The Karol Lipiński Academy of Music

For college-age trombonists looking to combine high-level musical training with an inspiring artistic environment, Wrocław offers a unique opportunity. As the third-largest city in Poland and one of the country’s most important cultural centers, Wrocław has become an international destination for classical music, regularly welcoming some of the world’s leading orchestras and artists.

Ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Staatskapelle Dresden, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and many others have performed in the city, creating an exceptional musical atmosphere for students pursuing professional careers.

At the center of higher music education in Wrocław stands the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music (AMKL), one of Poland’s leading conservatories. Since its founding in 1948, the Academy has trained generations of performers, educators, and orchestral musicians.

A Collaborative Trombone Studio

The trombone faculty at AMKL consists of Tomasz Hajda, Wojciech Prokopowicz, and myself. Students are admitted into one studio but are actively encouraged to work with every member of the faculty, allowing them to develop artistic flexibility and a broader musical perspective.

The curriculum combines individual artistic development with practical professional training. Students receive intensive instruction in:

  • solo repertoire with piano
  • orchestral excerpts
  • chamber music
  • symphony orchestra and wind band performance

AMKL offers:

  • a three-year undergraduate program
  • a two-year master’s program
  • and a doctoral program

Learning from International Artists

One of the strengths of the program is its international orientation. In recent years, students have worked with distinguished guest artists and professors including Jörgen van Rijen (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Conservatorium van Amsterdam), Mark Hampson (Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf), José Antonio Cubas (Madrid Royal Conservatory of Music), Michael Mulcahy (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Northwestern University), and Arno Tri Pramudia (Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, University of Gothenburg).

Students have also participated in Erasmus BIP programs organized in collaboration with the Madrid Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Music and Theatre Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Leipzig, further strengthening the Academy’s European network and international profile.

Facilities Designed for Artistic Growth

In recent years, the Academy has significantly expanded and modernized its facilities to provide students with excellent conditions for study and performance. AMKL includes:

  • a 300-seat symphonic concert hall
  • a chamber music hall
  • and a theater hall

all of which regularly host concerts, masterclasses, festivals, and artistic projects involving both students and internationally recognized performers.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Graduates of the trombone program currently perform in Polish musical institutions such as the Wrocław Philharmonic, Wrocław Opera, National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jelenia Góra Philharmonic, Zielona Góra Philharmonic, Częstochowa Philharmonic, Lublin Philharmonic, Sinfonia Iuventus, and Opera Nova.

Admissions and Tuition

Undergraduate Requirements and Exam Structure

Round 1

  • Legato and non-legato scales and arpeggios (chosen by the examination commission)
  • A concerto or solo work performed with piano accompaniment
  • Two contrasting etudes demonstrating technical proficiency

Round 2

  • Sight-Reading of etudes and pieces chosen by the examination commission

Graduate Requirements and Exam Structure

Round 1

  • A concerto or solo work performed with piano accompaniment (all repertoire should be stylistically contrasting)
  • A sonata or another work based on a cyclic form (suite, partita, variations, etc.)

Round 2

  • Colloquium testing the candidate’s knowledge of the field of study (oral examination)

Doctoral Requirements and Exam Structure

Round 1

  • Assessment of artistic achievements (without the participation of the candidate)

Round 2

  • Admission interview regarding the planned doctoral thesis defence and an assessment of humanities-related competencies

Round 3

  • Assessment of artistic presentation (live performance)

Important dates

Auditions dates for the 2026–2027 academic year are:

  • June 23-24, 2026: Undergraduate program
  • June 22, 2026: Graduate program
  • September 16-18, 2026: Doctoral program

Deadlines for document submission are:

  • April, 1 – June 12, 2026: Undergraduate program
  • April, 1 – June 12, 2026: Graduate program
  • until September 7, 2026: Doctoral program

Polish nationals and citizens of European Union member states accepted into the undergraduate or master’s programs receive full tuition coverage.

Complete information regarding the audition process can be found here (EN)  here (PL)

If you have any questions about the program, the city, or studying at AMKL, please feel free to contact me.