Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel – Where tradition and innovation meet
At the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, artistic and academic research is at the heart of what we do. Our research embraces both our rich artistic heritage—dating back to 1832—and a continuous quest for innovation. We consciously operate at the exciting intersection of tradition and renewal, guided by sharp observation, in-depth analysis, and a profound understanding of context. This critical research mindset is embedded in all our programmes, from the Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music and Musical Theatre to the Educational Master’s program.
Art as research: Where creation and reflection converge
Artistic research is about the practice itself. Creation and performance take center stage, making the research process inseparable from artistic excellence. The artist-researcher uncovers the deeper layers of their practice, critically examines them, and shares new insights freely with peers. These results are disseminated through a variety of innovative formats and channels, challenging and redefining conventional perspectives.
Making knowledge accessible for the future
Artistic research is not only about refining an art form; it is also the key to unlocking new knowledge and skills. We aim to share this wealth of explicit and implicit knowledge with both the artistic and academic communities.
Our Research Domains: Pioneering on four fronts
The Royal Conservatory of Brussels has defined four key research domains that shape all our projects:
- The artistic process: creation, performance, improvisation
- Organology
- Brussels and international contextualization
- The synergy between technology and creation
A dynamic research community
At the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, around forty passionate researchers—including faculty members, assistants, and PhD students—collaborate within various research groups.
- Performance Practice (Collective Creation, RES#19+, and Historical Performance Practices)
- Music Writing, Composition, and Musicology
- Musical Theatre
- Jazz, Improvised, and Popular Music
- The Pedagogy of the Artist
Here, you will find the space to pioneer, create, and share your artistic vision with the world. Become part of a community where tradition and innovation embrace each other, and new artistic horizons are explored.
Research projects
The Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel offers the opportunity to pursue doctoral research. If you hold a Master’s degree (in the Arts) and are a musician, you can initiate your own research trajectory, with the conservatory serving as your research environment. The Doctorate in the Arts is offered in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), which also awards the degrees. To begin a doctoral program at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel, candidates must go through a selection process consisting of three screenings.
