ArtEZ alumnus Mike Meurs on studying abroad

In 2021, three ArtEZ students were awarded VSBfonds scholarships, including Jazz & Pop alumnus Mike Meurs. The VSBfonds provides scholarships for students who want to continue their studies or do research abroad after graduation. In September 2021, Mike went to study at the Royal College of Music in London with the help of the VSBfonds scholarship. In December 2022, in the second year of the Master of Music in Composition for Screen, Mike will give an update and talk about his experiences.

"I chose this study because, after studying Composition for Film and Theatre at ArtEZ, I was keen to specialise in orchestral classical film music. There is no better place for a composer than a prestigious conservatoire that delivers musicians of the highest calibre in the middle of a vibrant metropolis like London.

In the first year of my studies, I was already able to gain a lot of knowledge and experience. At the Royal College of Music, I had several recording sessions with musicians specialising in orchestral music. I also learned to conduct and was able to use this skill during these recording sessions. In addition to teaching, the lecturers themselves work in the field and give the best advice on professional practices. The school works with a ‘1-1’ system; that means you get private tuition from your chosen teacher and can focus specifically on skills you want to improve.

London has probably the largest film industry in Europe and is also known for its theatre industry. Studying there has allowed me to meet several industry professionals and receive feedback from them. So we had sessions with, among others, Nicholas Hooper (film composer), Daniel Pemberton (film composer), Jeff Atmajian (orchestrator), Joseph DeBeasi (music editor) and Angel Velez (film music conductor).

London also has many film schools where young filmmakers are trained. The Royal College of Music puts us in touch with them and, as a result, I have already had the opportunity to provide music for about six short films last year, in addition to school projects.

Besides school, in London I also have all the freedom to explore the city and its many cultures. Last year, I lived on campus in a corridor with only English speakers. This brought the necessary inspiring cultural exchanges and I learnt a lot from this. I now eat a proper British breakfast every weekend and pour milk in my tea these days. This also brought me good friends, with whom I also shared my Dutch culture. They now eat hutspot every winter. I now live in a household with two Icelanders, an Italian and a Brazilian. I wonder what habits I will adopt this year.

I am very happy that the VSBfonds in cooperation with ArtEZ gave me this opportunity. I recommend every student, who has concrete plans to study abroad, to apply. The application process was, in my opinion, relatively simple and therefore definitely worthwhile. ArtEZ and the VSBfonds are also always ready to help you if you have any questions. If you have a clear plan and goal in mind, and if you are very committed to your surroundings, then the scholarship application will go smoothly and I consider it very likely that a VBSfonds scholarship will contribute to an unforgettable follow-up study abroad."