Vocals

You also study essential languages such as French, German, English and Italian and, where necessary, auxiliary subjects such as Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais.

Three times a year you have group lessons with all vocals students in five two-hour sessions. You then work (alternately) with all the major-subject teachers and the répétiteurs. The group lessons and vocal ensemble lessons are always concluded with a public concert. Lessons from specialised guest teachers, workshops and masterclasses take place as much as possible during the project weeks, fitting in with the current themes of those projects.

The team of singing teachers consists of very experienced pedagogues, some of whom are also active on concert stages themselves, enabling them to use the necessary knowledge and experience first-hand for your development as a singer.

All efforts of our team are focused on your individual growth and development, your identity as a singer. We offer you plenty of space, personal attention and coaching in all areas that are important to you. The teachers and your fellow students look forward to welcoming you to Zwolle!

Classical Music student Sarah Konig explains her choice for ArtEZ in the video below (English subtitles available):

What can you expect?

Naturally you will work in the weekly singing lessons primarily with the lecturer from your main subject of choice. Here, many topics will be discussed: technical, vocal, and musical development with a matching repertoire. Development and growth of your personality and identity as a singer and musician are key. All of this can only be achieved through mutual trust and respect.

Our team has extensive teaching experience, including teaching young talented musicians in the Young Talent class from approximately 14 years of age. Our team has a lot of performance experience covering all aspects of the profession: opera, lead vocals, theatre, oratorio and professional choirs.
We strive for open and friendly interaction, in which the student is the central focus. It goes without saying that we expect the same attitude from you.

Master classes are also organised annually for all singers (Bachelor’s and Master’s students) in the project weeks. Guests in recent years: Barbara Hannigan, Michael Chance, Olaf Bär, Anne Klare (respiratory therapist) and Margreet Honig. The last two are regular guest lecturers.

What do we expect from you?

In addition to the general admission requirements there are also specific vocal admission requirements.

1. When applying for admission to the Young Talent class:

• you have a good, pure singing voice that is naturally young and fresh with growth potential, just like you;
• ideally you can already read sheet music well and play an instrument;
• you can already communicate well and tell your ‘own story’;
• your repertoire befits your age and experience;
• you can sing in three different languages (repertoire suggestions: Dutch songs (for instance by A.M.G. Schmidt), classical music songs, Bergerettes, English folk songs (for instance by B. Britten), songs from das Lied im Unterricht, children’s songs (for instance by P. Dessau), one of the simple arias from Arie Antiche, a religious song and a short vocalisation of Vaccai or Sieber.);

• you will also prepare a short poem.

Everything you sing and recite must be done from memory.

2. When applying for admission to the first Bachelor’s year:

• you have a good singing voice with a unique character that you have already learned to master and we are able to hear that you and your voice have the potential to develop to the level of the Bachelor’s final examination within four years.
• you will sing a not too difficult repertoire from different style periods and in four different languages. You will also prepare two vocal warm ups, one of which will be done without lyrics. Suggestions: Bordese, Concone, Lablanche, Lütgen, Marchesi or Vocalize nelle stile moderne.
• you can communicate well through your chosen repertoire and can demonstrate visually and audibly that you thoroughly enjoy performing.
• you will recite two poems, one in Dutch and the other in a language of your choosing.

You should be well-groomed and well-dressed, befitting of a performance or audition. Everything you sing and recite must be done from memory, without musical notations or a music stand, except when you sing an aria from the oratorio repertoire.

3. When applying for admission to the Master’s programme:

• you have a very well developed, beautiful singing voice with very few technical weaknesses, and which you can use to express your emotions and thoughts and stimulate your audience to feel the same.
• you have a unique musical and artistic personality.
• you will sing a multifaceted repertoire about a half hour in length, with a good mix of songs, oratorio and opera arias, befitting of your vocal range, appearance, personality and character.
  Virtuosity should not be missing. Vocal warm up for concert performances may also be included in your repertoire.
• you must possess high-level collaboration and communication skills in regard to your fellow musicians and/or accompanying pianist.

We must be able to hear and see that, within two years, you will be able to develop into an independent, excellent singer who can forge their own way in the music world and successfully audition and compete. You should be well-groomed and well-dressed, befitting of a performance or audition. Everything you sing and recite must be done from memory, except when you sing an aria from the oratorio repertoire.