Head of Classical department

Due to the departure of the current Head, there is a vacancy for the position of Head of the Classical Department.

As Head of the Classical Music Department, you lead an ambitious and dynamic department, renowned for its distinguished faculty of performing experts and its pioneering artistic projects. You provide inspirational and forward-thinking leadership, articulating a clear artistic and pedagogical vision across the full breadth of the classical music field. The program embraces the many dimensions of the classical domain — from symphonic, ensemble, solo, and chamber music to interdisciplinary collaborations, innovative artistic projects, and research-oriented practices — all grounded in both historical and contemporary repertoire. Building on the strengths of the existing curriculum, you further develop it into a forward-looking, distinctive, and internationally connected program that reflects the latest developments in the professional landscape. As Head of the department, you combine strategic and organizational vision with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team. Your leadership is transparent, collegial, and supportive, fostering ownership and cooperation among staff and students alike. As a manager of the department. You bring analytical as well as practical skills enabling you to translate ideas into practical implementation.

Responsibilities

The Head of the Classical Department combines strong management skills with clear direction and inspirational leadership for the development of the classical music programmes in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.

As Head you will:

• Lead the department, aimed at strengthening the profile and improving the quality of education, in line with the mission and vision of the Royal Conservatoire, while securing a smooth and clear departmental organisation.

• Further develop the current educational course into a progressive and distinctive programme, closely connected to the latest developments in professional practice.

• Formulate and implement a clear vision on project-based education, international collaboration, and student-centered learning.

• Lead enhancement and change processes within the department.

• Identify and foster opportunities for cooperation and joint curriculum development within the IN.TUNE alliance.

• Ensure balanced, high-quality teaching teams that are committed to the study programmes and their educational philosophy.

• Oversee the daily management and implementation of education, supported by education and project coordinators for organisational and production matters.

• Share responsibility for the Royal Conservatoire’s education and research policies together with the other Heads of Department and advising management on educational development.

• Collaborate closely with supporting services such as Marketing & Communication, Quality Culture, Finance, and HR.

• Maintain and further develop an extensive (inter)national professional network.

Job requirements

• A clear vision on international developments in classical music and the ability to translate this into an innovative curriculum, with a strong commitment to continuous development at both department and conservatoire level.

• Insight into current developments in the performing arts and higher music education, including artistic research and professional preparation of students.

• A strong, relevant national and international network, and the willingness to use it for the benefit of the department.

• Familiarity with higher music education (Higher Professional Education level).

• including curriculum development, artistic research, and professional preparation of students;

• Experience with the financial and business aspects of arts education, including budgeting, fundraising, and grant applications.

• Excellent communication skills in English and Dutch, or the willingness to acquire these languages quickly.