Young Talent Class Zwolle
The Young Talent Class in Zwolle is a multi-year preparatory programme for exceptionally talented young people from the age of 10 up to the (pre-)final exam year of havo/vwo, year 3 of vmbo-t or the final year of mbo-4b, in the disciplines Jazz and Classical Music.
How to get started
To participate in the Young Talent Class, you first take an introductory lesson in Zwolle. This lesson is taught by a lecturer from the Academy of Music, who will let you know afterwards whether you can do an admission audition.
If you are admitted after your audition, you join the Young Talent Class. You then take main subject lessons (on your instrument or in voice) and theory lessons at the Academy of Music, perform at student performance evenings within and outside the conservatory, and meet pupils from the other preparatory programmes. All group lessons of the Young Talent Class are scheduled on a single day.
If you would like to participate in music competitions while in the Young Talent Class, you can receive guidance from lecturers of the Academy of Music.
Costs
You cannot apply for student finance for the Young Talent Class. The Stichting Vrienden van het ArtEZ Conservatorium Zwolle (Friends of the ArtEZ Academy of Music Zwolle Foundation) offers financial support for young talent in special cases.
- 27 main subject lessons of 45 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + 20 x Preparatory Choir
€1,475
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 45 minutes, total €1,757.) - 30 main subject lessons of 60 minutes and 20 theory lessons of 75 minutes per year + 20 x Preparatory Choir
€1,590
(This package can be expanded with 5 additional main subject lessons of 60 minutes, total €1,965.)
Application & admission
For the Young Talent Class, you first complete an admission procedure, which includes the following tasks:
- Ear-training test: singing back a given pitch
- Singing back a melody
- Clapping back a rhythm
- Identifying how many notes sound simultaneously
- Working with notation. For example, you see a melody and then hear a slightly altered version. You are asked to identify where the change occurs. You may also be asked to perform simple rhythmic patterns at sight.
There are also differences between the admission requirements for the Jazz & Pop and Classical Music specialisations. Below, you can read what to expect for each specialisation.
You perform three pieces that differ in character and tempo, including at least 1 étude and 2 recital pieces.
Specific admission requirements – Classical Music (Voice):
- You have a good, accurate singing voice that is naturally still developing – just like you.
- Ideally, you can already read music well and play an instrument.
- You are able to communicate clearly and tell your own story.
- You sing repertoire appropriate to your age and experience.
- You sing in three different languages.
Ideas for choosing your repertoire:
Dutch-language songs by, for example, A. M. G. Schmidt, classical musical theatre songs, Bergerettes, English folk songs (for example by B. Britten), songs from Das Lied im Unterricht, children’s songs by P. Dessau, one of the simpler arias from Arie Antiche, a sacred song and a short vocalise by Vaccai or Sieber. You also prepare a short poem. Everything you sing and recite must be performed from memory.
For the solo audition, you prepare 3 pieces of your choice (including 1 piece with a band). These must differ in character and tempo. Before the audition, you first take a trial lesson. After the trial lesson, we determine whether you can proceed to a full audition.
You can also follow the Young Talent Class in Arnhem and in Enschede. The ArtEZ terms and conditions apply to all preparatory programmes and courses.
