Master English Horn
In this pioneering new Master Programme, we offer the unique opportunity to focus on becoming a specialist on the English horn for an entire two-year period, . This programme is perfect for students who want to specialise in the English horn after a Bachelor degree on the oboe and for students who wish to have careers as orchestral English horn and 2nd oboe players.
You will focus on technical aspects of English horn playing and particularly on the differences between playing the oboe and English horn, with a focus on breathing technique and sound generation. Additionally, we will help you to achieve the ideal set-up with instrument, bocal and reed and offer specialist reed making lessons. Our Master programme revolves around preparing audition repertoire, playing regularly in audition simulations, mental and physical preparation for pressured performance situations, advanced reed-making skills and a focus on expanding the knowledge of the orchestral repertoire. During your study period, you will learn all of the big orchestral excerpts for English horn and cover much of the English horn solo repertoire.
The Master programme is the ideal opportunity to become self-sufficient in a safe and productive environment, in close contact with teachers who also have principal positions in leading European orchestras. This course will include a weekly lesson, a weekly audition training session, a regular performance class, weekly reed lessons (with all state-of-the-Art machines available for use in our reed-making room) and support in developing a career plan. Additionally, we offer annual guest masterclasses. Recent guest artists have included Kai Frömbgen, Juliana Koch, Fabien Thoaund and Andrey Godik.
Meet our team
Meet your lecturers
Curriculum
Curriculum
Before you apply
Admission
requirements
First round
The audition consists of two rounds. For the first round, the candidate needs to record 2 videos that contain:
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Video 1: A short introduction of him/herself in English: talk about your musical experiences, your motivation to study music, your main subject and why you choose to audition at Conservatorium Maastricht.
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Video 2: In the second video, the candidate demonstrates his/her artistic and technical skills. The video can be recorded in different takes but without cuts or any edits. The candidate should start by speaking their name and student number of Conservatorium Maastricht. The video should contain the following:
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One work from the English Horn repertoire and one contrasting piece on the oboe.
Additional videos (not required): the candidate may provide concert video registrations. The videos should be uploaded to an online platform such as YouTube.com or Vimeo.com. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure that the video links work.
Second round
The committee may decide to invite the candidate for an online or in-person live audition after reviewing the video material. The repertoire for the live audition remains the same. Additional repertoire requests can be made by the committee. During the live audition you may be asked to demonstrate your ability in prima vista playing.
In the second round, the candidate is always invited to an online interview with one of the Master Project Coaches. In this interview we discuss the candidate's motivation and experience in the field of research and cultural entrepreneurship. The Master Project Coach furthermore determines the level of English proficiency.