The Royal Academy of Music
Where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Danish music.
📍 Aarhus, Denmark 🇩🇰
🏆 #22 in Denmark
Quick Facts about The Royal Academy of Music
- Type: Public
- Students: 350
- International: 14%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $10,000 – $15,000/year
- Language: Danish, English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About The Royal Academy of Music
Academics
The academy is organized into specialized departments covering classical music, jazz, and electronic composition. The teaching approach emphasizes individual mentorship combined with collaborative ensemble work to foster both technical mastery and artistic identity. Notable programs include the unique Rhythmically Advanced Music Performance and various innovative electronic music courses. This multidisciplinary environment encourages students to explore cross-genre projects and integrate new technologies into their musical practice.
International Students
International students benefit from a range of English-taught programs at the master’s and soloist levels. The academy provides comprehensive support services including assistance with housing and integration into the Danish educational system. The student body is highly diverse with a significant percentage of international performers creating a multicultural atmosphere. Student organizations and social events help newcomers build networks and participate in the local music scene.
Campus & Location
The main campus is situated in the heart of Aarhus within the spectacular Musikhuset Aarhus concert hall complex. This central location provides students with direct access to world-class performance spaces and the city’s bustling cultural district. Aarhus is a bike-friendly city with excellent public transportation and a lively atmosphere driven by its large student population. Nearby attractions include the ARoS Art Museum and the historic Latin Quarter which offer endless inspiration for creative minds.
Career Outcomes
Graduates enjoy high employment rates within the global music industry as performers, educators, and composers. The academy maintains strong industry connections with professional orchestras, festivals, and recording studios to facilitate internships and networking. Career services offer guidance on entrepreneurship and self-management to help students navigate the modern freelance landscape. Many alumni go on to win international competitions or establish successful careers in major European ensembles and creative startups.
Information for International Students at The Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark welcomes international students, with 14% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 14% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$600/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: Danish, English
Admissions Requirements for The Royal Academy of Music
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to The Royal Academy of Music:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 83
- Application fee: $500
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: December 1
Programs at The Royal Academy of Music (20 programs)
The Royal Academy of Music offers 20 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (6)
- Classical Music (Instrument/Voice) — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on solo performance, chamber music, and orchestral training for aspiring professional musicians. Students prepare for careers as orchestral musicians, soloists, and teachers.
Field: Classical Music
Career outcomes: Orchestral musician, soloist, chamber musician, teacher
Deadline: December 1st annually - Songwriting — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on the craft of writing songs, lyrics, and arrangement. Students develop skills to become professional songwriters and recording artists.
Field: Composition
Career outcomes: Professional songwriter, producer, recording artist
Deadline: December 1st annually - RMB – Jazz/Pop, Drum & Dance — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
A unique cross-disciplinary program combining music, movement, and pedagogy. It prepares students for roles as music and dance teachers or workshop leaders.
Field: Jazz/Pop/Dance
Career outcomes: Music and dance teacher, performer, workshop leader
Deadline: December 1st annually - AM – General Music Teacher — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on music education and leadership for schools and music colleges. Students learn to lead choirs and coordinate cultural activities.
Field: Music Pedagogy
Career outcomes: Music teacher, choir leader, cultural coordinator
Deadline: December 1st annually - RM – Jazz/Pop (Aarhus) — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
Training for musicians and vocalists in rhythmic music genres including jazz and pop. Students develop skills for professional performance, band leadership, and studio work.
Field: Jazz/Pop
Career outcomes: Professional musician, band leader, studio musician, teacher
Deadline: December 1st annually - Music Theory — 36 months · Danish · $50,000/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized study of music structure, history, and analysis. Graduates pursue careers as music theorists, researchers, and critics.
Field: Musicology/Theory
Career outcomes: Music theorist, teacher, researcher, critic
Deadline: December 1st annually
Master Programs (9)
- Composition (Classical) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on contemporary score-based music and orchestration. Students prepare for careers as professional composers and arrangers.
