

Kasper Tranberg

Anders Mathiasen

Soffie Viemose

Jacob Anderskov 

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

Bisse 

Helena Rebensdorff

Mette Damm

Gustav Broman

Lotte Anker

Will Vinson

Cristián Vogel

Mads Kinnerup

Ingela Hellsten

Anja Jacobsen

Christian Balvig

Sofie Birch

Peter Bruun

Ditte Berkeley

Peter Bruun

Samuel Hällkvist

Anne Rosing

SØS Gunver Ryberg

Rune Risager

Philip Dizack

Christian Balvig

Marcela Lucatelli

Music Performance

Flavia Huarachi Jørgensen

Simon Toldam

Entreprenørskab / Entrepreneurship

Laura Nyhus Kaae

Christian Taagehøj

Eksternt Integreret Modul / External Integrated Module

Anders Mathiasen

Kasper Tranberg

Qarin Wikström 

Christian Taagehøj

Laura Nyhus Kaae

Kandidatprojekt / Master Project

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard

Qarin Wikström

Kasper Tranberg

Marcela Lucatelli 

Valgfag / Electives

Simin Stine Ramezanali

Jens Bjørnkjær

Simon Toldam

Mads Kinnerup Jørgensen

Anders Stig Møller

Pablo Llambias

Jens Skou Olsen

Louise Foo

Maria Laurette Friis 

Niklas Schak