Music at UWC Maastricht: Finding your path
April 16, 2026
At UWC Maastricht, music doesn’t stay in the classroom. It moves between rehearsal spaces and performances shaped by students from all over the world.
For Rowan, this experience is part of a wider learning journey through the IB Career-related Programme (CP), a pathway that allows secondary school students to combine academic studies with a focus on their personal interests.
Their main instrument is the oboe, alongside piano and as part of this pathway, they also train at Conservatorium Maastricht. This means moving between school and conservatory life: weekly one-to-one lessons, ensemble rehearsals and theory classes, where even simple pieces are approached with precision focusing on sound, balance and interpretation.
“It offered the possibility to both study and experience music at a higher level”
“When I was looking at different schools, I wanted a place where I could take music more seriously. I had already started exploring music more deeply before coming here and when I found UWC Maastricht, it felt like a good fit. It offered the possibility to both study and experience music at a higher level. I also liked that I could explore whether music is something I want to pursue long-term, without having to fully commit to it yet.”
Learning the details behind the music
“It’s been really good and also challenging in new ways. Before coming here, I was mostly self-taught, so having more structure has been different but I’ve really appreciated it. We work a lot on the details, things like balance, intonation and dynamics. Even when the music seems simple, the focus is on doing it really well. I also really value the individual lessons. They’ve pushed me to rethink how I play and to be much more aware of what I’m doing when I practice.”
When music becomes something shared
“Being at UWC has really changed how I see music. You’re surrounded by people from different cultures and that naturally brings in different musical traditions. For example, I worked on a piece for Café Night where we improvised music for a Western Saharan protest song. I’m not always comfortable with improvising but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and it was really interesting.
It made me realise how music can connect people. Even if it sounds different across cultures, there are still shared ideas behind it. In that way, music really becomes a universal language.”
What makes studying at UWC Maastricht different for you?
“I’ve been really grateful for the opportunity to be part of the CP. I did a year of the Diploma Programme before this, and what I’ve really appreciated is that I don’t have to stick strictly to subject requirements.
Even if I enjoy different subjects, the CP gives me the opportunity to really focus on what I care about and go more in depth, without having to worry too much about external requirements.
That has helped me a lot in managing my time and also in enjoying what I’m doing. It gives me the energy to go deeper into things, rather than feeling like I’m being pushed into certain boxes. I’ve really liked that, and I think that’s one of the main values of the CP for me.”
At UWC Maastricht, the IB Career-related Programme (CP) is designed for students who want to go deeper into a specific interest while continuing their academic studies. Alongside subjects, students develop practical skills, take on projects and build independence and leadership. All while gaining a qualification recognised by universities worldwide.
For students like Rowan, this means combining school life with experiences such as the Conservatorium Maastricht while also learning how to manage their time, reflect on their progress and work across different environments. It’s an approach that allows students to explore their interests seriously, without closing doors for the future.
Curious to learn more about the IB Career-related Programme at UWC Maastricht? You can find more information here.
