During the entrance examination, we will assess your potential to complete the programme successfully. The entrance examination consists of two parts, held separately: an audition and a theory test. 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 Majors.
Before the entrance examination, we hold a pre-selection round for all instruments. Once you have applied for admission via Studielink, you will receive an email with a link to our admissions 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 admissions process, we will examine your musical skills and overall potential. Less important are the specific styles you may have already mastered. If you play a lot of jazz, make sure this is reflected in your audition, and the same goes for other styles. If you have a broad musical background, we recommend that you showcase your abilities in different styles.
We expect that you will already have some experience in jazz or pop music. We will assess, among other things, your technical command and musical expression. Another important aspect of your admission evaluation 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 email if you have already applied. Read more about hiring an ArtEZ student band.
Ideally, you will play with your own band in the audition. This way, you can show what you are currently working on and what your strengths are.
Procedure
Before your audition, you will create a setlist of five pieces, all of which must differ in character and tempo.
You will have the option to 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 and give you your admissions outcome immediately. If you pass this round, 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.
Please read the information under the general music theory requirements and aural skills criteria as well.
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.
ArtEZ also offers an intensive course in music theory. For more information, go to the music theory intensive course page.
After the entrance examination, the admissions committee will advise the Exam Committee of the ArtEZ Academy of Music. This Committee checks whether the admissions process has been followed correctly and ultimately decides whether you will be admitted. You will be notified of the result in writing.
An offer of admission is only valid for the programme and location for which you have applied, as well as only for the academic year directly following the entrance examination. If you would like to apply for a programme or specialisation at another location, you must submit a separate application. If you would like to start your programme a year later, you can submit a written request to the Exam Committee to retain your results for a period of one year.
If you disagree with the admissions outcome or believe that incorrect procedures were followed during the admissions process, you may lodge an appeal with the Exam Committee.
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 email 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 email with your question to conservatorium.arnhem@artez.nl.