Recommended School: Royal Danish Academy of Music

The Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM), based in Copenhagen, specializes in training classical musicians. It is also one of Denmark’s largest and most prestigious music institutions. With internationally minded management, RDAM attracts talented music students from around the world and prepares them for careers in the industry. Outstanding faculty from many countries, along with nearly 50% international students, create a highly international learning environment. Here, diverse musical traditions meet, blend, and inspire one another.

The Royal Danish Academy of Music offers both undergraduate and master’s programs covering nearly every area of music. Undergraduate majors include orchestral performance, piano, vocal performance, church music, and music education. Master’s programs include church music, composition, early music, conducting, music education, and elite vocal training.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

1. Application deadline: April 1

2. High school diploma or above. Applicants must submit a recording or video (file size no more than 100 MB, and the applicant must be clearly visible and audible).

3. English proficiency: IELTS 5.5

4. Estimated undergraduate tuition (3-year program): EUR 9,000-12,700 per academic year

Master’s Admission Requirements

1. Application deadline: April 1

2. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, or current enrollment in the final year of an undergraduate program. Applicants must submit a recording or video (file size no more than 100 MB, and the applicant must be clearly visible and audible).

3. English proficiency: IELTS 5.5

4. Estimated master’s tuition (2-year program): EUR 8,300-12,100 per academic year

Application Notes

1. Vocal applicants face stronger competition, as the school has noted that Chinese students often have a less solid foundation in vocal performance.
2. For a safer strategy, it is recommended to apply to instrumental performance programs as well, such as cello, violin, saxophone, and others.

As one of the top music conservatories in Europe, the Royal Danish Academy of Music receives a very large number of applications every year, even though nearly half of its students come from around the world. In other words, standing out is not easy. You need to prepare thoroughly, and your audition materials must fully demonstrate your professional ability and leave a strong impression on the faculty. Of course, you should also prepare all other required documents carefully, so you do not miss an application cycle because of incomplete materials and end up wasting time.