Music preparatory programme
Are you about to complete your HAVO, VWO, or MBO programme and hoping to continue your studies at the conservatory level? The Music Preparatory Programme gives you the best possible preparation for admission to a music bachelor’s programme.
What you will learn in the Music Preparatory Programme
High-level music-making and everything you need to prepare for the bachelor admission exam – it all comes together in the Music Preparatory Programme. Over the course of one year, you learn how things work at the ArtEZ Academy of Music and discover whether a conservatory programme is right for you.
You take main subject lessons (on your instrument or in voice), play in ensembles or bands and sing in the preparatory choir. In addition to making music within your own department, there are also collaborative projects where you meet pupils from other departments. This gives you a broad perspective on music and helps you develop your artistic identity. There are several student performance evenings within and outside the conservatory, where you gain valuable performance experience. All group lessons are scheduled on one day, so travelling remains manageable and you get to know many of your peers. All lessons are taught by our conservatory lecturers.
Taking a preparatory programme does not guarantee admission to a bachelor’s programme, but lessons taught by conservatory lecturers can increase your chances. At the very least, they offer optimal preparation for the admission exam.
You can choose from the following tracks within the Music Preparatory Programme:
- 27 main subject lessons taught by a conservatory lecturer
- 20 theory lessons
- Preparatory Choir
- Band coaching (Jazz and Pop)
- Collaborative projects with Classical Music
- Student performance evenings within and outside the conservatory
Costs:
- 27 main subject lessons of 45 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + band coaching, choir and collaborative projects
€1.475
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 45 minutes, total €1.757)
- 27 main subject lessons of 60 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + band coaching, choir and collaborative projects
€1.590
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 60 minutes, total €1.965)
- 27 main subject lessons taught by a conservatory lecturer
- 20 theory lessons
- Preparatory Choir
- Chamber music ensembles
- Collaborative projects with Classical Music
- Accompaniment lessons for wind and string players
- Student performance evenings within and outside the conservatory
Costs:
- 27 main subject lessons of 45 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + accompaniment lessons, chamber music, choir and collaborative projects
€1.475
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 45 minutes, total €1.757)
• 27 main subject lessons of 60 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + accompaniment lessons, chamber music, choir and collaborative projects
€1.590
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 60 minutes, total €1.965)
The one-year Music in Education preparatory programme is specifically intended for pupils in 5 havo, 6 vwo or year 3 or 4 of mbo.
- 20 practical music lessons focusing on your instrument or voice, taught by a conservatory lecturer (30-minute individual lessons)
- 20 group lessons in education, taught by main subject lecturers in Music in Education and guest lecturers (60 minutes weekly)
- 20 lessons in general theoretical subjects: ear training and general music theory (50 minutes weekly)
- 20 choir lessons (with all students from the preparatory programmes)
Costs:
- 20 practical music lessons + 20 education lessons + theory and choir
€1.475
- 12 lessons in Directie HaFaBra (Wind Band Conducting) taught by main subject lecturer Alex Schillings, 90 minutes weekly
- Singing in the preparatory choir
- 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes
Lesson content:
- Baton technique / motor skills: learning to “speak” with your hands, arms and facial expression
- Stylistic knowledge
- Leading ensembles/orchestras/choirs
- Theory tailored to the conductor’s profession
- Listening to music (receptive training)
Costs:
- 12 main subject lessons of 90 minutes with Alex Schillings + 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + choir
€1.475
Admission
The admission exam for the Music Preparatory Programme in Zwolle (for all music tracks) consists of a practical audition and a music theory exam. Both take place at the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle. For your practical audition, you prepare three pieces of your choice that differ in character, stylistic period and tempo.
Please note: A preparatory programme prepares you for the admission to a bachelor’s programme at the ArtEZ Academy of Music. Passing assessments within the preparatory pathway does not mean you are automatically admitted to the bachelor’s programme. The bachelor admission exam is always decisive.
More information
Would you like to know more about the admission procedure, about the required level of the pieces, or would you like to request an introductory lesson?
Questions? Please contact cons.zwolle@artez.nl
Introductory lessons are not possible for the Jazz & Pop Voice track.
You can also follow the Music Preparatory Programme in Arnhem and Enschede. The ArtEZ terms and conditions apply to all preparatory programmes and courses.
