Taking Part
Have you graduated, or are you about to graduate, from a music conservatory and wish to continue your practical training at the very highest level? As an Academy student, you will be given the chance to be a part of the Concertgebouw Orchestra for a whole season, performing in orchestral productions, taking part in masterclasses and training courses, receiving mental and physical coaching, and performing chamber music concerts at unique locations.
Programme of the Academy of the Concertgebouw Orchestra
- playing in the orchestra on up to twelve orchestral programmes under the direction of leading conductors, accompanied by mentors from the orchestra’s ranks
- giving chamber music concerts, some with members of the orchestra; the Academy students are coached by members of the orchestra as they prepare for these concerts
- twenty private lessons with principals and other members of the orchestra
- movement techniques: private lessons in Alexander Technique or Dispokinesis
- private and group sessions in psychological training
- a masterclass with the artist in residence and/or a conductor
- training in audition techniques, culminating in two mock auditions, including one behind an audition screen
- education (creative learning): an improvisation workshop and a three-day education workshop, culminating in a performance at a school for blind and partially sighted children (Visio-school)
- a lecture by a leading composer
Academy students stay in Amsterdam for the entire academic season (from September to June) and receive a monthly allowance.
If the academist successfully completes all the parts of the Academy course, he is presented with an Academy certificate at the end of his employment contract. The Academy certificate gives priority in auditions for the Concertgebouw Orchestra, in the sense that the Academist is immediately admitted to the second round of auditions, provided that the Academy certificate is less than three years old. This priority rule does not apply to auditions for the positions of Principal or Assistant Principal.

Questions about taking part or auditioning?
Gonneke de Jong would be happy to tell you more!