Historical Performance

The European Master of Early Music (EMEM) is an international joint master’s programme created in collaboration between the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts in Brno and the Royal Conservatoire The Hague — one of the world’s leading institutions in the field of early music. The programme offers a unique opportunity to study within two outstanding artistic environments while becoming part of a vibrant international community of performers, researchers and educators. 

EMEM is designed for highly motivated young artists seeking to deepen their artistic identity, develop an individual interpretative voice and gain professional experience within an international context. The programme combines historically informed performance, artistic research and professional practice with intensive individual tuition, ensemble collaboration and interdisciplinary artistic projects. 

Students benefit from the complementary strengths of both partner institutions. In The Hague, they experience one of the oldest and most internationally recognised early music departments in Europe, known for its innovative educational approach, broad instrumental specialisation and strong focus on artistic research and professional integration. In Brno, students work in a dynamic and highly individualised artistic environment with intensive one-to-one teaching, regular performance opportunities and a strong emphasis on ensemble practice and concert production. 

The programme is structured as a truly international learning experience, allowing students to build international artistic connections already throughout their studies. Public performances, collaborative projects, masterclasses and international artistic exchanges form an essential part of the curriculum and prepare graduates for a flexible and creative professional career in today’s international early music scene. 

EMEM welcomes students specialising in historical violin, historical violoncello, lute and early plucked instruments, harpsichord and historical keyboard instruments, traverso, recorder and historical voice. The programme provides an inspiring environment for artistic growth, critical reflection and international collaboration at the highest professional level.

A new follow-up master’s study program called “Historical Performance” admits no more than two applicants in total for the following instruments: historical violin, historical violoncello, lute, historical flute, harpsichord, historical keyboard instruments, and historical voice.