In the first year, you will be introduced to the music education profession. In the following two years, you will deepen your knowledge and skills. In your final year, you will focus on a specialisation of your own choice.
We will provide you with a broad musical training, covering all musical styles from classical to jazz/pop, and all eras from the Middle Ages to blues. When it comes to music theory, we have developed a unique teaching method.
You will explore what it means to teach music and build a solid theoretical and practical foundation. You will do internships in the lower years of secondary education and in primary education. You will take subjects on topics such as digital skills, artistic orientation and art appreciation. Naturally, you will also make plenty of music yourself. You will become familiar with various musical styles: from classical to jazz, pop and non-Western music. In addition to your main instrument, you will learn to play other instruments. You will sing in a choir and play in ensembles.
In this first year, you can also apply for admission to the Honours Lab, which enriches the theoretical side of your Bachelor’s programme.
In your second year, you will broaden and deepen your knowledge and skills. In the remedial music teacher project, you will learn to teach people with disabilities − for instance, a deaf student or someone on the autism spectrum. To this end, you will do an internship together with a Music Therapy student. Guest lecturers will give you insight into different types of special education. You will do internships in primary and secondary education.
In these years, you will also learn to lead choirs and ensembles. In the pop workshop subject, you will gain basic skills on drums, guitar, bass and keyboard. The subject concludes with a public performance in a pub, where you and your fellow students perform a repertoire, switching instruments after each song. You yourself will be responsible for PR, technical setup and arrangements with the venue. In your third year, you will organise an international cultural trip for all first-, second- and third-year students.
In your fourth year, you will get the chance to specialise. The year consists of fifteen credits, ten of which you may spend freely on another Academy of Music programme in Enschede. You will do internships in the upper years of secondary education, as well as one in a setting that fits your future plans and the topic of your graduation research. You will also work on a final product, such as a thesis, essay, new teaching method or your very own company. Together with your fellow students, you will create a major music production. You will present your graduation project at the ArtEZ finals.
If you associate the word ‘theory’ with dull, dry classes, our Music Theory Workshop will sound like music to your ears. Here, practice is always the starting point. Each module focuses on a theme, such as the Baroque period. For this example, you would start by composing in Baroque style, and then explore the music history and theory of that era. Classes in arranging and ear training often connect to the theme. The Music Theory Workshop is an original approach developed by our team − a solid yet inspiring foundation for your teaching practice.
You will take subjects on topics such as didactics/methodology, musical expression, art appreciation and art and cultural history. In the digital skills subject, you will learn about music technology − DJing, remixing, creating music productions, video, animation and gaming. In the music and education Lab, you will develop and test apps and software, often on behalf of external partners. These companies ask students to design apps that improve education. You will sometimes collaborate with MediaMusic students on these projects. In cooperation with the Music Therapy programme, you can also train as a remedial music teacher. And together with students from Pop Academy, you will play in bands.
For three years, you will receive weekly individual classes on your main instrument to refine your artistic skills. You will also take part in choir classes and play in bands and ensembles. You will take singing, piano, guitar and drum classes. Alongside your main instrument, you will explore other instruments, musical styles and music technology.
Together with other programmes at ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, we organise a masterclass every Friday. We invite experienced musicians from the Netherlands and abroad, such as:
These masterclasses are open to all students and are live-streamed. We also organise one or two public lunch concerts per week with free entrance − a great way to gain stage experience.
We deliberately keep our groups small to ensure personal attention. Before your first year begins, you will go on a retreat with your fellow students and lecturers. During your first year, you will receive weekly study and career counselling, both in groups and individually. A study counsellor will support you throughout the programme, and as a first-year student, you will also have a study buddy.