Piano & Keyboard

Specific Piano & Keyboard admission requirements

For the entrance audition for the Jazz & Pop in 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 piano and keyboard 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.

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 broken major third and minor third triads (broken short and long) in all keys and across the whole instrument in parallel and contrary motion;
• solid knowledge of triads and seventh chords in all keys and in all inversions (and their notation in chord symbols);
• imitating melodies and harmonies by ear;
• after a short preparation, playing a piece written in notation (violin clef and bass clef);
• after a short preparation, improvising with consciously chosen harmonic and melodic material to a chord diagram provided;
• playing a bass line to a given chord diagram.

Main criteria

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

• a basically relaxed and effective posture;
• a basically relaxed and effective posture;
• enjoyment of playing - coordination;
• interplay and interaction;
• presentation and charisma;
• a feel for your musical role in the band;
• tone and expressiveness;
• rhythmic stability – improvisation and creativity;
• openness and a broad musical interest.

Major lecturers