The Royal Danish Academy of Music is Denmark’s oldest and largest music academy, specializing in classical music. Chamber music plays an important role in the artistic environment at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, and is regarded as a cornerstone in the education of young string and woodwind players. As a result of this focus on chamber music, the Academy can boast an ever-growing number of graduates who have won orchestral auditions, and ensembles which have won awards in both national and international competitions. The Academy has a global perspective. The international teaching staff and the near 40% foreign students create an international study environment, in which many different musical traditions meet at high level providing mutual inspiration. The Academy ascribes great importance to co-operation with the professional international music world, including leading music academies. Students are trained by a large staff with the best professors and teachers from Denmark and abroad. Taking part in concerts and being part of the orchestras and ensembles of the Academy are important aspects of the study programme. Apart from giving the students many good experiences, it prepares them for their future lives as professional singers or musicians. Since the summer of 2008, the Royal Danish Academy of Music has been housed in outstanding architectural surroundings designed by the architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in the 1930's.