Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most inspiring cities for music education—blending centuries of classical tradition with a cutting-edge contemporary music scene. From world-class conservatories to modern academies specializing in electronic music, performance, DJing, production, and music business, Amsterdam offers top-tier opportunities for local and international students.

This comprehensive, SEO-optimised guide breaks down the Top 10 Music Schools in Amsterdam, including program highlights, fees, entry requirements, and why each school stands out. Whether you’re looking for classical training, jazz, production, or industry-focused programs, this guide covers everything.

Top 10 Music Schools In Amsterdam And Fees

1. Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA)

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is widely recognized as the best and most prestigious music school in the Netherlands. It ranks among Europe’s top conservatories, attracting international students from over 50 countries. CvA offers a wide range of programs including classical performance, jazz, early music, opera, composition, conducting, music education, and the extremely popular Electronic Music program.

CvA’s faculty includes internationally acclaimed performers, composers, and educators. The facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring practice rooms, recording studios, theaters, and specialized rooms for early music and jazz. Students also have countless performance opportunities—in both school-sponsored concerts and Amsterdam’s vibrant music scene.

Programs Offered:

• Bachelor & Master of Music
• Classical Music
• Jazz & Pop
• Early Music
• Composition & Conducting
• Music Production & Electronic Music
• Music in Education
• Opera Academy

Fees:

• EU/EEA Students: €2,530 – €2,800 per year
• Non-EU Students: €9,000 – €11,000 per year

Why It’s Top Ranked:
Prestige, world-class faculty, international opportunities, and unmatched performance exposure.

2. Amsterdam University of the Arts – Academy of Theatre and Dance (Music Programs)

Although known primarily for dance and theatre, this university also offers music-focused programs in performance arts, sound design, live audio production, and musical theatre. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities that mirror real-world performance settings.

Its curriculum blends performance, technology, improvisation, and storytelling, making it ideal for students interested in contemporary performance art or music in theatre.

Programs Offered:

• Music & Sound for Theatre
• Music Theatre (Voice & Performance)
• Sound Design
• Live Music Direction for Stage

Fees:

• EU/EEA: €2,530 per year
• Non-EU: €8,500 – €9,500 per year

Why Choose This School:
Perfect for students who want to combine music with acting, dance, sound production, or theatre.

3. SAE Institute Amsterdam (Audio & Music Production)

SAE is one of the global leaders in audio engineering, music production, sound design, and creative media. The Amsterdam campus offers hands-on studio experience with industry-standard gear and mentorship from professionals working in European music and media industries.

SAE graduates often work in recording studios, film production, game audio design, broadcast, and live events.

Programs Offered:

• Audio Engineering Diploma
• BA/BSc Audio Production
• Electronic Music Production Certificate
• Film Sound & Foley
• Music Business (short courses)

Fees:

• Diplomas: €6,000 – €8,000 total
• Degree Programs: €12,000 – €18,000 per year
• Short Courses: €1,500 – €3,500

Why Choose SAE:
Ideal for aspiring producers, audio engineers, mix engineers, DJs, and sound designers who want a technical, industry-driven education.

4. Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy (AEMA)

Amsterdam is globally known for electronic music, and AEMA is one of the city’s top specialty schools dedicated to the craft. This academy is highly respected among EDM, techno, trance, and house producers.

The programs emphasise DAW mastery, sound design, live electronic performance, career branding, and releasing music through digital platforms.

Programs Offered:

• Electronic Music Production (Beginner–Advanced)
• DJ Performance & Mixing
• Sound Design
• Artist Development Program
• Music Industry & Marketing for DJs

Fees:

• Full Program (6–12 months): €3,000 – €6,000
• Short Courses: €600 – €1,500

Why Choose AEMA:
Perfect for students pursuing modern electronic music careers and connected to Amsterdam’s festival and nightlife ecosystem.

5. Dutch DJ Academy (Den Haag/Amsterdam Classes)

The Dutch DJ Academy provides specialized DJing and electronic music training with professional equipment and flexible schedules. While its main center is in The Hague, it regularly hosts special training sessions and workshops in Amsterdam.

It focuses on club mixing, festival performance, creative DJ techniques, and career coaching.

