Admissions process

The admissions process for the Master of Music in Zwolle is made up of two parts:  

• Before each audition period, there is a compulsory online information session led by the programme coordinator and a mentor.
• In the weeks that follow, you will take part in the admission exam. You will need to write a motivation letter and make a video introduction before the exam. The exam consists of an audition and an interview based on your motivation letter and video introduction. 
   

Online information session

You will receive extensive information about the curriculum at this session and have the opportunity to ask questions. Your contact person in Zwolle, Cynthia van Ommen, will send you an invitation and link to join the session. 

Admission exam

• Write a motivation letter using the template you received after applying to the programme.
• Create a video introduction of yourself (max. 5 minutes): Who are you? What makes you unique? Feel free to use your creativity for the video! Upload the video to YouTube or a similar platform and add a link to the application form you received from the educational support office.
• Prepare a programme of the repertoire you will perform during your audition. You can find the repertoire requirements (in English) here. If no specific repertoire requirements are listed for your main subject, please present a programme that shows as much variety as possible. 
   

Live audition in Zwolle

If you are coming to Zwolle to give your audition, please perform a programme that shows your current level on your instrument. At the same time, make sure there is a clear connection between your programme and the learning goals you have described in your motivation letter. Melodic instruments should preferably be accompanied by a pianist, which could also be your own pianist. At the end of the audition, you will have an interview with the members of the admissions committee. You will discuss your audition, your motivation letter, your introduction video and other information from your application form. The total length of the audition is 45 minutes. 

Online audition

For an online audition, the same requirements apply as those for the live audition. You will: 

• record yourself performing your chosen pieces;
• make a separate recording for each piece;
• introduce each piece on camera before you start playing;
• record yourself in a static shot that clearly shows your hands and face;
• upload your recordings to YouTube (or a similar platform) and paste the links into the application form. 

The admissions committee will review your recordings during an online meeting with you. You will then be interviewed about your audition, your video introduction and information on your registration form. The interview will be based on your motivation letter. 
 

Important dates and deadlines  

• If you apply before 1 February 2025, the admission dates will be 2-13 March 2026.
• If you apply before 1 April, the admission dates will be 1-19 June 2026 (EU/EEA candidates only). 
   

Study plan – want to explore ideas in advance?

You will get the most out of the Master of Music if you already have a good idea of what you would like to achieve while studying and have started to explore this beforehand. We are happy to help you with this. As part of the admission procedure, you will write a motivation letter in which you explain why you are applying. At the start of the programme, you will then create a personal study plan together with your mentor. After that, we’ll do everything we can to support you in following that plan. 

If you would like to discuss your goals for this master’s programme, please contact Cynthia van Ommen at conservatorium.zwolle@artez.nl.