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Skoða vefinn á ÍslenskuMusic x Innovation x Technology B.Mus
Multifaceted, progressive, rhythmic performance training
The goal of the program is to train students in a broad range of musical skills so that they can create their own niche, excel, and flourish in the ever-changing musical environment of the 21st century.
About the programme
The Music, Innovation, Technology program is a dynamic, modern and progressive learning environment designed to meet the diverse needs of contemporary musicians. A wide range of performance studies in rhythmic music is offered: jazz; rock/pop; songwriting and lyric writing; and sound art, sound processing and sound technology for non-traditional instruments. However, the main focus is on providing high-quality guidance in the areas that are most important when it comes to working in today's ever-changing and diverse music world. In this way, students develop comprehensive skills and the ability to excel when the profession takes over. The program is flexible, encouraging a personal artistic approach, while at the same time offering professional collaboration and cooperation not only across study programs and departments within the Academy of the Arts, but across and within the university environment as a whole. In this way, students' artistic horizons increase and their understanding deepens. Close connections with the working environment of professional musicians and encouragement for lifelong learning further enable them to develop their music in line with contemporary trends and trends. Teachers, who are working and leading artists in their fields, communicate their experience in a tangible way directly to students throughout the entire program, thus maximizing the quality of the study.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The program is a three-year BMus (Performance) program (180 ECTS). Five competency standards have been specifically defined and are taught across focus areas: musicology and acoustics, critical artistic vision, knowledge of the music working environment, creative music through the latest technology, and the ability to establish and maintain collaboration with other musicians and artists at home and abroad. These skills are trained in an innovative and diverse way through courses, collaborative groups and special projects of various kinds. There will also be frequent visits from domestic and foreign musicians and artists who will share their wisdom and art with students in a dynamic format.
After graduation
At the end of the program, students will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to tackle the many exciting projects that the contemporary music environment has to offer and create a unique position for themselves with a personal and progressive style. The degree provides access to continuing studies in music at the master's level, whether in the field of performance, teaching, or any kind of innovation in music.
Application and admission process
An application for studies at the Iceland University of the Arts is completed in the application portal. The application process consists of two steps: in the first step, the application is completed with supporting documents and the application fee is paid. The second step is the admissions process.
If the number of applicants meeting the admission requirements for the study programme falls below the minimum threshold, the programme will not be offered for the upcoming academic year. Applicants will be informed of this decision as soon as possible, and any confirmation fees paid will be refunded.
Open for applications
January 14th, 2026
Application deadline
April 13th, 2026
Applicants notified
May / June 2026
Price list
Instructions
The applicant must fill out an electronic application in the application portal. The application must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
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1. Cover letter or video
RequiredA cover letter or equivalent material in video format, a minimum of 300 words, describing their artistic vision and goals, as well as a statement that they are committed to pursuing studies according to the requirements set for students at the university level.
The cover letter must state, among other things, which of the following areas of focus the applicant is most interested in. The admissions committee will take the area of focus into consideration during the admissions test.
The areas of focus are:
- jazz
- pop/rock
- songwriting
- rhythmic sound art
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2. Diploma
RequiredApplicants are asked to submit a certified copy of their high school diploma as well as a curriculum vitae from a music school, if applicable. Scan originals of diplomas and attach them to the application. Get a certified copy of the diplomas with a stamp from the relevant school, scan and attach to the application. Get a certified copy of your previous music studies if applicable (copy of the most recent level exam that has been completed) with a stamp from the relevant school, scan and attach to the application.
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3. Links
RequiredThe application must be accompanied by links to a video recording, either with two original songs/works that illustrate their personal approach to music, or free improvisation (note: the applicant must be visible in the recording at all times and the recording must not be edited anywhere).
Admission process
Admission process takes place in three stages.
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1. Evaluation of submitted supporting documents
RequiredThe admissions committee evaluates the applicants' submitted transcripts and cover letters.
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2. Auditions and interviews
RequiredThose applicants who have been selected to continue are invited for an interview and audition in accordance with their preferred area of focus (note: the admissions committee may, in some cases and after the audition, recommend that the applicant change their area of focus).
Interviews and auditions will take place on May 11th and 12th and will take approximately 30 minutes for each applicant.
a) jazz
The applicant plays two jazz standards that differ in style and tempo (from a jazz songbook) plus one Icelandic song in a jazz style or their own composition. Accompaniment will be provided, but song names and sheet music must be sent five days in advance.
b) pop/rock
The applicant performs two songs (covers or original songs) on their main instrument (or sung) that are representative of their personal approach to music (with their own live accompaniment, with a recording accompaniment, with their own band, or looper, etc.). If none of the above applies, accompaniment will be offered, but a so-called "lead sheet" must be sent five days in advance.
c) songwriting
The applicant performs three original songs on their primary instrument or in a manner that reflects their personal musical approach. Lyrics in pdf format must be included.
d) rhythmic sound art
The applicant performs a piece on their primary instrument (which could be a controller or other device), original or not. The original composition should reflect the applicant's personal musical approach. Free improvisation is also encouraged.
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3. Results announced
Application results are announced in May/June 2026.
Admission requirements
General admission requirements are a matriculation examination, a final exam from an upper secondary school at the third qualification level,
equivalent to a degree from a foreign upper secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits from
recognized university. Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and certified copies of
of the curriculum vitae.
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.
which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school. See more details on "Exceptions for Admission"
Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.
the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation with
department heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants.
Exceptions from general admission requirements:
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience.
which is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor's degree at the school.
Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply for an exemption if they
completed, for example, numerous credits at the secondary school level, completed other final exams such as at the 4th grade.
level of proficiency or have other preparation that can prepare the person for study at
university level in the relevant study programme. Applications for exemption from general
admission requirements are assessed by professionals within the relevant department. The result of the assessment of
exemption applications is final. When assessing applications, interacting factors are taken into account, including
taking into account grades in secondary school studies, education in the arts, further education,
work experience and participation in community service. Each case is examined separately and may interact
these factors may have affected the outcome. Applicants are encouraged to explain all of this
which they believe can be used to support their application for exemption from general admission requirements
advancement.
Admissions committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams.
the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation with
department heads and admissions committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants.