History of JAMU

The Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts has a rich history spanning more than seventy years, during which it has shaped several generations of outstanding artists – composers, conductors, directors, actors, singers, instrumentalists, and other professionals in the fields of drama and music. Its establishment marked the culmination of Leoš Janáček’s long-standing efforts to found a higher arts school in the second largest city in the republic.

Today, JAMU has significant artistic potential. This is enhanced by a range of activities that extend beyond the school and the state. The quality of our students and graduates is evidenced by the fact that they are accepted for internships at a number of leading foreign schools, are leading figures in Czech theater and audiovisual and radio production, are successful in performance competitions and auditions, are among the creators of now prestigious cultural events, and many of them find employment abroad.

Over the past three decades, the school has undergone significant transformation and innovation in teaching, as well as the accreditation of many new fields of study. Today, the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts is a modern, open university that achieves excellence in many areas and contributes significantly to the quality, cultivation, and further development of musical and dramatic arts in the Czech Republic.

JAMU employs a number of nationally and internationally renowned teachers and every year hosts dozens of outstanding foreign artists who contribute significantly to the innovation of teaching. A number of events held at the Theater and Music Faculties contribute significantly to the cultural life of the city of Brno and the South Moravian Region. The SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER festival, held at the Theater Faculty, as well as the International Interpretation Courses and the now European-renowned Leoš Janáček International Competition in Brno, organized by the Music Faculty, have received significant international acclaim and participation.