HUNK, the winners of the prestigious Rob Acda Award in 2024, are making waves in the indie music scene with their debut performance at Bevrijdingspop Haarlem, alongside the release of their surprise single, "Blushing Over Nothing."

The announcement that HUNK would perform on the main stage of Bevrijdingspop Haarlem the band by surprise. For fans eagerly anticipating more of their offbeat diet-grunge style, there was a slight hurdle—none of the band's tracks were available on the usual streaming platforms. 

With this in mind, HUNK made the spur-of-the-moment decision to release their debut single, "Blushing Over Nothing" perfectly timed for their memorable performance at Bevrijdingspop. 

Photo credits: Eileen de Bruyn Kops

Bevrijdingspop Haarlem takes place on the 5th of May at Haarlemmerhout, Haarlem. The [program](https://www.bevrijdingspop.nl/programma/) features more Conservatorium Haarlem students and alumni, including LAKSHMI. 

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HUNK Wins Rob Acda Award and Debuts at Bevrijdingspop Haarlem

Come see for yourself what we have to offer for your talent, sign up via the [inholland website](https://www.inholland.nl/opendag/) or simply drop by. Our coaches, students and others will be happy to answer your questions from between 5 and 8 pm.

You can find the full timetable of our Open Day at our [Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/p/C2wVSrooJOu/).

### AD Electronic Music
(International) student and looking for more info about the associate degree electronic music? We’ll do an online presentation/Q&A again on Feb 7, 19:15 – 20:00. Contact conservatorium(at)inholland.nl to get the Teams-link.

Visiting address: Bijdorplaan 15, 2015 CE, Haarlem.



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Come visit us on February 7

Palmen received the award during the recent edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag from the Dutch Music Publishers Association (NMUV).

"His ability to turn a demo into a commercially successful song is unparalleled and absolutely unique. In simple terms, the man is a pop genius," said the NMUV board, which awarded him the prize.

As a composer, lyricist, and producer, Leon Paul Palmen aka Palm Trees has worked with a diverse range of artists such as Hardwell, Ferry Corsten, Lil Kleine, S10, Diggy Dex, Rolf Sanchez, Jaap Reesema, Guus Meeuwis, Sam Feldt, Kraantje Pappie, Maan, Snelle, Milow, Matt Simons, Nicky Romero, Donnie, Roxanne Hazes, and Suzan & Freek. The tally now stands at 2 billion streams, over 40 gold and platinum certifications, and nine Buma Awards.

In the summer of 2023, he traveled to South Korea, where, after writing four successful songs with K-pop artists Red Velvet, NCT127, and BoA, he was invited by the K-pop label SM Entertainment to participate in a writing camp for their artists.

Photo credits: Andy Zuidema

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Leon Paul Palmen is the winner of the first NMUV Songwriter Of The Year Award

Exciting news from the [Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)](https://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/en/live/), where we had numerous alumni, coaches and students performing including Hollt, Kyra Khaldi, Marijn S and Joran van Pol to name just a few. 

Former Associate Degree Electronic Music-student Marijn Schiedon has made the iconic[ Billboard Top-25 ADE tracklist](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/top-songs-played-ade-2023-1235473735/) with "The Answer". Obviously that makes us very proud. Check out the full list over at Billboard.

**Sign up**
Full-on inspired and in need of more guidance in order to take your own career to the next level? Sign up to the Associate Degree Electronic Music, the educational programme for up-and-coming electronic-music producers and artists. Every aspect of the two-year course is designed to help you succeed — creatively and career wise. 

You will not have access not only to Conservatorium Haarlem’s high-end facilities, but also to the world-class studios operated by our colleagues and associates. You will also receive one-on-one coaching to ensure that you receive the personalised guidance you need. Visit [this page](https://www.inholland.nl/opleidingen/associate-degree-electronic-music-en-fulltime/) for all details. 

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M-high featured in Billboard's Top 25 ADE-tracks

With the new year approaching fast we look forward to our annual presence in Groningen for [ESNS](https://esns.nl/en/). 

It is always a pleasure to see so many of current students and alumni performing, the 2024 program features Conservatorium Haarlem artists onstage with Charlot, Claude, Cocobolo, Maryn Charlie, YĪN YĪN amongs others. 

Come visit our showcase on Thursday 18th of January as part of the Altersonic program, the Penguin Radio Showcase at Drie Gezusters will play host to some fresh talents including Bangs, Bodine Monet, DUTCH COAST, Iris Jean, Jacob Drescher, Marissa Ellis, SIPKE and The Pelumas.

See you in Grunn! 

Photo credits: Nick Helderman

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Looking ahead: ESNS 2024

We're on a roll again! Keen to join us this year for an Open Day or looking for more information about the audition schedule for beginning of 2024? Put these dates in your calendar!

**Open Day**
The next Open Day is Wednesday evening December 13th, you can sign up [here](https://www.inholland.nl/opendag/aanmelden-open-avond/).

**Auditions**
Submit your material before 25th of February 2024.
Round 1: 25th through to 28th of March 2024.
Round 2:
E-music & Ad E-music: 2nd-5th of April.
Pop & Creative Artist: 8th - 12th of April.

Visit [this page](https://www.inholland.nl/opleidingen/muziek-voltijd/audities/) if you're looking for more information about what to expect and requirements. As always, you can reach out to us via conservatorium@inholland.nl for more questions.

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Important dates 2023/2024

In this video, student Leon Wijdenbosch, aka Leehaund, takes us around the city of Haarlem, where our Conservatory is based, while explaining what studying at the Conservatorium Haarlem is all about. His favorite spots include Patronaat, The Wolfhound, the record shop Sounds, and, of course, our in-house studios. 

Conservatorium Shorts: A little ode to the city of Haarlem

Looking to ramp up your music career in 2023 with the support of our artists, coaches and network? We will be hosting a special online info drop on January 12. More info to follow soon, keep an eye on our social channels.

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Ramp up your electronic music career

We’re in full on exam mode - and this week alone we have witnessed some incredible performances from our students at their graduation concerts. Here’s just a few of the highlights captured nicely by Leon Wijdenbosch.

Congratulations to all the students who performed so far this week!

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Graduation concerts

Gigi van der Veer (Jobim) talks about her first tour with Jobim, Creative Artist and what it takes to go from idea to concept. Watch the full video (in Dutch).

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Conservatorium Shorts: Gigi van der Veer

We've asked Lars Dales (Dam Swindle) to eleborate about producing in different genres and and coaching students. Have a look at the video (in Dutch).

Conservatorium Shorts: Lars Dales

We were hosting a stage at one of the most creative electronic music festivals in the Amsterdam area, did you catch us playing at Mystic Garden? What a perfect day it was, have a look at the recap on Instagram.

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Conservatorium Haarlem Stage @ Mystic Garden

Jan Tekstra eleborates about what it takes to write a song and how you can build your network.

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Conservatorium Shorts: Jan Tekstra

Conservatorium Haarlem is a leading music institution that focuses on developing your own sound and identity. The academy was founded in the 1970’s in the vibrant Dutch city of Haarlem, which lies to the east of Amsterdam and is renowned for its rich and varied cultural scene.