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Application and admission

Application and admission

You have decided: you want to study Music Therapy. Then we would like to discover with you whether this profession really suits you. That is why you have to audition. All information about the admission can be found on this page.

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You can apply for the course via Studielink. Before you do so, please read the admission requirements and application procedure below.

Apply directly with Studielink

Admission dates

Dates of entrance exams 2024:

  • Saturday, 10 February
  • Saturday, 2 March
  • Saturday, 23 March
  • Saturday, 13 April
  • Saterday, 20 April
  • Saturday, 25 May
  • Saturday, 1 June

Admission requirements for Music Therapy

  • Pre-university education (VWO), upper general secondary education (HAVO), secondary vocational education (MBO: level 4) or foreign equivalent level of education.
  • This course is subject to language requirements;
  • Positive result for the entrance exam (audition and theory exam). The entrance exam is designed to assess your chances of succeeding on the course.

Prepare the following for the entrance exam:

1. A motivation letter

The future field of work is challenging. We would therefore like to know if you are strong enough to do this and if you are motivated for this study. Your motivation letter will give us insight into this.

2. Music Theory test

During the theoretical part of the entrance exam, you will be tested on a number of components by a music theory lecturer In particular, the lecturer will test whether your music theory skills are developable. In other words, this is not about mastering everything perfectly but about showing that you have basic knowledge and skills that can be developed to the required level during your course.

3. In case of a vocal major

Put together a programme of the pieces you will be performing during the entrance exam, including the names of the artists/composers. If you play another instrument or you have made your own compositions, you may also incorporate these into the programme you wish to perform. The programme needs to consist of:

  • Four songs, of which at least one classical, one light music and one a cappella. The songs should vary in tempo and style and should comprise at least one octave. Suitable classical repertoire: vocalises by Concone, Marchesi, Vaccai, Arie Antiche, Unterrichtslieder, Elizabethan love songs, folk songs. Singing lessons with a classical singing teacher to prepare are recommended. ‘Light’ repertoire: musicals, pop songs (possibly Dutch-language), jazz standards, cabaret, children's songs, folk songs, chansons.
  • A literary or other poem you would like to recite.
  • A (simple) piece on a chord instrument; this may also be a simple song accompaniment.

 4. In case of an instrumental major

Put together a programme of the pieces you will be performing during the entrance exam, including the names of the artists/composers. If you play another instrument or you have made your own compositions, you may also incorporate these into the programme you wish to perform. The programme needs to consist of:

  • Three instrumental works for your main instrument, differing in style, character and expression. Depending on your preference and experience, these may be classical or light music (e.g. an etude, solo sonata, ensemble piece, band repertoire, jazz standard, etc.). When performing, you may use your own accompanist, band or ensemble.
  • A (simple) piece on a chord instrument; this may also be a simple song accompaniment.
  • Two songs which you perform, differing in style and genre (preferably one classical and one light music). You may accompany yourself on guitar or piano.

Music therapy student Joris and head of course Carola Werger will take you through the admission process (from 4:20 onwards, in Dutch)

Frequently asked questions about admission

  • Applications should be made before 1 May via Studielink. Applications received after 1 May will only be considered if there are still enough places available on the course. After applying, you will receive information from the course about the admission procedure and the date on which you are expected at the Academy of Music.

    Apply

  • The future field of work is challenging. We would therefore like to know if you are strong enough to do this and if you are motivated for this study. Your motivation letter will give us insight into this.

  • No later than two weeks before your entrance exam, please send your motivation letter and your programme to conservatorium.enschede@artez.nl. In your motivation letter you explain your choice for the Music Therapy course. In your programme, you state the pieces you will be performing during the entrance exam, including the names of the artists/composers. Also include what you need to implement your programme.

  • The entrance exam consists of two parts which are held separately:

    1. Audition

     
    • During the 45-minute audition, you will present yourself by playing and singing the repertoire you have prepared. The admissions committee will make a selection from your programme.
    • Each candidate performs two songs, differing in style and genre (preferably one classical and one light music). You may accompany yourself on guitar or piano.
    • The committee will give you a short improvisation assignment during your audition.
    • An interview based on your motivation letter is part of the admission procedure. During this interview, you can also discuss any study disability you may have, for example dyslexia or an autistic spectrum disorder. We are happy to share ideas with you on how we can support you in order to successfully complete your course.