Programs Offered:

• DJ Beginner & Advanced Courses
• Turntablism
• Mixing & Mastering Classes
• Music Production with Ableton and FL Studio
• Artist Branding Workshops

Fees:

• DJ Courses: €450 – €1,200
• Production Courses: €800 – €2,000

Why This School Stands Out:
A top pick for aspiring DJs who want professional training and guidance.

6. Clave Amsterdam School of Latin Music

This unique school specializes in Latin music, offering expert instruction in salsa, bachata, Latin jazz, percussion, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It is especially attractive for percussionists and vocalists seeking stylistic authenticity.

The teaching staff includes Latin American musicians who perform regularly across Europe.

Programs Offered:

• Latin Percussion
• Salsa & Latin Jazz Ensemble
• Vocal Performance
• Music Theory & Rhythm Workshops

Fees:

• Courses: €350 – €1,000 per module
• Private Lessons: €40 – €60 per hour

Why Choose Clave:
Perfect for musicians passionate about Latin and Afro-Caribbean styles.

7. Muziekschool Amsterdam (Music School Amsterdam – MSA)

MSA is one of the city’s largest community music schools, offering high-quality training for beginners, hobbyists, and semi-professionals. It also serves as a starting point for younger students preparing for conservatory admission.

Programs cover classical, pop, jazz, world music, and digital production.

Programs Offered:

• Instrument & Vocal Lessons
• Music Theory
• Bands & Ensembles
• Music Production for Teens & Adults
• Young Talent Program

Fees:

• Group Classes: €250 – €450 per semester
• Private Lessons: €30 – €50 per session
• Annual Packages: €550 – €1,200

Why Choose MSA:
Affordable, flexible, and suitable for all levels.

8. The School of House (Amsterdam Dance Event Official Partner)

The School of House is a premium institution built in collaboration with Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)—the world’s largest EDM conference. It focuses on the business and creative sides of the dance music industry.

Students gain direct insights from top DJs, promoters, label owners, and festival organizers.

Programs Offered:

• DJing & Performance
• Electronic Music Production
• Artist Branding
• Music Marketing
• Music Law
• Event & Festival Management

Fees:

• Full Programs: €2,000 – €5,000
• Workshops: €150 – €700

Why Choose The School of House:
Strong industry connections and real-world insights into Amsterdam’s EDM scene.

9. United POP Amsterdam (Music & Media Academy)

United POP is part of the worldwide MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP, known for multimedia training. The Amsterdam branch offers music-focused programs combined with opportunities in film, entertainment, and media.

The programs are modular, allowing students to customize their learning paths.

Programs Offered:

• Music Production
• Audio Engineering
• Sound Design
• Music Business & Artist Management
• Songwriting & Composition
• Live Production

Fees:

• €4,000 – €12,000 depending on modules

Why Pick United POP:
Ideal for students who want to blend music with media and entertainment.

10. Guitar Institute Amsterdam (GIA)

GIA is a specialized school dedicated entirely to guitar mastery. It offers intensive training for electric, acoustic, classical, and jazz guitar with small-group instruction for personalized learning.

Programs Offered:

• Beginner–Advanced Guitar Courses
• Jazz Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Rock & Metal Technique
• Fingerstyle Guitar
• Music Theory for Guitarists

Fees:

• €300 – €1,200 per module
• Private Lessons: €45 – €75 per hour

Why Choose GIA:
Perfect for guitarists looking for focused, professional-level instruction.

How to Choose the Best Music School in Amsterdam

Choosing the right institution depends on your goals. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Your Style of Music

• Classical musicians → CvA
• Electronic producers → AEMA, School of House, SAE
• DJs → Dutch DJ Academy
• Guitarists → GIA
• Songwriters → United POP

2. Your Budget

• Most affordable: MSA, Clave Amsterdam
• Mid-range: AEMA, School of House
• Higher investment: CvA, SAE, United POP

3. Your Career Path

• Performance → CvA
• Production → SAE
• DJing → Dutch DJ Academy
• Music Business → United POP
• Multidisciplinary → Amsterdam University of the Arts

4. Accreditation Needs

If you need an accredited Bachelor or Master degree, choose:

• Conservatorium van Amsterdam
• Amsterdam University of the Arts
• SAE (for BA/BSc)

Conclusion 

Amsterdam offers a diverse range of elite music schools—from classical conservatories to cutting-edge production academies. Whether your dream is to perform on stage, produce chart-topping tracks, or build a career in the modern music industry, the city provides world-class training at a variety of price points.