MediaMusic student Joep did an internship at his own company

Joep, a fourth-year student in MediaMusic at ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede, texts, "My train is three minutes delayed, so I'm a bit later," just before this interview. That message turns out to be exemplary of everything he does. "I want to be reliable, stick to my commitments. I hardly ever say no, to sum it up: being decent and humble is very important to me. It literally ensures a good listening ear and a clear vision."

You can also see this in Joep's academic journey. When he was rejected during the admission audition for the bachelor's program in MediaMusic due to a lack of theoretical knowledge, a switch flipped: "I accepted the rejection, listened carefully to my coaches during thepreparatory programme, which I then started, and hit the mark the second time. A year later, I was accepted, and I made a pact with myself: every opportunity I get to learn something, I say 'yes' to it." So, he said 'yes' to a coaching program with producer Jay van de Berg, and he said 'yes' to fellow students seeking collaboration for various projects.

Saying 'yes' to many opportunities quickly bore fruit, and Joep began successful entrepreneurship during his studies. When it was time to do an internship in the third year, he decided to present his dilemma to the head of the program: "I actually want to dedicate all my time and attention to my own business."

"Why not do an internship at your own company?"

The MediaMusic program follows the self-proclaimed crossfade principle. Crossfade is a term derived from music and film production, meaning a 'gradual transition,' such as between two scenes in a film or two audio fragments. The program uses this metaphor to explain how a student evolves into a professional. You start with basic knowledge, and under the guidance of teachers and professionals from the music industry, you quickly gain practical experience—spending hours in the studio, laying cables, recording bands, enhancing choirs, and more. When Joep approached the head of the program, Peter Leutscher, his response was, "Why not do an internship at your own company? We'll find a way. It will be fine." 

Successful project 

"As far as I'm concerned, the pilot is a successful project," says Joep. "In addition to fulfilling my internship period, I also got to know other entrepreneurs in a similar situation and I received coaching and support for the development of my business plan, among other things," Joep continues. "Looking back, I'm very happy that I shared my dilemma with Peter (head of MediaMusic) and that it turned out this way. I see it as an advantage of such a small academy like the ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede. You're not just a number here. You're really helped in a way that suits you as an individual."