Bouke was able to pursue his dream master’s thanks to the VSBfonds Beurs

Bouke has a passion for light music. Jazz. Swing. Bigbands. In 2024, he graduated from the Music in Education programme from the ArtEZ Conservatory in Zwolle. Rather than stand in front of a classroom, he wanted to stand in front of an orchestra. And there is only one master’s programme for conductors of jazz and swing music. In Frankfurt.

'I didn’t want to stand in front of a class, but in front of an orchestra'

Online, Bouke read about the VSBfonds Beurs, which allows you to continue your studies abroad. 'The application process was very straightforward', Bouke says. 'And what’s great is that this scholarship isn’t about your grades. It’s about your motivation. Why do you want to go abroad? What can you do there that isn’t possible here? I had a very strong case, because you can’t study this subject anywhere else in Europe.'

The master’s programme is the perfect addition to his bachelor’s degree. 'Here, we get to study music in-depth.' The programme also collaborates with the hr-Bigband. 'That’s one of the 25 best bigbands in the world. I recently had my first recording session with them.' It was terrifying and fantastic at the same time, Bouke says. 'They had never seen the sheet music before. And yet they could play it perfectly. As a conductor, you don’t need to explain anything to musicians like that. In the Netherlands, you don’t get opportunities like this at such a high level.'
Bouke is also enjoying life in Frankfurt itself. 'It’s great to meet new musicians. Wherever you go, you’ll always find your people, especially among musicians. And the city has many old factory halls that have been converted into venues. We go there for concerts.'

'The scholarship gave me peace of mind. And the space to really be a student'

Would he recommend other students apply for the VSBfonds Beurs? 'Absolutely.' The scholarship gave Bouke 'a lot of peace of mind.' 'Because of this scholarship, I can seize every opportunity in Frankfurt. Otherwise, I would have spent more time working than studying. Now I can truly be a student.'

Bouke has two tips for new applicants. First, a very practical one: make a clear overview of your finances. For him, the second tip was most helpful. 'Get in touch with Barbara Heutink, the contact person at ArtEZ. She can explain how the application works and answer your questions. I discussed my project plan with her, and that was great.'

Are you (almost) graduated and planning to pursue another degree, within or outside the EU? If you have Dutch nationality or a demonstrable connection to the Netherlands, you may be eligible for a VSBfonds Beurs.