Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Prof Asen Diamandiev
At a glance
| Bulgarian name | Академия за музикално, танцово и изобразително изкуство „Проф. Асен Диамандиев“ |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 |
| City | Plovdiv |
| Institution type | Higher education institution for music, dance and visual arts |
| Rector | Jean Pehlivanov, elected in 2024 |
| Faculties | 3 |
| Website | artacademyplovdiv.com |
Source: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Академия за музикално, танцово и изобразително ...; Official website: Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Prof Asen Diamandiev1,2
History
The institution was established in 1964 by Asen Diamandiev as a branch of the Bulgarian State Conservatoire. In 1972 it became an independent higher education institution, then named the Higher Institute of Music Education. Its early focus was mainly on training music teachers, and its activities later expanded to include dance and visual arts.1
The academy was renamed in honour of Professor Asen Diamandiev by a decision of Bulgaria’s National Assembly on 31 January 2019. In March 2024, Associate Professor Jean Pehlivanov was elected rector, succeeding Professor Toni Shekerdzhieva-Novak, whose term began in 2020.1
Faculties and programmes
The academy comprises three faculties and a department for language and specialised preparation:1
- Music Pedagogy
- Musical Folklore and Choreography
- Fine Arts
Source: Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Академия за музикално, танцово и изобразително ...1
Programmes span undergraduate and master’s study. Examples include music performance in classical, folk, and pop and jazz traditions; music and visual arts education; Bulgarian folk choreography; ballet; graphic design; photography; painting; composition; music therapy; and stage design. Master’s offerings also include arts management, conducting, sculpture, sound engineering, and contemporary dance techniques.1
Arts and international links
The academy has developed specialisations related to Bulgarian folk music and is described as the only higher education institution with several such specialisations. A teaching pipe organ, made by Werner Bosch in Germany, was installed in 1999. It has one manual, a full pedalboard and five stops.1
The academy is a member of the Association of European Conservatoires, music academies and higher music education institutions, and a full member of the International Organisation of Folk Art associated with UNESCO. It maintains contacts with arts higher education institutions in several European countries and has been an official partner of the New European Bauhaus initiative since October 2022.1
Sources
- Wikipedia (Bulgarian): Академия за музикално, танцово и изобразително ...
- Official website: Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts Prof Asen Diamandiev
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information. Check admissions, fees and programmes with the university before applying or recruiting.
