Studying music in Holland (the Netherlands) has become a global dream for aspiring musicians, thanks to the country’s world-class conservatories, international faculty, vibrant city scenes, and a long-standing tradition of artistic excellence. Whether you’re pursuing classical, jazz, pop, world music, contemporary composition, or music technology, the Dutch music education ecosystem offers unmatched quality.

In this blogpost, you’ll discover the top 20 music schools in Holland—what makes each school stand out and what fees to expect as an EU or non-EU student.

Top 20 Music Schools in Holland and Their Fees

1. Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA) – Amsterdam

The Conservatorium van Amsterdam is the largest and most prestigious music school in the Netherlands. Known for classical, jazz, early music, electronic music, and world music programs, it attracts students from every continent.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €9,000–€12,000 depending on program.

2. Royal Conservatoire The Hague (KONCON) – The Hague

This conservatory is world-famous for classical performance, early music, contemporary music, opera, sonology, and cutting-edge music technology.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,000–€12,500.

3. Codarts University for the Arts – Rotterdam

Codarts is known for classical, jazz, pop, tango, and world music training. Its practical approach makes it a top choice for performance-oriented students.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,000–€11,000.

4. Maastricht Academy of Music (Conservatorium Maastricht) – Maastricht

Offering high-level classical, jazz, and contemporary music training, Maastricht offers small class sizes and strong international collaboration.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €9,000–€12,000.

5. Fontys Academy of Music and Performing Arts – Tilburg

Fontys is ideal for classical, jazz, composition, and music education studies. Its modern facilities and young artist programs make it attractive for developing musicians.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €10,000–€13,000.

6. HKU Utrechts Conservatorium – Utrecht

HKU offers versatile training in classical music, jazz & pop, composition, and music education, with strong links to the creative industries.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,500–€11,000.

7. ArtEZ Conservatorium – Arnhem, Enschede & Zwolle

ArtEZ is well-known for contemporary classical music, jazz, composition, music therapy, and artistic research.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €9,000–€12,500.

8. Prins Claus Conservatorium – Groningen

A top choice for jazz and music education, Prins Claus emphasizes performance, collaboration, and international exchange.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,500–€11,000.

9. Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK) – Amsterdam

Alongside the CvA, the AHK hosts several arts programs with strong music-related tracks including composition, sound design and interdisciplinary arts.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,000–€11,000.

10. Rotterdam Conservatorium (Part of Codarts) – Rotterdam

Often listed separately, this branch focuses on jazz, pop, classical, and experimental music. It is one of Europe’s most industry-connected schools.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,000–€11,500.

11. Utrecht University – Musicology Program

Perfect for students interested in academic, research, or theoretical music studies rather than performance.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €9,000–€12,000.

12. University of Amsterdam (UvA) – Musicology & Sound Studies

Students can explore music history, theory, culture, media, and music technology within a top-tier research setting.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €10,000–€14,000.

13. Leiden University – Music Research & Cultural Studies

Leiden offers strong specialisations in ethnomusicology, global music traditions, and academic music studies.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €10,000–€13,000.

14. Herman Brood Academie – Utrecht

A leading music school for pop, hip-hop, DJing, production, and songwriting. Many Dutch pop stars trained here.
Fees:

Private school pricing: €7,000–€12,000 yearly programs.

15. United Pop Academy – Amsterdam

United Pop focuses on production, audio engineering, songwriting, mixing, sound design, and electronic music.
Fees:

Program-specific: €3,000–€10,000 per module/year.

16. SAE Institute – Amsterdam

SAE offers world-renowned training in audio engineering, music production, digital media, and sound technology.
Fees:

€7,000–€15,000 depending on diploma.

17. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences – Heerlen/Maastricht

Zuyd collaborates with Maastricht Academy of Music and offers specialised music education, performance, and teacher-training pathways.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,500–€12,000.

18. ArtEZ Pop Academy – Enschede

A division of ArtEZ fully dedicated to pop music, songwriting, band development, and commercial music performance.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €9,000–€12,500.

19. Young Talent & Preparatory Programs (Various Conservatories)

Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Codarts, Royal Conservatoire, Fontys, and ArtEZ all run Junior Academies to prepare young musicians for full degrees.
Fees:

Usually €1,500–€4,000 per year.

20. Specialist Music Technology & Sonology Centers – Various Locations

For electronic music, sound art, and audio research, schools like KONCON (Sonology), CvA’s electronic music track, and Codarts provide world-leading programs.
Fees:

EU: ~€2,600
Non-EU: €8,000–€13,000 depending on course.

How to Choose the Right Music School in Holland

1. Identify Your Genre

Classical? Jazz? Pop? Electronic? Pick schools with deep expertise in your style.

2. Check the Faculty

Your future teachers matter more than the building. Look up who leads your instrument department.

3. Consider the City Environment

Amsterdam: busiest music scene
Rotterdam: creative, modern, multicultural
The Hague: classical, early music and technical programs
Utrecht: balanced and student-friendly
Groningen/Maastricht: calmer and community-focused

4. Budget Wisely

EU students benefit from lower fees. Non-EU students should budget €8k–€13k per year depending on the school.

5. Prepare for Auditions

Holland’s conservatories are competitive. You will need:

Repertoire list
Performance videos
Music theory basics
Sometimes a portfolio (for composition/production)

Conclusion

Holland is one of the best countries in the world to study music. With its mix of classical tradition, vibrant jazz culture, modern pop production, and cutting-edge electronic programs, it offers endless opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re an instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, producer, or music scholar, there’s a Dutch institution perfectly built for your goals.

Top 20 Music Schools In Holland And Fees (2026)