Admission process

This exam is to assess your proficiency on your main instrument. That instrument can also be voice. The exam takes the form of a trial lesson and is held before the admissions day. The lecturer will make an individual appointment with you for a lesson. 

During the exam you will play your prepared pieces and receive instruction from the lecturer. Below is a list of what you need to prepare. The entire exam takes approximately 45 minutes. 
 

Preparing for the main instrument entrance exam

- Prepare four instrumental pieces. The pieces must differ in style, character and expression. Make a video of two of the pieces and post it on YouTube. Upload the link to the ArtEZ registration page. You will have received a link to that page in the email from Student Affairs. 
 

- If your main instrument is voice, prepare four pieces that showcase your voice. For example, you could choose a pop song, a musical song, a classical song, a children’s song and/or a jazz standard. The four pieces must differ in style, character and expression. You should accompany yourself on a chord instrument. Make a video of two of the pieces and post it on YouTube. Upload the link to the ArtEZ registration page. You will have received a link to that page in the e-mail from Student Affairs. 
 

- If you play another instrument next to your main one, you may include it in your programme. 
 

- If you have written your own piece of music, we would love to hear it!  

You will receive an invitation for the admission day by e-mail. This event is held in a classroom at the academy, where you will carry out a musical group assignment and showcase your voice. We also test your knowledge of music theory. A projector, a variety of instruments, music stands, a backline and a grand piano are available. 

 
You need to make the following preparations: 
 

Musical group assignment

Prepare an assignment that you can perform in 10-15 minutes with a group of five to eight people. For example, prepare a song, a short choral piece, an instrumental or rhythm piece, a sound game, or a musical movement activity. Describe your group assignment on an A4 sheet of paper and state what you want to do. Bring this with you to the entrance exam. Do not forget to bring any additional materials you may need as well, such as sheet music or lyrics with chord notation. 
 

Voice audition for the secondary subject in voice

Select two pieces that showcase your voice. For example, a pop song, a musical song, a classical song, a children’s song and/or a jazz standard. The four pieces must differ in style, character and expression. You should accompany yourself on a chord instrument. 
 

Music theory test

The music theory test consists of an individual oral test plus a written test. Both are conducted by a music theory teacher. You do not need to have mastered everything perfectly yet. The teacher will assess whether you will be able to further develop your basic knowledge and music theory skills. During the individual oral test, you will be asked to: 

• Sing one or more melodies in major and minor keys from sheet music.
• Sing major and minor scale patterns after they are sung or played to you.
• Play, sing or tap a number of rhythms in different time signatures.
• Name intervals and triads that are presented to you.
• Name notated triads and four-note chords and a number of scales.