In the first two years, you will build a strong foundation, developing your knowledge and deepening your instrumental skills. After that, you will work on your own production, such as forming a band or starting your own business. Because every student’s path is unique, you will receive personal guidance and tailored supervision throughout your studies.
In your first year, you will explore the different elements of the programme. There is a strong focus on your main subject, band culture, studio work and music theory. You will also learn the basics of songwriting, music production, education, management and business. You will get to know your lecturers well and discover everything the programme has to offer. You will study in small groups of around four to ten students, ensuring plenty of individual attention.
From your very first year, you will have many opportunities to perform live at events organised by the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, such as band try-outs, the Booster Festival, Afterglow and BandLab.
In your second year, you will build on your earlier knowledge and skills, and make significant progress in your musical and professional abilities. There will still be plenty of focus on your instrument and main subject, and you will also begin working on projects and productions.
This year includes an educational internship, where you will teach within a professional organisation. You will apply the knowledge, insights and skills you have developed in your main subject and education classes. This internship will help you prepare for a possible career as an independent music teacher.
After the shared foundation of the first two years, it’s time to define your direction and specialise; for example, as a performing artist, producer, songwriter, singer-songwriter, music manager, music entrepreneur, studio or session musician, or teacher. You may also start your own music teaching practice or record label with guidance from your coaches.
From this year onward, you will take even more control of your learning, choosing from a range of elective profiles, such as music management, music production, songwriting, education, business, studio performance, studio vocals, backing vocals or performance. To prepare for professional life, you will complete internships during this year. Third and fourth-year students taking the Music Management and Business minors complete an internship at PAMM Productions, the production company of the Academy of Pop Music and MediaMusic.
You can also spend several months studying abroad in your third (and fourth) year.
In your final year, you will choose a second elective profile. Depending on your ambition, interests and specialisation, you will complete an internship within the music industry and finish your studies with a graduation project. Your graduation project can take many forms, such as:
- a concert
- the release of an EP
- a live performance of your own compositions
- a documentary
- the organisation of a festival
- the launch of your own business
- live sets at festivals
- digital educational concepts