Basic Info
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Music Academy – University of Montenegro
About the Faculty
The Music Academy in Cetinje was founded in 1980 in the then Titograd, as one of the faculties of the "Veljko Vlahović" University, now the University of Montenegro. It is currently located in the historically significant building of the former British Embassy, in the heart of the Royal Capital – Cetinje.
As the only higher education institution in the field of music in Montenegro, the Music Academy carries a key educational, cultural, and social mission. Its educational program is based on contemporary trends in music pedagogy, performance practice, and music theory. It educates young artists, educators, and creators who are prepared, in accordance with European standards, to contribute to the cultural development of Montenegro and the region.
The Academy offers undergraduate and masters degree programs in the following study areas:
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General Music Pedagogy
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Performing Arts (piano, string instruments, wind instruments, guitar, accordion)
The study programs combine theoretical knowledge with intensive practical instruction, encouraging the development of artistic skills and individual expression. During their studies, students actively participate in numerous concert activities, projects, and international exchanges.
Mission
The mission of the Music Academy, as an educational and artistic institution, is to educate young, skilled professionals through curricula aligned with modern trends in music pedagogy and achievements in music art. These professionals will support the development of their country and region through artistic work and music creation, in accordance with current European trends.
The Academy’s mission is also to expand and improve knowledge, learning, and skills, while remaining fully open to cooperation with similar institutions and other entities from the immediate and wider environment.
Through modern study programs, practical work, and cooperation with numerous institutions, the Academy enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in performance, pedagogy, and research. At the same time, it plays a key role in shaping cultural policies and preserving Montenegro’s musical identity.
To achieve its mission, the Music Academy will:
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Be oriented toward the priority social needs of the time;
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Be open to all students and staff, based solely on merit and ability, regardless of political, religious, or other beliefs, racial, national, or social background, or other differences;
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Be dedicated to preserving and developing a multicultural and multiethnic society in Montenegro, defining its development within a regional and broader perspective;
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Offer a wide range of study programs in the arts, supported by effective teaching methods and the transfer of professional knowledge and skills, along with research in line with the current academic and cultural development;
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Develop continuous and lifelong education;
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Promote and develop achievements in research and artistic creativity;
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Be proactive in encouraging the societal and economic application of top achievements in its field;
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Create an environment conducive to the development of its staff, recognizing this as a key prerequisite for the successful realization of its mission.
History and Development
Since its founding in 1980, the Music Academy has produced many generations of distinguished performers, professors, composers, and theorists who are now key figures in the musical and cultural life of Montenegro and beyond. Over the decades, the Academy has undergone significant development: expanding its study programs, modernizing its teaching, improving infrastructure, and establishing strong international cooperation.
A special contribution to the development of the Academy has come from artistic production and scientific-research activities, which have had a broad social impact. Notable examples include:
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Music in ME Festival – an international festival that connects artists, students, and young talents, bringing together top musicians from Montenegro and abroad, as well as students and young talents from the region and Europe. It serves as a platform for artistic exchange, education, and exploration of diverse musical traditions.
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SIMPED – an international symposium in the field of music pedagogy.
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SOLFEST – an international festival gathering students of primary music schools from Montenegro and the region, aiming to promote solfège as a foundational subject in music education, nurture a love for the subject, and support talented students and teachers.
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“Espressivo” Festival – an international music festival that has turned Cetinje into a regional center of musical creativity through concerts, workshops, and collaborations with local and international artists.
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“Manja” International Piano Competition – founded in honor of professor and Academy founder Manja Vulić Radulović. First held in 2012, it has become a significant platform for promoting young pianists from Montenegro and abroad.
Legal Status and Accreditation
The Music Academy of the University of Montenegro functions as a legally recognized and fully accredited higher education institution, in accordance with the Law on Higher Education of Montenegro. The Academy undergoes regular reaccreditation processes, confirming the quality of its study programs and institutional performance.
Contribution to Music Education and Cultural Policy
As the highest educational institution in the field of music in Montenegro, the Music Academy plays a crucial advisory and developmental role in shaping educational and cultural policies. It actively participates in the development and improvement of the music education system, preservation of musical heritage, and development of artistic and scholarly personnel who shape the contemporary Montenegrin cultural scene.
In cooperation with key institutions such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Center for Vocational Education, the Academy is a vital partner in making strategic decisions—especially in reforms of curricula at all levels of music education. Its experts regularly contribute to the creation of pedagogical standards and guidelines aimed at improving conditions for music schools across the country. Through cooperation with the Montenegrin Music Center, students gain valuable practical experience. Joint projects, concerts, festivals, and educational programs connect the professional music scene with the academic community.
In addition to its educational role, the Academy plays an important part in the preservation and promotion of Montenegros musical heritage. Through artistic projects, scientific research, publications, and concerts, the institution continuously contributes to the valorization of both traditional and contemporary musical heritage. In this way, the Academy not only educates future artists but also shapes awareness of the importance of musical culture as part of the broader cultural identity of the country.
As an internationally recognized educational and artistic institution, the Music Academy also engages in significant international cooperation through partner projects, exchanges, and participation in European educational and cultural initiatives. This openness to the world further strengthens its impact in the domestic context, allowing modern standards and innovative approaches to become accessible within Montenegro’s education and culture system.
In a time of rapid social and technological change, the role of the Music Academy is to preserve Montenegro’s cultural identity and to provide quality music education for all generations.
International Cooperation and Projects
The Music Academy continuously participates in international projects and mobility programs such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, and Creative Europe, enabling students and academic staff to exchange knowledge, gain professional specialization, and connect with partners across Europe. These programs further enrich the teaching process, promote intercultural understanding, and enhance the international visibility of the Academy.