Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa
Lisbon, 🇵🇹 Portugal Public
500 students 4% international Urban €2k - €4k/yr
About Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa
The Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (ESML) is a distinguished music school located in Benfica, Lisbon, established in 1983 as a reconversion of the National Conservatory. Integrated into the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (IPL) in 1985, ESML is renowned for its commitment to artistic, technical, technological, and scientific education at the highest level within the field of music. It aims to foster a quality teaching and learning environment that encourages students' personal, artistic, scientific, technical, and cultural development, preparing them for competitive professional careers.
ESML offers a comprehensive range of programs, including Bachelor's degrees in Music, Music Technologies, and Music in the Community, as well as Master's degrees in Music and Music Education. The Bachelor of Music program includes specializations such as Composition, Choral Conducting and Music Education, Wind Orchestra Conducting, Voice, Plucked Strings, Strings, Winds and Percussion, Early Music, Piano, Organ, and Jazz. The institution emphasizes a teaching approach that promotes creative and technical interpretive resources, musical literature knowledge, and critical reflection skills. ESML also offers a PhD in Performing Arts and Moving Image in association with the University of Lisbon.
ESML actively participates in the Erasmus+ program, holding bilateral agreements with approximately 90 partner institutions across Europe, enabling student exchanges for one or two semesters. Prospective international students can find information and handbooks for Bachelor's and Master's programs in English on the ESML website. To apply as an Erasmus exchange student, applicants need to submit a portfolio including a CV, motivation letter, and recordings. The academic services department provides support for students from admission to the completion of their studies.
The ESML campus is situated in Benfica, Lisbon, within the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon. The campus boasts internationally recognized architectural facilities and equipment suitable for musical training, including practice rooms, recording studios, and concert halls. Its location in Benfica provides easy access to public transportation, including a railway station, bus stops, and a metro station. Lisbon itself is a vibrant capital city offering a rich cultural experience.
ESML, in collaboration with the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, provides professional integration support for students and graduates through the online platform "Career Center by JobTeaser." This platform offers access to job and internship opportunities, digital resources, career events, and networking with employers. The institution aims to train qualified professionals capable of engaging in artistic and cultural activities and meeting the demands of the music industry. ESML also encourages research activities related to musical artistic practice and its teaching, fostering connections between academia and professional practice.
Academics
ESML offers a comprehensive range of programs, including Bachelor's degrees in Music, Music Technologies, and Music in the Community, as well as Master's degrees in Music and Music Education. The Bachelor of Music program includes specializations such as Composition, Choral Conducting and Music Education, Wind Orchestra Conducting, Voice, Plucked Strings, Strings, Winds and Percussion, Early Music, Piano, Organ, and Jazz. The institution emphasizes a teaching approach that promotes creative and technical interpretive resources, musical literature knowledge, and critical reflection skills. ESML also offers a PhD in Performing Arts and Moving Image in association with the University of Lisbon.
International Students
ESML actively participates in the Erasmus+ program, holding bilateral agreements with approximately 90 partner institutions across Europe, enabling student exchanges for one or two semesters. Prospective international students can find information and handbooks for Bachelor's and Master's programs in English on the ESML website. To apply as an Erasmus exchange student, applicants need to submit a portfolio including a CV, motivation letter, and recordings. The academic services department provides support for students from admission to the completion of their studies.
Campus & Location
The ESML campus is situated in Benfica, Lisbon, within the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon. The campus boasts internationally recognized architectural facilities and equipment suitable for musical training, including practice rooms, recording studios, and concert halls. Its location in Benfica provides easy access to public transportation, including a railway station, bus stops, and a metro station. Lisbon itself is a vibrant capital city offering a rich cultural experience.
Career Outcomes
ESML, in collaboration with the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, provides professional integration support for students and graduates through the online platform "Career Center by JobTeaser." This platform offers access to job and internship opportunities, digital resources, career events, and networking with employers. The institution aims to train qualified professionals capable of engaging in artistic and cultural activities and meeting the demands of the music industry. ESML also encourages research activities related to musical artistic practice and its teaching, fostering connections between academia and professional practice.
Highlights
- Integrated into Polytechnic University of Lisbon
- Leading Portuguese higher education music school
- Modern facilities at Benfica campus
- Renowned faculty of professional musicians
- Diverse undergraduate and graduate programs
- Strong focus on artistic performance excellence
Subject Areas
MusicPerformanceCompositionMusicologyMusic Education
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
Photos








Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Education
Bachelor Programs (7)
Licenciatura em Direção Coral
Choral Conducting
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Música Antiga (Várias Especializações)
Early Music Performance
Music
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Instrumento (Várias Especializações)
Instrumental Performance
Music
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Jazz (Várias Especializações)
Jazz Performance
Music
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Composição
Music Composition
Music
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Direção de Orquestra
Orchestral Conducting
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Licenciatura em Canto
Vocal Performance
Music
48 months Portuguese Full-time
Master Programs (7)
Mestrado em Direção Coral
Choral Conducting
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Música Antiga
Early Music Performance
Music
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Jazz
Jazz Performance and Composition
Music
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Composição
Music Composition
Music
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Ensino de Música
Music Education
Music Education
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Performance Musical (Várias Especializações)
Musical Performance
Music
24 months Portuguese Full-time
Mestrado em Direção de Orquestra
Orchestral Conducting
24 months Portuguese Full-time
PhD Programs (1)
Doutoramento em Música (em associação com outras universidades)
Musicology
Music
36 months Portuguese Full-time
Intakes October, February
Application Deadline May 31 (Winter Semester), October 31 (Summer Semester)
Tuition (per year) €2k - €4k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$250
Application Fee $53
Teaching Language Portuguese
Accreditation
A3ESMusiQuE
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