Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

About

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (EAMT) is Estonia's premier public institution for higher education in music and theatre, celebrated for its comprehensive practical training and performance-oriented approach. It is particularly strong in classical music performance, conducting, composition, jazz, and drama arts. For international students, EAMT offers a vibrant environment with a growing number of English-taught Master's and Doctoral programs, alongside extensive exchange opportunities through Erasmus+. The university provides dedicated support via its International Relations Office and fosters a diverse, multinational student body. A distinctive characteristic is its status as the only university in Estonia offering higher education in both music and drama.

Background

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia) began as a mixed choir of the Estonia Society Musical Department (EMD) on the eve of World War I. The assembly of the Estonia Society created the Tallinn Higher Music School on November 17, 1918. The opening ceremony took place on September 28, 1919. In 1923 the educational institution was renamed the Tallinn Conservatoire. In 1938 the State Drama School was opened. In 1993 the school was renamed the Estonian Academy of Music. In 1995 the Drama Faculty was renamed the Higher Theatre School. Some prominent graduates of the Estonian Academy of Music include singers Aile Asszonyi, Heli Lääts, and Ain Anger, conductors Roman Matsov, Tõnu Kaljuste, Olari Elts, Eri Klas, and Kristiina Poska, composers Arvo Pärt, Lepo Sumera, Erkki-Sven Tüür and Ardo Ran Varres, director Andres Puustusmaa, and actors Tõnu Aav, Heino Mandri, Elmo Nüganen, Ain Lutsepp, Margus Oopkaup, Jan Uuspõld, Tõnu Tepandi and Taavi Eelmaa.

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