During the entrance examination we assess your potential to successfully complete the programme. The entrance examination consists of two parts: an audition and a theory test. These are held separately. Each part lasts a maximum of 30 minutes. The admission auditions for Jazz & Pop in 2026 will take place from 30 March to 2 April and from 1 to 11 June.
You can find the admission requirements for each instrument under Main subjects.
Before the entrance examination, we hold a pre-selection round. We do this for all instruments. Once you have applied for admission via Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with a link to our admission portal. There you can upload three audition videos. For all instruments except voice, we prefer band accompaniment in the pre-selection videos, but this is not compulsory.
Music videos and/or heavily produced clips are not allowed. Your face, instrument and hands must be clearly visible in the video.
Your application is complete once you have submitted the admission form together with the audition videos.
The piece from the song list (see the Voice page) may be included in your audition videos, but this is not compulsory. If the piece is not included in your audition videos, you will perform it live at the entrance examination.
Singers must be accompanied by at least one instrumentalist in at least 2 of the 3 audition videos.
During the admission process we look at your musical skills and overall potential. Which specific styles you already master is less important. If you play a lot of jazz, make sure you show this in your audition – the same goes for other styles. If you have a broad musical background, we recommend that you present different styles.
We expect you to already have some experience in jazz or pop music. We assess, among other things, your technical command and musical expression. An important part of your admission is your motivation, which you explain in a short interview.
Band
You are required to audition with live band accompaniment of at least two other musicians. This allows us to assess your ensemble playing. Auditioning with only a karaoke/backing track, solo, or as a duo is not permitted.
If you are unable to bring your own accompanists, you can hire ArtEZ students. You can request this when you apply via Studielink, or by e-mail if you have already applied. Read more about hiring the ArtEZ student band.
Ideally, you play with your own band in the audition. This way you can really show what you are working on and what your strengths are.
Procedure
Before your audition, you compile a setlist of five pieces. These pieces must differ in character and tempo.
You choose the first piece you play during your audition. The admissions committee then selects one or more additional pieces. The committee consists of at least three and at most four lecturers from the programme.
During the audition you will often be asked to demonstrate something specific. For example, you may be asked to play a scale, sight-read a short passage, or play or sing back a fragment by ear. For more information on what this may entail for your instrument, please check the main subject-specific admission requirements.
Among other aspects, the lecturers will look at:
- Command of the most important instrumental basic techniques
- Interaction, presentation, creativity, tone and sound
- Ability to improvise
- Affinity with one or more of the following styles: jazz, free improvisation, fusion, Latin, pop, rock
Result
After your audition, the committee will briefly deliberate. They will then give you the result immediately. If the result is positive, you will be scheduled for a theory test.
If you pass your audition, you will take an oral or written theory test. This usually takes place on the same day, but if that is not possible you will be informed in good time.
Also read the information under the general music theory requirements and aural skills criteria.
Tip: start practising your aural skills, sight-singing, notation, reading and writing rhythms, and harmonic hearing in good time. In addition, work on your general music theory knowledge.
Did you know that ArtEZ also offers a music theory crash course? For more information, go to the music theory crash course page.
After the entrance examination, the Admissions Committee advises the Examination Board of ArtEZ Conservatorium. This Board checks whether the procedure has been followed correctly and ultimately decides whether you can be admitted as a candidate. You will receive the result in writing.
A result of ‘admissible’ is only valid for the programme for which you have applied. Would you like to apply for a programme or specialisation at another location? Then you must submit a separate application. Admission is valid only for the academic year directly following the entrance examination. If you wish to start a year later, you must submit a written request to the Examination Board to retain your results for one additional year.
If you do not agree with a negative result because of the procedure followed, you may lodge an appeal with the Examination Board.
Do the pieces in my pre-selection videos also have to be on my setlist?
You may use the same pieces, but this is not required. You may choose three completely different pieces for the pre-selection. You can adjust your setlist up to two weeks before your audition.
Do I also need band accompaniment for the pre-selection videos?
For all instruments except voice, band accompaniment in the pre-selection videos is not compulsory, but it is preferred.
Can I take the entrance examination online?
Yes, if you live more than 500 km from Arnhem, you can take the entrance examination online. You can request this in your application via Studielink or by e-mail if you have already applied. Click here for the technical requirements for online entrance examinations.
I would like to hire the student band to accompany me during my audition. Can we rehearse beforehand?
No, you cannot rehearse with the Jazz & Pop students before your audition. You can, however, warm up with them for about fifteen minutes before your audition starts.
May I also play a solo piece during my audition?
Not all of your prepared pieces need to be performed with a band. You may play some pieces in smaller ensembles or solo. However, most pieces should be played with a band.
Do I need a laptop to study on the Jazz & Pop Arnhem programme?
Yes, you need to have a laptop (Mac or Windows). You are personally responsible for your hardware and DAW software (such as Logic, Cubase or freeware like Studio One).
I have a question about my diploma, language requirements or visa application. Who should I contact?
The Student Affairs department can help you with these and other questions. You can reach them at studentaffairs@artez.nl.
My question is not listed here. Who can I contact?
Please do not hesitate to send an e-mail with your question to conservatorium.arnhem@artez.nl.