Multifaceted, progressive, rhythmic performer program
The aim of the course is to train students in a wide range of music skills so that they can create their own place, excel and flourish in the ever-changing musical environment of the 21st century.
About the program
The Music, Innovation, Technology course is a dynamic, modern and progressive learning environment designed with the aim of meeting the diverse needs of modern musicians The wide range of performer studies in rhythmic music is offered: jazz; rock/pop; song and lyric writing; and sound art, sound processing and sound technology for non-traditional instruments The main focus, however, is on providing high-quality guidance in the most important aspects when it comes to maximizing work in today's ever-changing and multifaceted music world. Thus, students develop a comprehensive ability and ability to excel when the professionalism takes over. The program is flexible, encouraging personal artistic collaboration and collaboration not only across study paths and departments within the University of Art, but across and within the university environment as a whole, thereby increasing the artistic broadness and understanding of students in their entire field of music.
Study structure
The program is a three-year BMus (performers) program (180 ECTS) Five skill criteria have been specifically defined and are taught across areas of focus: tonal and acoustic, critical artistic vision, knowledge of the working environment of music, creative music through the latest technology, and the ability to establish, and maintain, collaborations with other musicians and artists in the country and abroad. These skills are trained in an innovative and diverse way through courses, interaction groups and special projects of different kinds There will be frequent visits from domestic and foreign and musicians who will share their wisdom and art with students in a dynamic form.
After completing his studies
At the end of their studies, students possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to tackle the many exciting tasks that a modern music environment has to offer and create a unique position there with a personal and progressive style The degree of study provides access to ongoing studies in master's level music, whether in the field of performers, teaching, or innovation of any kind in music.
The application for a program at the Iceland Academy of the Arts is filled out in the application portal. The application process is in two steps: in the first step, the application is filled in with supporting documents and the application fee is paid. The second step is the admission process.
If the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements for study programs is below the minimum criteria will not be included in the course for the coming school year. Are applicants informed of this as soon as possible and the registration fee refunded, if it has been paid.
January 14, 2026
13 April 2026
May /June 2026
The applicant must fill out an electronic application in the application portal. The application must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
A cover letter or similar material in video format, a minimum of 300 words describing their artistic vision and goals, as well as a statement to the effect that they undertake to study according to the requirements made to students at university level.
In the cover letter, it must be stated, among other things, which of the following areas of focus the applicant is most interested in. The admissions committee will take the focus area into account in the entrance exam.
The areas of focus are:
Applicants are asked to submit a certified copy of a diploma from secondary school as well as a study history summary from a music school if applicable. Scan originals of diplomas and attach them to the application. Get certified copies of diplomas with stamps from the relevant school, scan and attach to the application. Get a certified copy of the previous music education if applicable (copy of the latest a pass exam that has been passed) with a stamp from the relevant school, scan and attach to the application.
The application must be accompanied by links to video recording, either with two original songs/works that illustrate their personal approach to music, or free improvisation (note that the applicant must be visible on the recording at all times and the recording must not be edited anywhere).
The admission process takes place in three stages.
The admissions committee evaluates submitted recordings and promotional letters of the applicants.
The candidates who have been selected for the future are invited to an interview and a trial match in accordance with their request for a focus area (note that the admissions committee could, in some cases and after the trial, recommend that the applicant change focus area).
Interviews and test matches will take place on May 11 and 12, and 20 minutes can be expected for each applicant.
a) jazz
The applicant plays two jazz „standarda“ that differ from each other in style and tempo (from „jazz songbook“) as well as one jazz-style Icelandic song or composition of their own The applicant must provide accompaniment/playbacking track himself for all the works selected above.
b) pop/rock
The applicant performs two songs (cover or songs of their own) on their main instrument (or sung) that illustrate their personal approach to music (to their own live accompaniment, to an accompaniment of a recording, with their own orchestra, or looper, etc).
c) songwriting
The applicant performs three original songs on his main instrument or in a way that describes the person's personal musical approach. Text sheets must be included in pdf format. The applicant must himself provide accompaniment/playbacking track for all the works selected above.
d) rhythmic sound art
The applicant performs a piece on his main instrument (which may or may not be a controller or other device), original or not. His own composition shall describe the person's personal musical approach Then it is offered to perform free improvisation.
Application results are announced in May/June 2026.
Admission requirements