Study programme

Core principles & educational vision 
The Global Musics programme is built on a deep respect for musical diversity, cultural exchange and artistic innovation. At its core, the programme embraces a competency-oriented approach that integrates performance, creation, research and professional development. Through its four foundational pillars—The Performer, The Creator, The Ambassador, and The Professional—you gain the technical, artistic and entrepreneurial skills necessary to navigate a globally connected music industry. 
 
The city of Rotterdam 
Located in Rotterdam, a city known for its cultural diversity, the programme fosters an inclusive learning environment where you engage with a wide spectrum of musical traditions. Whether studying the modal systems of the Silk Roads, the rhythmic intricacies of Caribbean and South American music (CaSA) or emerging contemporary global fusion styles, you are encouraged to develop your own artistic voice while understanding music’s interconnected nature. 
 
Block-based system 
The curriculum is structured around a block-based educational system, allowing for intensive, focused learning on specific themes or skills. This modular approach enhances collaboration, interdisciplinary engagement and real-world application, ensuring you graduate as a well-rounded, adaptable musician. 
 
Performance opportunities 
Live performance is a fundamental aspect of the Global Musics experience. Throughout the programme, you engage in a variety of performance-based projects, both within Codarts and in professional settings. Opportunities include: 

• Ensemble performances: Weekly ensemble sessions, allowing you to apply your knowledge in an interactive and immersive way. 

• Cross-disciplinary collaborations: Working with other Codarts departments such as Jazz, Pop, and Dance to explore new creative dimensions. 

• Annual performance projects: Large-scale productions where you present repertoires reflecting your specialisation, often in collaboration with guest artists. 

• Professional field engagements: You take part in internships, performance residencies and collaborative concerts with leading institutions and venues. 

 
Key partnerships, research projects & external collaborations 

The programme maintains strong partnerships with leading cultural institutions that provide you with platforms for artistic growth, professional networking and interdisciplinary research. Some key collaborations include: 
 

• Fenix Museum of Migration – you explore the role of migration in shaping musical traditions, working on projects that connect historical narratives with contemporary music. 

• Concertgebouw – Selected students participate in performance opportunities, masterclasses and collaborations at one of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls. 

• GROUNDS – A performance space in Rotterdam that hosts concerts, artist residencies and experimental music projects, offering you a real-world experience in professional settings. 

• International guest artists and lectures – Regular workshops, lectures and residencies by renowned musicians, composers, and ethnomusicologists enrich the academic experience. 

 
Diversity of musical cultures in the curriculum 
Cultural diversity is not just a subject of study—it is embedded in the programme’s teaching methods, curriculum design and artistic practices. You engage with a broad spectrum of musical traditions, both through theoretical coursework and hands-on performance experiences. Some ways in which diversity is integrated include: 

• Global Studies & Global Musics: A mandatory component where you analyse, perform and contextualise diverse musical traditions. 

• Specialisations in CaSA and Maqam/Modal Traditions: Allowing you to focus deeply on specific regional styles while maintaining cross-cultural fluency. 

• Collaborative and community-based projects: Working with local and international artists, as well as organisations that preserve and promote heritage music. 

• Reflective learning and research: Encouraging you to examine the cultural, political and historical contexts of the music you perform and create. 

By combining rigorous training with a strong emphasis on artistic identity and cultural awareness, the Global Musics programme prepares you to become a versatile, socially engaged musician who can contribute to the ever-evolving global music landscape.