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Application and admission

Application and admission

If you are a performer or curators, willing to articulate your vision of the future of music performance, then the master's course Classical Music is for you. If you want to follow this master's course, the first step is to apply for the auditions. Learn about the process step by step and what to expect. You'll also find important dates, deadlines, and useful tips to prepare yourself. 

Applying for admission

You can apply for this course through Studielink. First, read the admission process for the master's course in Classical Music below. You can find general admission information for ArtEZ here. Once you've applied, you'll receive a confirmation email from ArtEZ Student Affairs. After that, the course will provide you with further details regarding the admission process.   

Apply through Studielink

Important dates and deadlines

Admission in March 2025: register before February 1st 2025
Admission in June 2025: register before May 1st 2025
Non-EU/EER citizens can only apply for the entrance exams in March. If you have any questions, please  get in touch with the course 

Performers and curators with vision

We welcome flexible and proactive musicians, who keep an eye out for opportunities: people who will renew and innovate the work field of performances and who enjoy working in a broad, multidisciplinary environment.

  • These are the degree (and language) requirements you must meet to be admitted:
    1 a completed undergraduate degree
    2 a positive score on the entrance exam (see below)
    3 in the case of a positive result in a bachelor's program other than music, the Admissions Committee may decide that additional bachelor's courses must be added to the master's program
    4 diploma or certificate at the required language level (see below)

  • Language requirements apply to all ArtEZ master courses. For the Master course in Classical Music, IELTS 5.5 or similar is required. You will need to prove your language proficiency by handing in a certificate stating your level of English before 31 August. If you need a residence permit to study at ArtEZ, the delivery deadline is 31 May.

    For more information, please check the general language requirements.

  • You must register for the Master of Music at ArtEZ via Studielink before 1 April. Applications received after 1 April will only be considered if there are still enough places available. After registration, you will receive a confirmation of receipt with information about the further admission procedure, a questionnaire and a template for your motivation letter. You will also receive the date of your entrance exam will take place. 

  • The admission procedure at ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle consists of a mandatory online information meeting May 7th about the content of the programme, led by the coordinator and a mentor of the Master of Music and an entrance exam, consisting of an audition and an interview in June, based on your motivation letter and your introductory video.

    Online information meeting

    In this meeting you will receive detailed information about the course programme and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Your contact person in Zwolle, Cynthia van Ommen, will send you an invitation with a link that will make it possible to join this meeting.

    Entrance exam

    • Write a motivation letter with the help of the format you will receive after having applied.
    • Make a personal introductory video in which you introduce yourself. Who are you? What makes you tick? We invite you to use all your creativity in making this video. Keep it short and concise though: the maximum length is 5 minutes. Place this video on YouTube (or similar platform) and make sure you add a link in the application form, which will be sent to you by the educational office.
    • Make a programme of the repertoire you will perform. Repertoire requirements can be found here.
    Candidates that audition live in Zwolle

    Auditioning in Zwolle? Play a programme which represents your current level on your instrument and in the meantime shows a concrete connection with the learning objectives you mentioned in your motivation letter. One-voiced instruments should preferably be accompanied by a pianist.

    At the end of the audition, the members of the board of examiners will have an interview with you, based on your motivation letter in connection with (the programme of) your audition, your introductory video and the information you gave in your application form.

    The practical audition will take 45 minutes in total.

    Candidates that audition online

    The same requirements as above apply to candidates auditioning online. The recordings of your audition will be assessed in an online session with a board of examiners and you. Please make sure your videos are shot from a static perspective that shows your hands and face. Make a separate recording of each piece you play. Always announce to the camera what you are going to play.

    At the end of the audition, the members of the board of examiners will have an interview with you based on your motivation letter in connection with (the programme of) your audition, your introductory video and the information you gave in your application form.

    Place your recording on YouTube (or similar platform) and copy the link to the video in the application form.

  • The committee will announce their recommendation to the Examination Committee immediately after the audition. This committee will make the final decision on whether you will be accepted. You will receive a written notification of this decision. You will receive notice of the result of your entrance examination within three weeks.

    Please note: a positive decision is only valid for the degree course for which you have applied. If you wish to take the entrance examination for a degree course or specialisation at another location, you will need to register for this separately. Your admission is only valid for the academic year directly following the entrance examination.

    If you do not agree with a negative decision due to the procedure followed, you can lodge an appeal with the Examination Committee.

Study plan: exchanging ideas in advance?

You will get the most out of this master's degree if you have a good idea of what you want to achieve and explore beforehand. We can help you with that. The admission process involves writing a motivation letter explaining your reasons for applying and attending an audition. At the start of your studies, you then draw up a personal study plan with your mentor. After that, we will do all we can to support you in achieving your plan.

Would you like to exchange ideas with us about your goals for this master's? Please contact Cynthia van Ommen via conservatorium.zwolle@artez.nl .

More information?

Do you have questions about the programme or would you like to know more? Please feel free to contact us via cons.zwolle@artez.nl.