    2. Music theory

     

    In the individual test, we start at a simple level and the task is made steadily more difficult until you reach your highest level. During the theoretical admission exam, you will be tested on the following components:

    1. Dyads
    • Recognising all the intervals up to and including the tenth, in different registers (high, middle, low), harmonically and melodically at the same time and sounding one after another.
    • Singing back and hitting intervals (rising and falling).

    2.     Scales and tone series

    • Recognising and singing back scales and tone series (e.g. diatonic scales, church scales and chromatic scales).
    • Singing a scale or tone series ascending and descending, starting on a given note.

    3.     Triads (and four-note chords)

    • Singing back a note from a chord (especially the bass note and the tonic).
    • Recognising and singing back the triads: major, minor, augmented and diminished in various inversions and the dominant seventh chord in root position.
    • Finding triads at or below a given note.
    • Being able to find the tonic, third, fifth or seventh of a chord played to you.

    4.     Melody, metre and rhythm

    • Singing back and notating a monophonic melody.
    • Singing a melody at sight.
    • Singing back (or tapping back) and notating a rhythm.
    • Notating the rhythm of a (melodic) fragment.
    • Recognising different time signatures (6/8, 2/4 etc.).
    • Performing a rhythm at sight in different time signatures.

    5.     By ear

    • Identifying, among other things, metre, minor/major, instrumentation and stylistic period of a fragment of music.

  • During the theoretical part of the entrance exam, you will be tested on a number of components by a music theory lecturer In particular, the lecturer will test whether your music theory skills are developable. In other words, this is not about mastering everything perfectly but about showing that you have basic knowledge and skills that can be developed to the required level during your course.

    ‘Knowing and being able to play with musical elements is a foundation for music therapy.’
    CHARITY CHIN, MUSIC THERAPY ALUMNA
    • Expression/delivery, in which feeling for the lyric must be audible, expressed in phrasing, tempo, dynamics and voice inflection (when reading poetry).
    • You have demonstrable experience of singing, for example singing lessons, choir, band, solo singing.
    • You have a good, healthy vocal function: you will be assessed on your potential for development in different vocal aspects, such as your speaking voice and your singing voice.
    • You display good intonation, both a cappella and accompanied.

  • Put together a programme of the pieces you will be performing during the entrance exam, including the names of the artists/composers. If you play another instrument or you have made your own compositions, you may also incorporate these into the programme you wish to perform. The programme needs to consist of:

    • Four songs, of which at least one classical, one light music and one a cappella. The songs should vary in tempo and style and should comprise at least one octave. Suitable classical repertoire: vocalises by Concone, Marchesi, Vaccai, Arie Antiche, Unterrichtslieder, Elizabethan love songs, folk songs. Singing lessons with a classical singing teacher to prepare are recommended. ‘Light’ repertoire: musicals, pop songs (possibly Dutch-language), jazz standards, cabaret, children's songs, folk songs, chansons.
    • A literary or other poem you would like to recite.
    • A (simple) piece on a chord instrument; this may also be a simple song accompaniment.
    • Expression/delivery, in which emotion must be audible, expressed in phrasing, tempo, dynamics and colouring.
    • You have demonstrable experience of making music (alone or with others), for example music lessons, orchestra, band, combo.
    • You have a good technique and display good intonation.
    • You can play solo as well with accompaniment.

  • Put together a programme of the pieces you will be performing during the entrance exam, including the names of the artists/composers. If you play another instrument or you have made your own compositions, you may also incorporate these into the programme you wish to perform. The programme needs to consist of:

    • Three instrumental works for your main instrument, differing in style, character and expression. Depending on your preference and experience, these may be classical or light music (e.g. an etude, solo sonata, ensemble piece, band repertoire, jazz standard, etc.). When performing, you may use your own accompanist, band or ensemble.
    • A (simple) piece on a chord instrument; this may also be a simple song accompaniment.
    • Two songs which you perform, differing in style and genre (preferably one classical and one light music). You may accompany yourself on guitar or piano.

  • After your audition you will be told immediately whether you are admissible on the basis of your musical qualities. As soon as all the information has been approved by the central Exam Board (this board checks whether you meet the requirements), you will hear whether you have been admitted. This will be communicated to you in writing. If you do not agree with the result because of the procedure followed, you can lodge an objection with the Exam Board.

  • The admission is only valid for the academic year immediately following the entrance exam. Should you wish to start a year later, you can submit a written request to the Exam Board to save your results for one year.

  • An admission is only valid for the course for which you have applied. If you wish to be admitted to a course or specialisation at a different location, you need to apply for this separately.