Working in Amsterdam
Studying at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam is quite demanding. However, many students manage to combine study and work. Furthermore, it is important to have an entrepreneurial attitude and knowledge of entrepreneurship for a successful start on the labor market.
Curious about what our students have to say about this subject? Then watch the video below.
>CvA-studenten vertellen je over hun ervaring met studeren en werken.
International students
Working while studying
If you want to work alongside your studies while staying in the Netherlands, there are several things to consider. Do you need a work permit when you are self-employed? How about when you do an internship?
In their flyer Working while studying in the Netherlands the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment answers these questions and more.
EU/EEA students
Residents of EU/EEA countries do not normally need a work permit, they are allowed to work in the Netherlands.
Non-EU/EEA students
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a Dutch residence permit may work a maximum of 16 hours a week or fulltime in June, July and August. Employers need to obtain a work permit for eligible residents from outside the EU/EEA.
Please note: When you are working alongside your studies as an international student, it is likely you are obligated to have a Dutch basic health insurance. More information can be found on Study in NL.
The AHK entrepreneurship programme
Arts & Entrepreneurship
Many CvA students already work on a self-employed basis during their studies or start working on a self-employed basis immediately after completing their studies. Many alumni will most likely work with short term employment contracts. An entrepreneurial attitude and knowledge of entrepreneurship are thus essential for a successful career, both within and outside one’s own discipline, as a self-employed person and/or in a hybrid professional practice. Within the AHK a lot of attention is therefore paid to entrepreneurship. You can read more about this mission here.
AHK Starterscafé
Het AHK Starterscafé is a pop-up café located at the AHK Culture Club that connects students and alumni from all the academies by discussing different aspects of entrepreneurship. It is a platform to network with others and that offers workshops given by professionals that work in the arts and cultural sector. You can find the current training offer here.
BeroepKunstenaar
Especially for AHK students and alumni the online knowledge base BeroepKunstenaar was founded. Here you can find practical information about the business aspect of working in the arts and cultural sector, such as funding projects, informatie about tax return and legal affairs. Go to the BeroepKunstenaar for more information.
CvA Booking Agency
Through the CvA Booking Agency, students of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam can be booked for a concert or contribution to an event. Within all music genres there is a demand for soloists, ensembles and (big)bands to perform live on any occasion imaginable.
The CvA has appointed sessions in the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Paradiso, the Bimhuis and the Royal Concertgebouw, among other places. CvA students are also in popular demand internationally. Click here for a complete overview of venues where CvA students are engaged.
Contact
Interested? Contact your departmental coordinator:
Raphaela Danksagmüller classical
Bas van Otterloo jazz
Elske van der Linden pop music
Fair Practice Code
The Fair Practice Code
The Fair Practice Code is a code of conduct for doing business and working in the arts, culture and creative industry. The code invites critical reflection and offers guidance on how the sector can collectively establish a future-proof labour market and professional practice. The latest version (January 2019) of the Fair Practice Code can be found online at: http://www.fairpracticecode.nl.
What is ‘Fair’ anyway? Do the online Quickscan!
On the www.fairpracticecode.nl website you can find an online Quickscan that helps you think through ten questions about the core values on which the code is based, and how you act accordingly. As you work through the scan, you will find links to existing protocols in collective labour agreements, fee guidelines, training and much more. A wealth of information, which is continuously updated.