Trombone

Subjects

See which subjects you take per academic year in the Trombone curriculum.

Specific trombone admission requirements

In addition to the general admission criteria, there are specific admission requirements for the trombone major. You prepare five pieces that are slightly different in character and tempo. You are free to choose the style of the pieces, so you can play any kind of jazz, latin or pop music as well as a mix of various styles. During the audition, you will perform a minimum of two and a maximum of three of the prepared pieces. You do this preferably with your own band or, if that is impossible, with students of the Academy of Music.

Additional requirements for the trombone entrance audition:

• you prepare a (jazz) blues piece on which to improvise;
• if possible, at least one of the five pieces should date from after 2000.

In addition to playing the pieces referred to above, the following will also be covered:

• playing major and minor third scales in all keys and the chromatic scale (insofar as the range of the instrument and the performer allows, the scales should be played over two octaves);
• playing major and minor triads in all keys;
• improvising by ear with piano accompaniment based on a simple chord scheme;
• repeating a simple phrase by ear;
• after a brief preparation, playing a simple theme from sheet music;
• after a brief preparation, improvising on a simple chord scheme from sheet music.

Important criteria

Many aspects are taken into account in the final assessment. Some important ones are:

• a basically good embouchure that is capable of development;
• adequate technical command of the instrument;
• enjoyment of playing – ensemble and interaction;
• presentation and charisma;
• awareness of role;
• tone and expressiveness;
• rhythmic stability – improvisation and creativity;
• openness and a broad musical interest.