The Department of Classical Music and Music Education’s programs aim at enabling your career as a musician, performer and teacher in today’s professional music world.
We would like to help and support you in developing your skills as a solo performer, a chamber musician, an ensemble or orchestral player and a creative contributor to collaborative music projects. Co-creativity within our university’s artistic environment, working life applicability and a “hands on” approach to the profession are important keywords for UiA´s Classical Music Bachelor's and Master's study programs.
Instruments and Teaching Areas
Studying your main instrument and musical performance is the basis for the Bachelor’s and Master’s study programs. Our teachers are outstanding performers, involved in creating projects, and in developing artistic research with partners not only in Norway, but in all of Europe and on other continents. Furthermore they are very experienced in solo-, chamber music- and educational activities.
For the orchestral instrument students and for the singers, to work with an accompanist is an indispensable part of the curriculum in regards to building a repertoire and for concert/audition/exam preparation.
Photo: Associate Professor Mariam Kharatyan and student.
Chamber Music
Participation in Chamber Music is obligatory. We regard this as a very important part of your “main instrument” development and your performance skills. At the beginning of the semester you will be placed in ensembles and the teaching takes place on a weekly basis or in master class settings.
Photo: Chamber Music
Concerts
Active concert participation is a requirement in the study plans for bachelor and master. There are weekly lunch concerts and evening concerts, which are recorded on video and/or audio.
Photo: Lisa Mari Bynes
Orchestra and Choir Activities
There are two major orchestra projects each academic year in collaboration with the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Stavanger. In addition, orchestra projects are carried out together with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. Students (especially string players) are also requested to participate in productions of the Agder Symphony Orchestra, which provide valuable repertoire training. For singers, the department offers ensemble, opera and choir projects.
Photo: Professor Rolf Gupta conducts orchestra rehearsal.
Student Projects
Student projects are an important part of the Bachelor's program especially with regards to communication, organisation, outreach and dialogue. Examples of major projects include the student-led yearly Spring Festival (Vårfestspillene) and the Beethoven Festival 2020.
Photo: Student Project Vårfestspillene in the Old Museum
Seminars and Master Classes
Additional principal study lectures will be offered through masterclasses, workshops, chamber music coaching and practical seminars led by high-profile performers. All students and teachers can participate.
Photo: Professor Rolf Lislevand.
Regional Cooperation Partners
The Classical Music Scene in Southern Norway is closely connected to our department. Our collaboration with the Kilden Performing Arts Center, Kilden Vocal Ensemble and Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra includes agreements on student internships, performance opportunities, seminars and workshops as well as attending dress rehearsals, free concert and opera tickets.
Furthermore through our engagement with Kristiansand Cultural School, students are guaranteed teaching practice with younger students.
The department also collaborates with the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Stavanger with symphonic orchestra projects twice a year.
Photo: Kilden Performing Arts Centre.
International Cooperations and Partners
Ongoing international cooperations are part of our international strategy. Here are four ongoing projects funded through the EU and the EEA, which include research, pedagogical and artistic activity and development:
“REACT - Rethinking Music Performance in European Higher Education Music Institutions” (with partner institutions in Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Spain and Italy)
“Nurturing Excellence by connecting environments in Poland, Norway and Iceland” (with partner institutions in Poland, Iceland and Norway)
“The Contemporary role of Culture in building an inclusive Society” (nearest partner Event Culture Foundation, Polen)
Photo: UiA students performing at the ECAL 2019 in Leipzig (Photographer: Joerg Singer)
The Department of Classical Music and Music Education has partner institutions in most European countries and the USA and offers very good opportunities for students’ exchange. Please see the link for our recommended partners.
Music Performance Programmes
We offer 3 performance based programmes:
Bachelor’s Programme in Classical Music Performance
Master’s Programme in Classical Music Performance
1-year supplementary study in Classical Music Performance
Your musical skills are tested through an audition. Its content and organisation differs between the various Norwegian music institutions. Please read the information on how to apply to the University of Agder and on our auditions, when you apply for our study programmes.
– Chamber Music is all about making music together. Welcome to this Master Class with Professor Cordula Hacke from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Agder. The topic for this Master Class is Chamber Music, exploring a masterpiece for
Chamber Music
A day in the life of a student Faculty of Fine Arts
A day in the life of a student Faculty of Fine Arts
Aase-Vogli
Piano students Enxhi Vogli and Sivert Aase Fluge play concert in Horten Kirke
Aase-Vogli
Schostakovitch
UiA String Quartet plays Shostakovich in workshop
Schostakovitch
EKAL Leipzig
Trio Sørlandet spiller under European Chamber Music Academy i Leipzig