Mouth harmonica

Specific mouth harmonica 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 mouth harmonica entrance audition:

• you must prepare at least three pieces from the Jazz & Pop repertoire;
• you must also prepare a (jazz) blues piece on which to improvise. In the entrance audition, you should play with a band as far as possible. If you wish, you can also play a solo along with the original recording.

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. 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. If that is not possible, you can play with students from the academy of music. You must request this ahead of time and there will be a charge.

Exercises, skills and knowledge

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

• playing major and minor third scales up to four symbols and the chromatic scale (insofar as the range of the instrument and the performer allows, the scales should be played over two octaves);
• playing major and minor triads belonging to the scales referred to above;
• improvising by ear with piano accompaniment based on a simple chord diagram;
• imitating simple intervals and phrases by ear;
• after a short preparation, playing a number of simple fragments from the Jazz & Pop repertoire from sheet music.

Main criteria

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

• a basically good embouchure that is capable of development;
• adequate technical command of the instrument;
• enjoyment of playing;
• interplay and interaction;
• presentation and charisma;
• awareness of role;
• tone and expressiveness;
• rhythmic stability;
• improvisation and creativity;
• openness and a broad musical interest.

Major lecturers