Who can apply?

Malko Academy for Young Conductors is open to young musicians aged 18-25 and resident in one of the countries mentioned below. The Academy is designed for young musicians with exceptional musical talent and the ability to play a classical musical instrument or to sing at a very high level. Furthermore, applicants should be able to manage time well and should flourish under high demands.

Applicants do not need to have previous experience in conducting, but must show sufficient promise and should have a strong desire to one day become a top class professional conductor. In the Academy, we will focus on giving each student a solid foundation for studying conducting at a major conservatory. Therefore, the academy is not designed for musicians already studying conducting or having semi-professional experience as a conductor.

The entrance examinations to the class 2022-2024 took place in June 2022. 

Residents of the following countries were able to apply

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic (Czechia)
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom

The working language of all lessons is English.

FAQ

How time-consuming is the education at the Academy?
You will have to be present in Copenhagen on the dates mentioned in the schedule. On top of that, you should expect to be studying on your own for at least 20 hours per week. Your development depends on your commitment to conducting.

I am currently studying at a conservatory - will I be able to combine this with the Malko Academy?
It should be possible. Many of our former students have followed an instrumental or vocal course at a conservatory while studying with us. But you should be prepared to be working very hard in these two years! 

I have read the schedule for the season 2022-2023, but there are several dates when I cannot come to Copenhagen. Would it make sense for me to apply?
No. The curriculum is very intense and the dates are fixed. You would get behind in the classes without possibility of catching up. We therefore reserve the right to exclude any student who fails to attend in Copenhagen on the scheduled dates, without prior agreement or legal reason. 

How is the atmosphere at the Academy? What can I expect? 
On the one hand, the Academy-schedule is very demanding and we expect you to work hard. On the other, we believe, that talent is best developed in a friendly atmosphere, that creates space for experiments, curiosity, and a confident journey towards new goals. In Danish culture, professionalism, a strong work ethic, openness and friendliness go hand in hand. 

If I pass the entrance examination and enter the Academy, will I be expected to follow a conducting-career afterwards? 
No. You are obliged to study and develop to the very best of your abilities while you are studying at the Academy. What you do afterwards is up to you. 

I already have solid experience in conducting - can I apply?
No. At the Malko Academy for Young Conductors we focus on giving each student a good foundation for future studies. If you already accepted for studying conducting at a conservatory, the Academy will not be right for you.

I am a gifted jazz/rock/pop musician but have limited experience in classical music – can I apply?
Unfortunately not. To be accepted at the entrance examinations, you have to be a classical musician on a very high level. 

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