Young Talent Class

The Young Talent class in Zwolle is a multi-year preparatory course, available for talented young individuals from age 10 up until the final exam year of HAVO/VWO, the third class of VMBO-T or the last year of MBO-4B in the courses Jazz & Pop and Classical Music.

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How to begin

To participate in the Young Talent class, you will first take an introductory lesson in Zwolle. This lesson will be given by a teacher from the Academy of Music, who will inform you after the lesson whether or not you can take the entrance exam.

If you are admitted after your audition, you will be placed in the Young Talent class. You will then take main subject lessons (private lessons for your instrument or voice) and theory lessons at the Academy of Music. You will also perform at recital evenings in the school and participate in the Working Days of all preparatory courses. During these Working Days, you will play with your fellow students and attend several workshops.

If you also would like to participate in music competitions during the Young Talent class, you will be coached by the Academy of Music teachers.

Fees

For the Young Talent Class, you are not allowed to apply for student finance options. In special cases, the Friends of ArtEZ Academy of Music Zwolle Foundation can offer some financial support for young talent.

30 main subject lessons (45 minutes) and 20 theory lessons (75 minutes) per year + ensemble coaching (Jazz & Pop) or correpetition (Classical Music) € 1.475
30 main subject lessons (60 minutes) and 20 theory lessons (75 minutes) per year + ensemble coaching (Jazz & Pop) or correpetition (Classical Music) € 1.590

Application & Admission

Before joining the Young Talent class, you must first take an admissions exam, in which you are tested on the following:

Aural exam: sing a pitch
Sing a melody
Clap a rhythm
Analyse how many pitches are sounding at once
You will also be tested on notation. For example, you may be shown a melody and then hear a slightly different melody, after which you will be tested on where the discrepancy is. You may also be asked to perform a simple rhythmic pattern from a piece of sheet music.

There are also a few differences between the admission requirements for the Jazz & Pop and Classical Music tracks. Have a look below to learn what to expect for each specialisation.

In principle, you do not need to prepare anything for this test. One point of attention: you must be able to read a bit of music. If you are not yet able to, you must teach yourself before the test, possibly with the help of your teacher.

2. Audition for Admission

You prepare three works from different style periods, including at least one etude.
You will perform three pieces, all differing in tempo and mood, including at least 1 etude and 2 concert pieces.

Specific admission requirements for Classical Music Voice:
- You should have a good, pure voice that is clearly young and growing, just as you are!
- It is preferable if you can already read notes decently and play an instrument
- You should communicate well and tell your own story with the music
- You should sing repertoire appropriate for your level, life experience and age
- You should sing in 3 different languages
Some ideas for your choice in repertoire:
Dutch songs (such as those by A.M.G. Schmidt, classical Lieder, Bergerettes, English Folksongs (such as those by Benjamin Britten), Lieder from “Das Lied im Unterricht,” Children’s Songs by P. Dessau, one of the simpler arias from Arie Antiche, a spiritual song and a short vocalise by Vaccai or Sieber. You should also prepare a short poem. Everything you sing and perform must be done by memory.
You also prepare a short poem. Everything you sing and recite is done from memory.
For the solo audition, you should prepare 3 works of your choice (including 1 piece with a band). These works should vary in tempo and mood. Before you give the audition, you will take a trial lesson first. After this trial lesson, we will determine if you will be allowed to give the solo audition.

You can also participate in the Young Talent class in Arnhem and Enschede. The ArtEZ programme terms and conditions also apply to preparatory courses and other classes.

The ArtEZ course conditions apply to all preparatory courses.

Apply now for this preparatory course