In the JVLMA Composition study programme, learn the art of composing by unlocking your innovative skills and learning the foundations of creative work. Not only are the lecturers highly-skilled teaching staff, but, in addition to teaching activities, they also actively carry out artistic self-expression, gaining recognition both at local and international level.
The creative activities of students cover not only the study process but also participation in artistic projects – the JVLMA contemporary music festival deciBels, the chamber music competition supported by the Pēters Vasks Foundation, cooperation concerts with the JVLMA's mixed choir and future conductors. As a result, the new compositions get the publicity needed for the composer's work, lead to contacts with recording artists and audiences, and are thereby assessed not only by the teachers, but also the wider public.
Most graduates of the Composition Department continue their creative work. We read their names on the posters of Latvian and foreign professional music groups, Song Celebration programmes, song sheets and CD covers; they receive the Grand Music and international competition awards; without them, the cultural space of Latvian music would be unthinkable. The qualification of a teacher in theoretical subjects opens up job opportunities in music schools for graduates.
Composer and first rector, Jāzeps Vītols, is the founder of the JVLMA School of Composition. His students – Jānis Ivanovs, Ādolfs Skulte, Valentīns Utkins – have been taught by composition professors such as Ģederts Ramans, Romualds Kalsons, Pauls Dambis, Peteris Plakidis and Juris Karlsons. In turn, the current department lecturers have studied under the leadership of these composers and teachers, thereby highlighting the features of the Latvian School of Composition, characterised by extensive stylistic and technological diversity.
Upon successful graduation of a Bachelor’s study programme "Music and Performing Arts" a Professional Bachelor's degree in Music, is conferred upon a student, together with the sixth level professional qualification.
The integral curriculum of the Bachelor's studies, which in addition to academic and professional training courses also include the courses required for teaching, provides all graduates the corresponding pedagogical qualification (teacher of piano playing, violin playing, choral conducting, music theory, dance, etc.). Considering the requirements of
today's labour market, a number of study programmes allow students the option to obtain the right to work in a music school as a teacher of a different subject (to teach piano playing, music theory, a related wind instrument, etc.) as an elective course.
Upon completion of a Professional Master's degree programme a graduate is granted a Professional Master's degree in Music or Choreography. Upon successful graduation from the Academic Master's degree programme, a Master of Arts degree in Humanities is conferred.
At the end of academic doctorate studies, students receive a statement regarding the acquisition of a doctorate study programme and, after successfully defending the promotional work, obtains a doctoral diploma and a degree of Doctor of Arts (Dr. Art.).
