Historical Instruments

Based on historical sources such as instruments and methods, you'll inform yourself on the instrumental techniques and musical aesthetics in a given period and in a given country and its implications for the interpretation of the repertoire, then, and now. A close team of internationally renowned specialists will inform you about the performance practice from the Renaissance to Romanticism. Instruments: historical violin, historical viola, historical cello, historical bassoon (dulcian), historical trombone and historical hobo, as well as harpsichord (clavichord), viola da gamba (violone), traverso, cornetto and recorder. It is also possible to choose a combination of instruments as a main subject: melody instruments or bass instruments. You can think of a combination of instruments, such as cornetto, recorder and dulcian, or gamba, cello and violone (other combinations are possible as well). The main subject lessons, ensemble lessons, projects and master classes are supported by theoretical classes. Using historical sources, these classes discuss topics that musicians were formerly assumed to be familiar with, such as rhetoric, solmisation, mensural notation and dance.

Accreditation: NVAO, NVAO, NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

Program Content

The Historical Instruments program at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht offers students an in-depth exploration of early musical instruments and their historical contexts. Throughout the course, students will gain comprehensive knowledge of the construction, functioning, and repertoire of a wide range of historical instruments, including but not limited to harpsichords, viols, early wind instruments, and percussion. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to develop skills in instrument restoration, maintenance, and authentic performance techniques.

Students will delve into the historical periods from the Renaissance and Baroque to the Classical era, examining how musical and cultural developments influenced instrument design and performance practices. The program emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy in interpretation and performance, encouraging students to adopt historically informed approaches. They will learn to read and interpret original scores and treatises, gaining insights into the performance practices of various centuries.

Practical training is a key component of the program. Students will have access to a collection of authentic historical instruments, enabling hands-on experience in playing, tuning, and caring for these instruments. They will participate in workshops led by renowned experts in historical performance, enhancing their technical skills and interpretive understanding. The program also emphasizes research skills, encouraging students to investigate historical sources and contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions about early music and instruments.

Moreover, the program fosters an understanding of the cultural and historical significance of early instruments within their societal contexts. Students will learn about the instruments’ roles in courtly, liturgical, and domestic settings, as well as their influence on the development of Western musical tradition. Collaborative projects, performances, and masterclasses form an integral part of the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Graduates of the Historical Instruments program are prepared for careers as early music performers, instrument makers and restorers, musicologists, or educators. They will possess a rich understanding of historical performance practices and technical expertise in handling period instruments, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and dissemination of early music heritage. Through intensive study and practical experience, students will emerge equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers in the diverse field of historical music performance.

Admission requirements

: To be admitted to HKU Utrechts Conservatorium you have to pass an entrance examination comprising a theoretical and a practical part. These exams are taken separately.

Other requirements

1. ingangstoets Om te kunnen studeren bij de HKU, dien je voor deze studie een toelatingstest te doen. Hierbij wordt bekeken of je over de juiste eigenschappen beschikt om succesvol een kunstopleiding te kunnen afronden. Daarnaast is deze toelatingstest voor jezelf een check dat je een studie kiest die bij je past.
2. ingangstoets : To be admitted to HKU Utrechts Conservatorium you have to pass an entrance examination comprising a theoretical and a practical part. These exams are taken separately.

The financing options for the Historical Instruments programme at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht are designed to accommodate a diverse student body, providing accessible pathways for international and domestic students alike. Students enrolled in this programme may qualify for a range of funding opportunities, including government grants, scholarships, and student loans, depending on their nationality and residency status. Dutch students are typically eligible for student financing through the Dutch government, which includes loans and grants that support living expenses and tuition fees. International students from the European Union may also have access to some scholarship opportunities and financial aid, although these are more limited compared to domestic students. Non-EU international students are generally responsible for covering their tuition and living costs, but they can explore external scholarships, private grants, or institution-specific financial support if available. The university sometimes offers scholarships based on academic achievement, talent, or financial need to support students in their studies. Moreover, students can consider part-time employment opportunities on or near the campus to supplement their income during their studies. The cost structure for the programme includes tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's residency status, and additional expenses such as accommodation, transportation, materials, and living costs. The programme's duration typically spans multiple years, and students are advised to plan their finances accordingly. The university provides detailed information on tuition fees and financial aid options on its official website and encourages prospective students to consult with the university's financial aid office for personalized guidance. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding bodies, arts and culture foundations, and international scholarship programs that support studies in historical instruments and related fields. Overall, the financial landscape for students in the Historical Instruments programme is structured to provide comprehensive support while encouraging independent financial planning and independence.

The Historical Instruments programme at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht offers students a comprehensive education in the history, preservation, and performance of historical musical instruments. This specialized field combines musicology, practical instrument training, and historical research to equip students with a deep understanding of music from different periods, particularly focusing on the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical eras. The programme aims to develop students' skills in playing period instruments, understanding their construction and acoustic properties, and interpreting historical performance practices authentically. Students learn to analyze historical sources, reconstruct original playing techniques, and apply modern insights to Historical performance. The curriculum includes courses in music history, organology, performance practice, and conservation techniques, often supplemented by practical workshops and ensemble performances. Students also gain experience in restoration and maintenance of antique instruments, preparing them for careers in museums, archives, instrument making, or as performers specializing in historically informed performance. The programme emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to connect historical research with practical skills. Collaborations with museums, research institutions, and performing ensembles enhance the educational experience, providing real-world context and opportunities for professional development. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as concert performers, researchers, instrument conservators, or educators. The programme typically requires a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training, and a final research project or performance. Its focus on authentic performance practices and historical context makes it a unique programme at the intersection of musicology, craft, and performance art, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of musical heritage.