top of page
Anchor 1
The Violin Conservatory Logo White.png

Master of Fine Arts in Violin, Classical and Alternative Performance, Recording and Contemporary Career Development

​
Eduard Schmieder.jpg

Eduard Schmieder

Honorary Chairman

Interested in more information? Submit the form:

Thanks for submitting. Be sure to check your spam folder.

Screen Shot 2018-10-10 at 2.30.59 PM.png
Students from the United States can request information about Financial Aid at info@eafa.iamu.edu

Now Enrolling for 2022:

9 Contemporary Modules

Designed in consultation with violinists, conductors, pedagogues and mix engineers from around the world, we've crafted the ultimate 54-credit Masters program for modern violinists

Violinist

Module 1
Solo Classical Violin

Students pursue bespoke individual Violin study at the Academy with a distinguished resident performing artist, full time or utilizing the low residency programme option at approved localities with one of our faculty artists in the student’s country/city of choice/residence.  Throughout the duration of this course module, students will refine their solo performance practices, artistry and techniques, developing and improving their interpretive skills through consideration, reflection and the application of current practice styles across a broad range of Violin repertoire (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist, avant-garde).

Can't move to Sofia for a year? Check out our unique Low-Residency option for this degree programme.

Eduard Schmieder.jpg

OUR PROFESSORS

Florin Croitoru.jpg
Conrad Chow.jpg

6 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Six merit-based scholarships offered to qualifying students as determined by the Admissions Board. No additional scholarship applications. All accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships.

Violin Shop

First Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

Violin Shop

Second Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

Violin Shop

Third Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

Violin Shop

Fourth Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

Violin Shop

Fifth Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

Violin Shop

Sixth Scholarship

€3,000

Amount:

  • Explanation of Educational Hierarchy
    European Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia is an Instructional Site of Irish American University, oferring a 1) Master of Fine Arts in Music for Motion Pictures and Contemporary Media at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe and 2) MFA in Piano Performance, Recording and Contemporary Career Development at The Piano Academy.
  • What's the difference between an MFA and MA?
    An MFA (Master of Fine Arts), alongside a PhD, is considered to be a terminal degree (especially in the United States) whereas an MA (Master of Arts) is considered to be a stepping stone to doctoral study. A substantial portion of an MFA programme is comprised of applied, practice-based activities and production, whereas an MA will usually give greater weight to traditional academic study and research. Many universities accept an MFA as a qualifier comparable to a PhD for professorship and tenure.
  • There are so many Masters programs in Film Scoring out there these days. Why choose the Film Scoring Academy of Europe?
    Simply put, we offer the most comprehensive recording portfolio opportunities of any of the world's film scoring masters degree programs. Our faculty have an extensive history in education and industry practice. Living expenses in Sofia are a fraction of the cost of other cities such as Valencia, Los Angeles, Boston, London, or New York City.
  • When is the application deadline?
    The Admissions Board will review applications and issue admissions decisions every month. The application portal will close as soon as the MFA programme has reached capacity with accepted and enrolled candidates. There is no application deadline, but composers are advised to submit an application as soon as they are able, in order to avoid the risk of losing an opportunity to be selected for the 2020 MFA class.
  • Does the European Academy of Fine Arts provide financial aid?
    At the moment, the European Academy of Fine Arts does not provide institutional financial aid, but grants four (4) merit-based scholarships of €5,000 to deserving students as determined by the admissions board, two (2) merit-based scholarships of €2,500 to deserving students who participate in the Film Scoring Summer Program and wish to transition into the MFA Programme, and one (1) merit-based scholarship of €2,500 to one of the Top 10 Finalists of the Oticons Faculty International Film Music Competition. In order to be eligible to be considered for a scholarship, you must pay your tuition deposit on or before the advertised date, as listed in the Scholarships section on the MFA page. For United States students, Financial Aid is available! Please inquire at info@eafa.iamu.edu
  • Do I need a Visa to participate in an MFA at the European Academy of Fine Arts?
    Students coming from within the EU will not need a student Visa. They'll simply enter the country and apply for a residence permit after they arrive. Students coming from outside the EU will need a student Visa. Student visas will be coordinated with the Visa department at NATFA.
  • Who are the musicians that play on the recording sessions?
    The European Academy of Fine Arts partners with the European Recording Orchestra (ERO) for all recording sessions. The European Recording Orchestra (ERO) is a contemporary orchestra based in Sofia, Bulgaria specializing in studio recording for film, TV, and other contemporary mediums and styles. Comprised of some of the finest orchestral session musicians from approximately one dozen countries across Eastern Europe, the European Recording Orchestra (ERO) regularly records at Bulgarian National Radio Studio 1, Doli Media Studio, and the Sofia Session Studio.
  • I'm from the USA; how can I apply for Financial Aid through FAFSA?
    Accepted students from the United States will be given individual support on how to apply for financial aid via the FAFSA. If you have an immediate question on this subject, please email us at info@eafa.iamu.edu
  • Do I need to stay in Sofia for Semester 3 (Major Project), or can I go home?"
    Student presence in the coursework Semesters 1 and 2 is required, but not required for Semester 3, which means you can go home (or anywhere!) to complete your Major Project. All submissions for the Major Project can be sent remotely. You do have the option of staying in Sofia for Semester 3, if you wish.
  • Is Sofia a nice place to live?
    Sofia is a beautiful place to live! The cuisine is lovely, it is home to an incredible amount of culture, and its proximity to other countries and wonderful cities throughout Eastern Europe is a major plus. If you are not familiar with the Bulgarian traditions in music, you should definitely do some research! We're proud to call this lovely city our home.
  • What is the Film Scoring Summer Program?
    The Film Scoring Summer Program is a 3.5 week film scoring summer course with 4 recording sessions, 4-star hotel accommodation, and 5 days with Christopher Young, all in the beach town of Varna, Bulgaria. 2 scholarship opportunities are available to alumni of the Film Scoring Summer Program who are accepted onto the MFA programme at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. More information at the Film Scoring Summer Program website.
  • How do I prove Music Theory Proficiency?
    Simply submit copies of all degrees and/or certifications in music that you have achieved with your application, and detail their level of study in Music Theory. If applicable, attached proof of additional study in Music Theory.
  • If I'm accepted, do I need to apply for the Scholarships?"
    No. All accepted students (who meet the deposit requirements for each scholarship) are automatically considered by the Admissions Board for the scholarships. No extra applications are necessary.
FAQ Anchor
bottom of page