Vocals

Specific Vocals 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 vocals entrance audition:

• at least one of the pieces must be a Jazz or Jazz-inflected piece;
• at least one of the pieces must be a Pop or Pop-inflected piece;
• at least one of the pieces must be sung with a microphone;
• at least one of the pieces must be sung without a microphone;
• 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, etc. (compositions, songs, lyrics, etc.) are very much appreciated. In addition to the questionnaire and the programme, you should also submit a portfolio before the start of the audition in which you introduce yourself to the assessors. Your portfolio should contain:

• your name;
• photos;
• a summary of the music lessons and courses you have taken;
• a summary of your playing experience, etc.;
• any other (creative) interests;
• any lyrics of your own;
• your ambitions as a singer;
• the reason why you chose to study Jazz & Pop Vocals at the ArtEZ academy of music in Zwolle.

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. 

Exercises, skills and knowledge

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

• singing back a short melodic fragment by ear;
• singing, clapping or tapping back a short rhythmic fragment by ear;
• improvising by ear based on a simple chord diagram;
• improvising over a simple chord progression by ear with accompaniment;
• singing a short melodic fragment from sheet music.

Important criteria

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

• a basically relaxed and effective posture;
• enjoyment of playing and singing;
• interplay and interaction;
• giving your own interpretation of a composition or a song;
• ability to communicate and understand lyrics;
• enunciation;
• intonation;
• presentation and charisma;
• rhythmic stability and accuracy;
• improvisation and creativity;
• openness and a broad musical interest.

Health

Because we want all vocals students to start their studies with a healthy instrument, we advise them all to undergo a medical examination of the ear/nose/throat area (ENT) before commencing their studies. The aim is to obtain a good impression of the quality of their vocal organ, its scope for development and its ability to withstand vocal load.

Major lecturers