The Department of Keyboard Instruments creates an inspiring learning biotope for young keyboard artists, in which tradition and innovation go hand in hand. The development of each student's individual professional profile is the main focus and is supported by a technical mastery of the instrument, knowledge of the repertoire, creative skills and a healthy work ethic.
The backbone of the programme is formed by an international team of teachers, each with their own artistic and pedagogical uniqueness. On top of the intensive one-to-one relationship between main instrument teacher and student, master classes with international grandmasters are organized every year. The programme also maintains fruitful collaborations with renowned institutions such as Vleeshuis (pianoforte and harpsichord), Pianoatelier Maene, Sint-Laurentiuskerk Antwerp (organ), etc.
A strong curriculum accompanies and nourishes the thorough study in the main discipline. The student has lessons in chamber music, an initiation in one or more related keyboard instruments, specific literature study per instrument and a learning path in improvisation and applied keyboard practice. Entrepreneurial and creative competences are actively encouraged in the master's programme through the subjects Entrepreneurship and Creative Project. In turn, internships and Musician's Practice offer a direct learning experience in the professional field. All this is supported at bachelor's level by a basic package of theoretical education. Research runs as a red thread through the curriculum from Bachelor 1 to Master 2.
Within the Department of Keyboard Instruments, we offer five main disciplines: piano, harpsichord, organ, pianoforte, and accordion.
After a three-year Bachelor's programme, you continue your education with a two-year Master's programme. Below you will find the master's programmes for each discipline.
Discipline
| Accordion | Option education** | Option instrument | |
| Harpsichord | Option education** | Option instrument | |
| Organ | Option education** | Option instrument | |
| Pianoforte | Option education** | Option instrument | |
| Piano* | Option education** | Option solo piano | Option chamber music & accompaniment |
After completing your master studies, you can further perfect your skills in one of the postgraduate courses: concert soloist or chamber music (with a focus on chamber music or accompaniment).
* NEW from academic year 2023-2024: As a piano master's student, you can choose from five focuses, based on your personal profile. Within each focus, the basic package is supplemented by specific electives. Click here to read more about the different options and focuses.
** Click here to read more about the Educational Master's in Music.