— Postgraduate studies

Postgraduate Program in Orchestral Performance for String Instruments

Prepare for your orchestra auditions with the best faculty.

This postgraduate program is aimed at students who have completed their higher music studies and seek thorough preparation to excel in orchestra auditions worldwide, as well as training in orchestral practice and its nuances. The program is recommended for graduates with a high level of instrumental proficiency who wish to pursue a career in orchestral performance, which is one of the most sought-after yet demanding career paths.

In addition to continuing with individualized instrumental training of the highest quality, students in this program will acquire essential skills to navigate the various aspects of the orchestral profession. These include the exchange of musical ideas in groups of instrumentalists, orchestral performance techniques, social interaction among ensemble members, and the relationship between musicians and the conductor.

Apply now | Academic year 24/25

Combine Your Postgraduate Studies with an Official Master's Degree in Music Research

Complete Two Degrees in One Academic Year

If, in addition to preparing for success in orchestral performance, you want to cover all aspects of your future professional career, at Musical Arts Madrid you have the option to combine this postgraduate program with the official Master's degree from VIU (Valencia International University). This master's program is recognized nationwide and will allow you to discover the best existing music research techniques. You will also be able to access and earn points for conservatory positions throughout Spain, with all theoretical classes and research workshops conducted entirely online.

As a student of the Postgraduate Program in Orchestral Studies, you can benefit from up to a 50% discount on the master's tuition!

Detailed information about the Master's Degree in Music Research

Admissions

To be admitted to this program, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Music or be able to obtain it before the start of the academic year. Enrollment in the program is done through the GetAcceptd platform.

Each applicant must upload their biography in PDF format and a total of no less than 20 minutes of video material with at least three pieces from different styles. These could be individual movements from a longer piece (e.g., the first movement of a sonata). You can submit them either in a single clip with all the pieces or in several separate video clips.

Duration of the program

This postgraduate program has a duration of one academic year, from October to May, inclusive, and can be extended to a second year if the student wishes and the teaching staff advises it.

The official Master's degree from VIU can be completed from September to May (first semester) or from March to October (second semester). Both degrees are compatible in terms of schedule and calendar of activities.

Profesorado

Postgraduate students will receive individual classes with specialists in their instrument, as well as participate in workshops and group classes with students from other specialties.

Jordi Rodríguez
violin

Concertmaster from Copenhague Philharmonic Orchestra

David Fons
viola

Invited at orchestras such as CV, ROH Covent Garden, RTVE, OSN

Wilfried Strehle
viola

Principal viola at Berliner Philharmonic until 2013

Eduardo Vassallo
cello

Principal at City of Birmingham Symphony Orquestra

Thierry Barbé
doublebass

Principal at Orchestre de l'Ópera National de Paris until 2023

Subjects of the postgraduate

Individual Instrument lessons

Each student will receive 15 one-hour individual instrument classes throughout the course, where they will receive advanced instrumental training from the postgraduate faculty.

GROUP lessons

Each student will participate in 16 three-hour group classes, taught by program faculty, with each teacher conducting 4 classes*.

The program is designed so that all students can benefit from the advice of the entire faculty, even those from different instrumental specialties, with the aim of enriching the input received. These sessions will include comprehensive work on orchestral techniques and solo preparation for auditions, as well as discussions on mental preparation for auditions, mindfulness, and stage fright.

*This proportion may vary depending on the teachers' schedules.

CHAMBER MUSIC

Students will be part of chamber music groups and will receive a minimum of 10 classes distributed throughout the course. They can form groups with other program peers, as well as with other master's and higher degree peers.

orchestra and ensemble

All postgraduate students will participate in orchestral projects divided into three meetings during the academic year, with dates announced well in advance. These meetings will involve intensive activities over several days, similar to the concert preparation process in most professional orchestras.

rehearsals

As part of orchestral practice training, and in addition to group classes, partial and sectional rehearsal sessions will be held to prepare for orchestra meetings. These rehearsals will be conducted by either the main faculty or guest conductors invited to the meetings.

Mock Auditions

Each student will undergo three mock auditions during the course, where they will be provided with a pianist.

Important dates

To apply for the Postgraduate Program in Orchestral Performance, you must pass a remote entrance exam (via video).

First call: until July 30, 2024
Second call: until September 23, 2024

Price per academic year

Enrollment fee: €500.00
Nine monthly installments of: €383.00

Contact the Academic Secretariat at secreataria@musicalarts.es or +34 913 45 89 41 for any questions or inquiries.

Students combining the Postgraduate Program in Orchestral Performance with the Master's in Research from VIU will receive an additional 10% discount added to the discounts offered by VIU for the enrollment in the Research Master's program. You can check the prices of VIU's degree here.

Application

Make application