Torben Puggaard

Position
Vice President
Department
Management
E-mail
Torben.Puggaard@dkdm.dk

Background

Torben Puggaard was born in Viborg in 1975 and graduated from Odder Amtsgymnasium as a Math/Music student in 1994. He later studied business economics at Aarhus School of Business before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in 2000. He earned a bachelor's degree from the AM programme as a pianist and ensemble leader, followed by a master's degree in music leadership with orchestral conducting as his major, graduating in 2007. That same year, Torben was hired as a part-time lecturer and conductor of the RDAM Big Band, alongside his job as deputy head at Roskilde School of Culture. In 2012, he also became the educational leader for, among other things, the AM program, aural training, and interdisciplinary subjects at RDAM.

Leadership Experience

Torben Puggaard was the head of Den Musiske Skole in Greve from 2013 to 2016 and most recently the director of Helsingør Music School & MGK from 2016 to 2025.

Artistic Practice

Since 1998, Torben has worked as a pianist, composer, and conductor in various settings—ranging from big bands to string orchestras.

Teaching Activities

Torben Puggaard has had an extensive career as a music educator in music schools and MGK programs. Additionally, he has conducted workshops at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and served as a guest conductor at Kiryat Ono Conservatory in Tel Aviv for several consecutive years.

Examining and Assessment Work

Since 2013, Torben Puggaard has been appointed by the Ministry of Culture as an external examiner for the Danish music academies. He has also served as an examination supervisor and examiner at MGK Hovedstaden since 2016.

Trust Positions and Board Memberships

2022 - 2025: Board member of DMK (Danish Music and Culture Schools)
Representative for music and culture schools in the Capital Region. Elected by the board to the executive committee and coordinator for the Working Group on Competence Development.

2011 - 2025: Member of the steering committee for Musikskoledage in Tivoli
An annual national project in Tivoli featuring approximately 230 ensembles and 6,000 music school students.

2012 - 2013: Member of the Danish Network for Music Pedagogical Research
Representative of the Royal Danish Academy of Music.