Guitar

Specific Guitar 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 guitar entrance audition:

• you must have an important role in at least three of the five improvisation pieces;
• at least three of the five pieces must be performed with a band.

Apart from that, 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. Own compositions (band repertoire, solo pieces, études, etc.) are very much appreciated.

During the audition, you will perform a minimum of two and a maximum of three of the prepared pieces. 
In addition, you will 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. 

Exercises, skills and knowledge

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

• reading music (traditional notation) up to the fifth position (simple melodic lines after a short preparation);
• knowledge of all the notes on at least the A and bottom E strings;
• playing all major and minor scales (natural, harmonic and melodic minor) in five positions (CAGED system);
• playing broken triads and extended chords of the steps of the above scales in all positions;
• solid knowledge of chord fingerings of triads and seventh chords in various inversions and positions (and their notation in chord symbols);
• playing 137 (if the root is on the A string) and 173 (if the root is on the E string) voicings of all types of seventh chords;
• improvising by ear but also at sight with accompaniment based on a simple chord diagram;
• imitating a simple (tonal) phrase by ear;
• improvising on a functional harmonic cadence.

Main criteria

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

• a basically relaxed and effective posture;
• enjoyment of playing;
• adequate plectrum technique (alternate picking, legato etc.);
• 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