Drums

If you choose the drums major, your classes will focus on your grooves and tempo awareness. You will also explore different styles and genres, acquiring the skills you need to become a multitalented musician.

Your ability to read music is a core part of the major classes. You will also learn about the latest technology, how to use loops and how to make them with a hard disk recording system or MIDI sequencer. The classes cover many aspects of the profession: drumming techniques, the full drum set rudiments, coordination, exploring styles and genres, working with sequencers and click tracks, reading drum notation and sight-reading.

We also focus on your development in a band or bands, so that you can fully explore your ambitions and talents. You’ll find out whether you have what it takes to become a band leader, arranger or studio technician. During this journey of discovery, you will also attend classes on PA (sound system), studio techniques and arrangement.

Danny Sahupala, Rene Engel, Erik Albers and Peter Weissink.

We expect you to be at a decent level by the start of your programme, so that you can successfully achieve the final learning outcomes within the four-year programme. During the admission process, we will assess your level and potential for development.

This is what you will do:

• Perform
  • Play at least two pieces that showcase your skills. The pieces must be from different genres.
• Rhythm test
  • Play along with a sequencer and continue playing as we lengthen how long the groove is cut out.
• Coordination
  • Turn rudiments into grooves.
• Reading music
  • Test your sight-reading skills and understanding of symbols denoting rhythm and form. You will perform an accompaniment and solo.