Double bass

Specific double bass admission requirements

For the entrance audition for the Jazz & Pop Zwolle course, you need to prepare five pieces that are different in character and tempo. Besides the general admission requirements, there are specific admission requirements for each instrument.  For the bass guitar entrance audition:

• you must prepare at least three pieces from the Jazz & Pop repertoire;
• you must also prepare a (jazz) blues piece on which to improvise.

During the audition, you will perform a minimum of two and a maximum of three of the prepared pieces. You will also play several exercises (see below).

The first piece you perform will be one you have chosen yourself. The other pieces will be chosen by the assessors. You should preferably audition with your own band. If that is not possible, you can play with students from the Academy of Music. You must request this ahead of time and there will be a charge.

Exercises, skills and knowledge

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

• playing major third and minor third scales (natural, harmonic and melodic) in all keys with the correct fingering and the appropriate touch;
• playing broken major and minor triads and extended chords in all keys with the correct fingering;
• playing simple themes;
• imitating a simple bass line;
• improvising by ear based on a simple chord diagram;
• constructing a bass line based on a simple chord diagram;
• reading and playing chord symbols and notation (bass clef);
• after a short preparation, accompanying a simple chord progression at sight with a bass line suitable for the style;
• after a short preparation, playing a simple theme written in bass clef.

Main criteria

Many aspects are considered in the final assessment. Some important ones are:

• a basically relaxed and effective posture;
• enjoyment of playing;
• interplay and interaction;
• presentation and charisma;
• a feel for your musical role in the band;
• tone and expressiveness;
• rhythmic stability;
• improvisation and creativity;
• openness and a broad musical interest.

Major lecturers