Field: Composition
Career outcomes: Professional composer, arranger, orchestrator
Deadline: December 1st annually - Jazz/Pop Choir Directing (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Focuses on leading rhythmic choirs and vocal ensembles. Students learn vocal coaching, directing, and arranging for modern vocal groups.
Field: Vocal Leadership
Career outcomes: Vocal coach, choir director, arranger
Deadline: December 1st annually - Electronic Composition (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced studio production, spatial sound, and interactive music systems. Prepares students for careers as media composers and sound artists.
Field: Electronic Music
Career outcomes: Media composer, sound artist, tech-music developer
Deadline: December 1st annually - NOMAZZ (Nordic Master in Jazz) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Joint program with Helsinki and Stockholm focusing on Nordic jazz. Prepares students for international jazz performance and composition.
Field: Jazz
Career outcomes: International jazz performer, composer
Deadline: December 1st annually - Classical Performance (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced solo and ensemble training for high-level artistic performance. Prepares students for careers as professional soloists and lead orchestral players.
Field: Classical Music
Career outcomes: Professional soloist, lead orchestral player
Deadline: December 1st annually - Jazz/Pop Performance (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced artistic development for rhythmic musicians and vocalists. Focuses on touring, session work, and advanced composition.
Field: Jazz/Pop
Career outcomes: Touring artist, session musician, composer
Deadline: December 1st annually - Ear Training (Pedagogy) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized master's for teaching solfège and auditory skills. Graduates become conservatory professors and specialized music teachers.
Field: Music Pedagogy
Career outcomes: Conservatory professor, specialized music teacher
Deadline: December 1st annually - Choral Conducting (MSc) — 24 months · English · $60,000/yr · Scholarship available
Training in leadership and artistic direction for professional choirs. Prepares students for roles as choir conductors and artistic directors.
Field: Conducting
Career outcomes: Choir conductor, artistic director, church musician
Deadline: December 1st annually - Professional Master in Innovative Choir Leading (MA) — English · Part-time
A part-time program designed for professional conductors to enhance their leadership and innovative techniques. Focuses on modern choral direction.
Field: Vocal Leadership
Career outcomes: Professional conductor, Choir leader
PhD Programs (1)
- PhD in Artistic Research / Musicology (PhD) — 36 months · English
Offered in collaboration with Aarhus University, focusing on artistic research and citizenship. Students engage in high-level academic and artistic inquiry.
Field: Artistic Research / Musicology
Career outcomes: Researcher, Academic, Artistic Lead
Scholarships & Tuition at The Royal Academy of Music
Annual tuition for international students: $10,000 – $15,000/year
✅ The Royal Academy of Music offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of The Royal Academy of Music
- National Ranking: #22 in Denmark
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: Medium
Campus & Facilities at The Royal Academy of Music
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Housing cost: ~$600/month
Key Highlights
- Based in Aarhus concert hall complex
- Specialized classical and jazz departments
- Innovative electronic music programs
- English-taught master's and soloist levels
- Collaborative and multidisciplinary environment
- Diverse and multicultural student body
Accreditation
- Danish Ministry of Culture
- Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science
- Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC)
Fields of Study at The Royal Academy of Music
- Music Performance
- Music Theory
- Composition
Notable Alumni
- Kasper Bai
- Erik Bach
- Erling Møldrup
- Tróndur Bogason
Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Academy of Music
What is The Royal Academy of Music?
The Royal Academy of Music is a public university located in Aarhus, Denmark. It has approximately 350 students, with 14% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at The Royal Academy of Music?
Tuition fees at The Royal Academy of Music for international students range from $10,000 – $15,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $600/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for The Royal Academy of Music?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 83. Application fee: $500. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: December 1.
What language are courses taught in at The Royal Academy of Music?
Courses at The Royal Academy of Music are taught in Danish and English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does The Royal Academy of Music offer?
The Royal Academy of Music offers 20 programs: 6 Bachelor's, 9 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is The Royal Academy of Music ranked?
#22 in Denmark.
Does The Royal Academy of Music offer scholarships?
Yes, The Royal Academy of Music offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does The Royal Academy of Music provide visa support?
Yes, The Royal Academy of Music provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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