KC Research Portal

About this portal
Master students at the Royal Conservatoire use the online Research Catalogue for the communication with their supervisor, for the development and formulation of their research proposal, for their work-in-progress, and for the final documentation and publication of their research.
contact person(s):
Kathryn Cok 
,
Koncon Master Coordinator 
,
Casper Schipper 
url:
https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/517228/1588065
Recent Issues
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3. Internal publication
Research published in this issue are only for internal circulation within the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague.
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2. Royal Conservatoire Investigations
Royal Conservatoire Investigations
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1. Master Research Projects
All research in KC
Recent Activities
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Rhetoric and agogic in the 17th century in Italy
(2025)
author(s): Ramon Marquès Jiménez
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
This research aims to learn and understand an informed historical practice in Italian music in the seventeenth century. The study contains an overview in how connected text is with music, and most importantly how rhetoric and agogic could influence and shape the way we perform the repertoire. To find out why, I will review primary and secondary sources, which will help us create a better understanding and an accurate view on this topic. With this review of sources, it will be provided a case study to implement into music what I have learned during the research. The end goal is to provide a better picture and provide resources to implement these ideas to your own interpretations and exploit the text in your favor.
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Resonating Across Time: Navigating the Contemporary World as a Classically Trained Musician
(2025)
author(s): İdil Yunkuş
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
Change, in all aspects of life, is inevitable. As musicians, our creativity must remain flexible, allowing us to adapt while preserving the essence of our art. By embracing innovation and continuous learning, we can navigate the evolving nature of classical music without compromising its integrity. Rather than resisting change, we should use it as a tool to keep our practice relevant and meaningful. In doing so, we not only honor tradition but also ensure that classical music will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.
Throughout my research, I analyze three projects that I participated in, presenting them as unique examples of how creativity, through different approaches, can be combined with social engagement. These projects serve as case studies, demonstrating how musicians can engage new audiences, and create experiences that deepen the connection between the performer, listener, and the cultural context in which music exists, while still respecting traditions.
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Religious music in Europe: the catholic and protestant traditions during Holy Week.
(2025)
author(s): Pedro Samuel Montaner Martínez
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
European church music, both Protestant Christian and Roman Catholic, is indispensable to the knowledge of Western music. The compositions created for religious celebrations such as Easter not only reflect the religious devotion of the communities of their time, but have profoundly influenced the development of musical forms, genres and techniques that have survived to the present day.
The work aims to show the musical differences between Protestant and Catholic religious music, but it will also mention social, cultural and political aspects that are key to understanding the development and changes that both types of music underwent. In order to go deeper into the essence of the research, the background of Spanish religious music during the Baroque period will be discussed, with the aim of understanding the evolution of this music towards the processional marches of Holy Week, whose first compositions date back to the end of the 19th century. In the Dutch tradition during Holy Week, the main example will be the music of J.S. Bach, in particular the St. Matthew Passion and the St. John Passion. The experimental part of the work will be connected to the Professional Integration Activity and will delve into the interpretation of two solemn processional marches from the Spanish tradition, original for brass band and played on historical instruments such as the baroque cello, traverso and harpsichord. In short, the aim is to show an innovative and changing vision by means of baroque instruments and criteria, to sound a typical religious music for bands.
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Picturing: Approaching learning through images
(2025)
author(s): Lisa D’Harcour
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
This study explores how visual imagery can support learning and performance in classical music, specifically its impact on motor learning and the ability to enter a flow state - a state of deep engagement - during performance. Combining findings from attention, motor learning, and performance psychology research with a self-directed experiment, this project introduces a new approach: the use of visual imagery to enhance musical learning.
The method involves associating music with mental imagery and was tested in the early stages of learning a new piece. The results suggest that this technique helped to increase both engagement and expressiveness, making the learning process more appealing. Visualization proved particularly useful in the early stages of practice, helping to create a stronger connection with the music and fostering greater expressiveness from the start.
In addition to its benefits for professional performers, this approach could also be valuable in teaching children. By making learning more engaging and intuitive, visual imagery offers a fresh perspective on how musicians can deepen their connection to their playing and improve both practice and performance.
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Overcoming Interpretative Challenges in Contemporary Balkan Guitar Compositions: A Performer’s Approach
(2025)
author(s): Carmen Montañez Corpas
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
My first encounter with the music of Balkan composers for guitar, such as Dušan Bogdanović, was a technical and expressive challenge due to its complex rhythmic structures and unconventional harmonies. Over time, as I delved deeper into this repertoire, I identified recurring elements in the works of other composers from the same region, such as Atanas Ourkouzounov. This sparked my interest in investigating the specific technical difficulties that arise when interpreting this music on the guitar. The aim of this study is to analyze these difficulties and propose strategies to overcome them to facilitate their interpretation. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of these compositions which, despite their musical richness, are not frequently included in guitar concert programs.
As part of this research, I have developed an experimental section focused on three key aspects: odd meters and polyrhythms, percussive elements and timbral exploration. For each of these aspects, I have selected specific passages and worked with various methodologies. In most cases, I propose exercises that have proven useful in addressing these aspects and also explain the interpretative decisions I have incorporated personally. Some of these exercises were designed by me, others were suggested by Zoran Dukić during the lessons I have received, and some emerged spontaneously, as a combination of personal inspiration, adaptation to my technical difficulties and creativity developed during the study process.
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Music and Autism - A studie about the importance of music in child development
(2025)
author(s): Raquel Araújo
Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
This project explores teaching strategies for instrumental music lessons with children on the autism spectrum (ASD). It focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment adapted to their needs.
The primary goal of this Research is to raise awareness and promote inclusion by highlighting the importance of adapting teaching methods to suit the unique abilities of each student.