Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts is a preeminent institution in Ukraine, serving as a creative, scientific, and methodological hub for music and theater education in Slobozhanshchyna. It holds membership in the European Association of Conservatories, the European Association of Universities, and the European League of Arts Universities. On May 2, 2022, the University celebrated its 105th anniversary. The anniversary year of 2022 was exceptionally challenging, altering lives, study and work conditions, dreams, and plans. This period underscored the value of previously taken-for-granted aspects such as life in a peaceful country, the comfort of one’s home, the safety of loved ones, and the opportunity to pursue passions alongside like-minded individuals.
Despite the significant impact of war, Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts adapted swiftly, preserving instruments, addressing building damage, and shifting to online education. 2022 featured diverse scientific and creative projects like conferences, competitions, concerts, and festivals. Educational, creative, and scientific endeavors aimed to maintain classical art traditions while encouraging innovative research. Faculty and students engage in international and regional events, participate in the Erasmus+ program, and contribute to various governance bodies. Teaching staff continuously improve education to nurture the creative potential of future music and theater professionals.
History of the University
Established in 1917 as the Kharkiv Conservatory, the Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts has a rich history rooted in a music school founded in 1883 by the Kharkiv branch of the Imperial Russian Musical Society. The university underwent several transformations, evolving into the Music and Drama Institute in 1924, and later, in 1934, separating to form the music faculty, reinstating the Conservatory. Concurrently, a theater school emerged from the institute, eventually becoming a state theater institute in 1939. Operating until 1963, the Kharkiv State Conservatory was renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, offering eight faculties encompassing piano, orchestral, and folk instruments, singing, choral conducting, musicology, composition, and musical studies.
The Kharkiv State Theater Institute, under the leadership of figures like I. Maryanenko and M. Krushelnytskyi, operated until 1963. In 1963, the conservatory and theater institute transformed into separate music and theater faculties under the newly established Kharkiv State Institute of Arts named after I. P. Kotlyarevskyi. Subsequently, on March 17, 2004, the institute attained university status by order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 143-r, officially becoming the Kharkiv State University of Arts named after I. P. Kotlyarevskyi. The Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts journey reflects its commitment to the arts and education, adapting to changing times while preserving its rich heritage. Today, it stands as a leading institution of higher education, fostering creativity and scholarly inquiry in music, theater, and the arts.
Faculties
- Faculty of Performing Arts and Musicology;
- Orchestra Faculty;
- Theater Faculty.
Specialties
- Piano/Organ;
- Musicology;
- Composition;
- Orchestral String Instruments;
- Orchestral Wind and Percussion Instruments;
- Folk Instruments of Ukraine (Bandura, Cymbals, Domra, Kobza, Bayan, Accordion, Balalaika, Guitar);
- Choir Conducting;
- Opera and Symphonic Conducting;
- Academic Sing;
- Pop Music (Instrumentalists, Vocalists);
- Acting Art of Dramatic Theater and Cinema;
- Acting Art of The Puppet Theater;
- Drama Theater Direction;
- Directing the Puppet Theater;
- Theater Studies.
International Partners
- ERASMUS+;
- The Association Européenne Des Conservatoires, Académies De Musique Et Musikhochschulen;
- The European University Association;
- ELIA;
- European Union Of Music Competitions For Youth;
- Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory;
- Athenaeum Conservatory;
- Estonian Academy Of Music And Theater;
- Conservatorio Superior De Música De Vigo;
- Conservatorio Superior De Música Manuel Castillo;
- Musikene – Higher School Of Music Of The Basque Country;
- State Conservatory Named Named Pollini – Padua;
- L’aquila “Alfredo Cazella” Conservatory Of Music;
- Zhejiang Conservatory Of Music;
- Beijing Opera Art College;
- Ernst Busch Academy Of Dramatic Arts;
- University Of Music Franz Liszt Weimar;
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University In Lublin;
- Grazyna And Kiejstut Bacewicz University Of Music In Lodz;
- Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy Of Dramatic Art In Warsaw Branch Campus In Białystok;
- Krzysztof Penderecki Academy Of Music In Krakow;
- Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy Of Music In Poznan;
- High School Of Music And Performing Arts Of The Port Polytechnic;
- Academy Of Performing Arts In Bratislava;
- Geneva Higher School Of Music;
- Tbilisi State Conservatory Named Named Vano Saradjishvili;
- Jerusalem Academy Of Music And Dance;
- Kazakh National Conservatory Named Named Kurmangaza.
Departments
- Department of Special Piano;
- Department of Accompanist Mastery;
- Department of Chamber Ensemble;
- Department of Choral and Opera-Symphonic Conducting;
- Department of Solo Singing and Opera Training;
- Department of Composition and Instrumentation;
- Department of Music Theory;
- Department of Interpretology and Analysis Of Music;
- Department of The History of Ukrainian and Foreign Music;
- Department of Orchestral Wind and Percussion Instruments;
- Department of Orchestral String Instruments;
- Department of Pop Music and Jazz;
- Department of Folk Instruments of Ukraine;
- Department of General and Specialized Piano;
- Department of Art Education and Humanitarian Disciplines;
- Department of Foreign Languages;
- Department of Theater Studies;
- Department of Mastery of the Actor and Directing of the Drama Theater;
- Department of Mastery of the Actor and Director of the Theater of Animation;
- Department of State Language.
Accommodation
Student accommodation at the Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts is an integral part of the university’s infrastructure, providing a supportive and nurturing environment for international students pursuing their artistic passions. The university offers a range of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of its student body. The dormitories are conveniently located within the university campus, ensuring easy access to academic facilities and resources. Each dormitory is equipped with modern amenities to enhance the living experience of students. The rooms are furnished and designed to provide a comfortable living space for students to study and relax. Common areas are available for students to socialize and collaborate on creative projects, fostering a sense of community among residents.
The Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts provides facilities such as study rooms and libraries to support students in their academic pursuits. Safety and security are paramount at the university, with measures in place to ensure the well-being of all students. Security personnel are stationed at the dormitories to maintain a safe living environment. The university organizes various activities and events to promote student engagement and well-being, creating a vibrant and dynamic campus life. Student accommodation at the Kharkiv I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts is designed to enhance the student experience, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for students to thrive academically and creatively.