International Music Industry Lab (IMI Lab) is designed for students who want to make an impact in the global music industry by tackling real-world challenges with creativity and collaboration. 
 "Explore the world of music through real projects, real partners, and real impact. In IMI Lab, you don’t just study the music industry—you become part of it. With guidance from expert coaches and leading professionals, you’ll collaborate on future-focused challenges in sustainability, inclusion, mental health, digital transformation, and more. This is where your creativity meets your career. Build your network, expand your skills, and help shape the future of music." 

Project Examples
• c/o pop Mental Health Challenge: Design solutions to improve mental well-being in the music industry.
• Utopia Music Challenge: Explore how AI, blockchain, and social media are transforming the business.
• Haarlem Vinyl Festival: Co-create sustainable approaches for live events and music production.
• Rave Scout Cookies Challenge: Promote diversity and representation in music spaces.
• Prospect Eleven Urban Music Challenge: Strengthen local music ecosystems through collaborative innovation. 

Why International Music Industry Lab is right for me 
• If you want to learn by doing and work with real music industry professionals. 
• If you're excited to contribute to projects that matter—socially, creatively, and globally. 
• If you’re looking for a vibrant, inspiring lab environment where your ideas come to life. 

In IMI Lab, you’ll engage in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects aligned with six key themes shaping the music industry:
• Mental Health
• Digital Innovation
• Sustainability
• Business Transformation
• Inclusion
• Urban Music Ecosystems 

Each semester, you’ll join a project team that works closely with music industry partners, researchers, and expert coaches. You’ll explore the latest trends and challenges, set your own learning goals, and co-create innovative solutions. You’ll also participate in field trips and industry events such as the Amsterdam Dance Event, expanding both your knowledge and your professional network. 

By the end of the program, you’ll present your outcomes in a portfolio that reflects your personal growth, teamwork, and contributions to a better music industry. 

This minor is open to all students who are passionate about music, culture, and creative innovation. Whether your background is in media, business, design, leisure, or any related field, you’re welcome to join. Curiosity, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone are essential. 

The minor follows a flexible and project-driven format. Weekly lab sessions, workshops, coaching meetings, and industry events structure your learning experience. You’ll co-develop the rhythm of your work based on project needs, creating space for deep dives, creativity, and cross-functional collaboration. Expect a dynamic, inspiring semester with time for both independent discovery and team-based challenges. 

Assessment is based on your personal learning journey, contribution to team projects, your final portfolio, and your engagement with the lab community. You’ll receive feedback from coaches, peers, and professionals throughout the semester. Emphasis is placed on creativity, collaboration, research, and practical application of your ideas.

Good to know:

• We do not have online classes. You will spend an average of four days a week at our own IMI lab space, working with your project team on your challenge and on your personal goals.
• Take note that the IMI lab is built on intensive collaboration and interaction. For this attendance and active participation is essential.
• No need to study for exams: your knowledge and skills will be assessed based on your group project and an individual portfolio.
• Additional costs: Within the lab track we use mandatory literature. Costs are approximately € 50.

It may happen that there are not enough registrations for a module, which means that it has to be cancelled.