The CvA was founded in 1994 as a result of a fusion of the Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam and the Hilversums Conservatorium and functions as the Music Faculty of the Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten. It is located just next to the Museumplein, and opposite the Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum. You can take tram numbers 2-3-5-12 and get off at Paulus Potterstraat/ Van Baerlestraat.

Both in the Bachelor's and the Master's programmes students have the opportunity to make individual choices and follow their own course of study. The Conservatory’s students perform concerts in various auditoriums, including the Conservatory in the Van Baerlestraat, and the Bachzaal, Bachstraat 7. Usually the concerts are free, for some there is a subscription list.

The full course consists of two phases: a 4-year Bachelor's phase and a 2-year Master's degree programme where a limited number of students are accepted. Both degree programmes constitute a preparation for those wishing to have a professional career as a performer, teacher or a composer.

At the CvA one has choice between the following courses in the field of professional musical training: a Bachelor/Master Programmes in classical music and jazz; a Bachelor of Music; preparatory courses in collaboration with secondary education and music schools; part-time course Music in Education; as well as special education – Young Talent Division, refresher and follow-up courses, contract education and Master of Music in Music Theory (together with the Universiteit van Amsterdam).

During the academic year the CvA organises plenty of projects, masterclasses and presentations. These activities are important as they provide students with the opportunity to perform in public. Evening group recitals, lunchtime concerts as well as other concert series, masterclasses, final examinations, workshops, clinics and projects are open to the public. They are all included in the Monthly Events Calendar.