Singer-Songwriter/Instrumentalist-Songwriter

Your major lessons will focus on one central theme: what makes you different from other singer-songwriters? You will also concentrate on your performance on stage and in the studio, learning how to stand out in terms of melody, harmony, rhythm and groove, instrumentation, production and lyrics. Together with ArtEZ, you will create a personal study plan that sets out the order in which you’ll tackle each of these elements.

You will be taught by leading singer-songwriters as well as session and stage musicians, who will give you practical guidance on how to improve. Guest lecturers provide classes on niche techniques and components. At the end of the programme, you will be able to make original material or create on commission. As a singer, you will attend classes at the Voice section, where you will receive coaching on your vocal technique and performance. If you want to write songs but are not interested in performing onstage, check out the Songwriter track of the MediaMusic programme.

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.

Before the audition:

• You will be given a written assignment and have half an hour to complete it.
• You will submit three tracks that showcase your skills.

This is what you will do:

• Perform
  • Play two of your own pieces.
• Listen and repeat (vocally or instrumentally)
  • We will play a musical fragment and ask you to play or sing it by ear as soon as you can.
• Reading music
  • We will test your sight-reading skills of a simple melody.
• Play your tracks
  • The admissions board will listen to your tracks and assess your instrumental skills, writing skills, variety and production.