Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

Paris, France

The Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP) is France’s preeminent institution for advanced professional training in classical music, dance, composition, and sound engineering.
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Frequently Asked Questions

CNSMDP is France’s flagship state conservatoire under the Ministry of Culture, with a 230-year legacy of training icons like Debussy and Messiaen. It merges ultra-selective training (acceptance rate: <5%) with unparalleled industry access (e.g., direct recruitment by Opéra de Paris) and cutting-edge facilities like IRCAM-linked electroacoustic labs.
Yes. All programs require B2/C1 proficiency (CEFR) for admission. Non-francophones must submit TCF/DELF/DALF scores. Intensive language support is provided pre-enrollment, but lectures, rehearsals, and assessments are exclusively in French.
EU/EEA students face no restrictions. Non-EU students may work up to 964 hours/year (60% of full-time) with a valid residency permit. However, the conservatoire discourages part-time work due to the program’s demanding schedule (30+ hrs/week).
Extremely. For 2023, ~1,200 applicants competed for 150 spots. Instrumental auditions involve 3+ contrasting works (e.g., Bach, contemporary), sight-reading, and oral exams. Dance applicants undergo technique classes and solo performances. Pre-screening recordings eliminate 80% of applicants.
Yes. After video pre-selection, finalists must audition in Paris. Exceptions are only made for geopolitical crises (e.g., Ukraine conflict) or documented medical emergencies, with live Zoom auditions under proctored conditions.
For Bachelor’s (DNSPM), applicants must be under 26. Master’s programs have no age cap, but most admitted students are 22–30. Exceptions require special permission from the Ministry of Culture.
The 24/7-secured campus (biometric access, patrols) is in a monitored cultural zone. However, students are advised to avoid isolated park areas at night. Free shuttle buses run until 1 AM between campus and metro stations.
A confidential Equality Officer handles complaints via a dedicated portal. Mandatory workshops cover French legal rights (e.g., Loi Schiappa). External mediators and psychological support are available.
CNSMDP covers instruments inside its facilities. Students must obtain private insurance (e.g., via MAAF) for transit/home use. The conservatoire partners with luthiers for discounted coverage.
No. Programs are specialized (e.g., "Jazz & Improvised Music" or "Classical Violin"). Cross-departmental electives exist (e.g., jazz rhythm for classical pianists), but double majors are institutionally prohibited.
All Bachelor’s students take 2 years of composition/analysis (4 hrs/week). Master’s performers can elect advanced courses in spectral music or electronic composition.
Only for select musicology modules. Performance/dance degrees require full-time, in-person attendance due to ensemble work and technical coaching.
Excellence Grants from Fondation Meyer (€10,000/yr) and Égalité des Chances (needs-based, covers 50–100% fees + stipend). Both require separate applications pre-enrollment.
Rarely. Only Sound Engineering and Music Education Masters offer alternance partnerships (e.g., with Radio France). 80% tuition is covered by the employer.
Top-tier awards (e.g., Bourse du Gouvernement Français) include €800/month stipends. Most students combine multiple aids (e.g., CROUS housing grants + conservatoire merit awards).
No. Priority is given for rooms at Cité Internationale Universitaire (15 mins by metro) or subsidized studios via Estudines. Average rent: €700–900/month.
5-min walk from Porte de Pantin (Métro 5). Rehearsal halls open 7 AM–11 PM. High-frequency night buses serve major districts (e.g., Châtelet, Gare du Nord).
Yes. 40 soundproofed cabins operate 24/7 with key-card access. Dance studios close at 11 PM.
Non-EU graduates receive a 1-year APS visa (renewable once). This allows freelance/contract work. After 2 years of stable income, you may apply for a Talent Passport visa (4 years).
Yes. Companies like Opéra National de Paris or Philharmonie sponsor Salarié visas for contracted roles. The conservatoire’s career center negotiates terms.
The Pépinière des Entrepreneurs program guides alumni in founding arts startups (e.g., ensembles, ed-tech). Grants up to €20,000 via French Tech Visa.

University Of Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris Application Statistics

1300
300
650
650
300
15
4:1
5 %
2.9

University Of Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris Application Statistics

1300
300
650
650
300
15
4:1
5 %
2.9

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  • 209 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France

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