Admission procedure
We would like to see how well you master your instrument, but we are also curious about your other musical abilities. Do you write songs? Do you play several instruments? And how do you plan to use this programme to build your future as a pop musician?
The admission process consists of:
- an audition
- an assessment of your portfolio
- a motivation interview
- a theory exam
Entrance exams take place between February and late June. You will receive an email in advance with the exact date and time. The exam has two parts, which are taken separately, and each part lasts about 30 minutes. The board of examiners consists of lecturers from the ArtEZ Academy of Music.
1. Audition and motivation interview
During your audition, the examiners will assess your instrumental skills, choice of repertoire, musical expression, ensemble playing and stage performance. We will also look at your sight-reading (notation and chord symbols), improvisation skills, musical ear, imagination and potential for growth.
You should already have some experience in pop music.
You and your band will perform a short, well-prepared programme of two contrasting pieces that show what you can do. It’s not about complexity or speed – we are looking for quality, creativity and performance.
During the audition, you may be asked to demonstrate specific skills such as improvising, playing scales, sight-reading a short passage or playing or singing a short fragment by ear. Finally, you will take part in a motivation interview, where you can tell us more about your portfolio.
2. Music theory
If your audition and motivation interview meet the required level, you will take an individual music theory exam lasting 15 to 30 minutes. We will assess your ability in aural skills, sight-singing, notation, rhythmic reading and writing, harmonic listening and potential for development. We will also test your general music theory knowledge, including intervals, key signatures, scales and chords.
Admission requirements – Music Theory
You can find the full music theory requirements here.
Tip: start practising early so that skills such as ear training, sight-singing, notation, rhythm reading and writing, and harmonic listening come naturally to you. Also review your general music theory knowledge.
Watch the Theory instruction video for extra guidance:
Admission requirements – Main subjects
The requirements differ depending on your main subject.
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess both your current level and your potential for growth.
What you will do:
- Performance – play at least two pieces that showcase your skills, each in a different style.
- Rhythm test – play along with a drum loop and keep the rhythm steady when the loop drops out for several bars.
- Create a bass line – come up with a bass line based on a drum pattern and chord progression.
- Play or imitate by ear – reproduce a short fragment by ear as quickly as possible or play along with a backing track without preparation.
- Sight-reading – demonstrate your ability to read standard notation.
- Chord symbols – show how you interpret chord symbols, including rhythm and form indications, both as accompaniment and in a solo.
Watch the Bass guitar instruction video
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess both your current level and your potential for growth.
What you will do:
- Performance – play at least two pieces that showcase your skills, each in a different style.
- Rhythm test – play along with a groove while the rhythm track drops out for increasingly longer periods.
- Coordination – apply rudiments within grooves.
- Sight-reading – demonstrate your ability to read notation, including rhythmic and structural cues, both as accompaniment and in a solo.
Watch the Drums instruction video
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess both your current level and your potential for growth.
What you will do:
- Performance – play at least two pieces that showcase your skills, each in a different style.
- Rhythm test – play along with a drum loop and keep the rhythm steady when the loop drops out for several bars.
- Play or imitate by ear – reproduce a short fragment by ear as quickly as possible or play along with a backing track without preparation.
- Sight-reading – read and perform a simple melody at sight.
- Chord symbols – interpret triads and four-note chords, including rhythmic and structural instructions, both as accompaniment and in a solo.
Watch the Guitar instruction video
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess both your current level and your potential for growth.
Before the audition:
- You will receive a songwriting assignment, which you will have 30 minutes to complete.
- You must submit three tracks in advance that show what you can do.
What you will do:
- Performance – perform two of your own songs live.
- Singing/playing by ear – reproduce a short fragment by ear as quickly as possible, either vocally or on your instrument.
- Sight-reading – read and perform a simple melody from notation.
- Track presentation – the admissions panel will listen to your submitted tracks and assess your instrumental skills, songwriting ability, variety and production quality.
Watch the Theory instruction video
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess both your current level and your potential for growth.
What you will do:
- Performance – play at least two pieces that showcase your skills, each in a different style.
- Rhythm test – play along with a groove while the rhythm track drops out for increasingly longer periods. You should be able to keep the rhythm steady throughout.
- Play or imitate by ear – reproduce a short fragment by ear as quickly as possible.
- Sight-reading – demonstrate your ability to read standard notation.
- Chord symbols – show how you interpret chord symbols, including rhythm and form indications, both as accompaniment and in a solo.
Watch the Keys instruction video
We expect you to start the programme at an advanced level, so that you can complete the programme in four years and reach the desired final standard. During the admission process, we will assess your level and potential for growth.
What you will do:
- Performance – play at least two pieces that showcase your skills, each in a different style.
- Play or imitate by ear – reproduce a short fragment by ear as quickly as possible.
- Sight-reading – read and perform a simple melody from notation.
- Sight-reading – demonstrate your ability to improvise.
Watch the Singing instruction video
Outcome and validity
After the entrance exam, the examining lecturers will submit their recommendation to the Exam Board of the ArtEZ Academy of Music. The board will then check that the procedure has been carried out correctly and decide whether you will be offered admission to the programme. You will be notified of their decision in writing.
An offer of admission is only valid for the programme you have applied for. An offer or a rejection for the Bachelor of Music in Education programme is binding for ArtEZ in both Enschede and Zwolle. An offer is only valid for admission in the academic year immediately following the entrance examination. If you would you like to start a year later, please submit a written request to the Examinations Board to defer your admission for a year.
If you disagree with a negative admission decision or believe that incorrect procedures were followed during the admissions process, you may lodge an appeal with the Exam Board.
