ArtEZ University of the Arts

Bachelor Jazz & Pop in Arnhem

Course structure

The first year The first year introduces you to many different styles and you will also take part in a number of projects. This first year provides you with all the information you need to make a well-considered choice later on in your studies about how you want to specialise. There are enough students in every style to form a band with.

The second year

Your major still takes centre stage in the second year. But now you also choose some of the subjects yourself. Through these elective subjects and your own choices within the other subjects, the style and direction you choose become increasingly clear. Electives include a second 2 instrument, music technology, mental training, and subjects in the fields of music education and music business.

The third and fourth year

Your major, band coaching, research and your graduation project form the mandatory part of your last two years. Moreover, the number of electives has increased even more than in the first half of your studies. With the bands you form with fellow students, you’re going to rehearse, on stage inside and outside ArtEZ, and you’re going into the studio for demos, EPs or full albums. The Jazz & Pop course collaborates with various festivals and venues, which means that there are plenty of opportunities to play at. You will do your graduation project when you have passed all the bachelor subjects and your final work will be presented at the ArtEZ finals.

Internship

In the third or fourth academic year, you have to do a (mandatory) internship. For instance, you can do an internship at a company that specialises in film music and sound design. Previous students did their internships at Cinesamples in Los Angeles or Tom Salta in New York. Students who have leant more towards education over the course of their studies can focus on becoming an independent music teacher through an internship in the practice of a music school or another educational environment.

The Jazz & Pop master follows up perfectly on the bachelor course. This master allows you to further specialise in the direction that appeals to you the most. You can take the two-year Tailor-Made BA Music in Education for a first-level teaching qualification in mainstream education. If you choose Tailor-Made BA Music in Education as your second bachelor course, you pay the lower statutory tuition fee.

Because of the enormous variation within the Jazz & Pop course, ArtEZ produces very versatile musicians every year. After their studies, Arnhem graduates look for a suitable niche in the market for which they have already prepared themselves through their specialisations in the final years of their studies. As a musician you can be part of a band, group, or orchestra -- or you can perform solo on stages and festivals. You can also use your knowledge and skills as a studio musician. Interdisciplinary professional practice is also an option.

Continue studying?

The Jazz & Pop master perfectly connects with the bachelor course. This master allows you to further specialise in the direction that appeals to you the most. You can also take the two-year Tailor-Made BA Music in Education for a first-level teaching qualification in mainstream education

At the end of the course, you are ready to start your own professional practice. Your instrument is central to this, but you have the choice to do more than just make music. Upon completion of this course, you will be qualified to teach. You will also get to know other elements of professional practice, from social media and finance to business expertise.

In the nineteen different majors you are supervised by broadly oriented and renowned teachers who can assist you in many areas. The clear structure of the course ensures close contact between students and teachers. Because of the professional practice of professional musicians, we also pay a great deal of attention to education. We assume that after your training you will always take up teaching in one way or another.

In brief

• English-language course: The course offers many opportunities to get in contact with international students and lecturers, which allows you to build a strong, international network during your studies.
• Own musical direction: With 17 major subjects, you will discover all forms of jazz and pop in this course and gradually determine which musical direction you would like to pursue.
• The real thing: Discover the largest string class for jazz and pop in the Netherlands! You will work together with other musicians as well as with dancers, theatre makers and visual artists.
• Artistic development: Find your own niche. Your lecturers are renowned musicians who will assist you in developing your own musical personality.
• Learn from the best: You will attend master classes given by well-known jazz and pop bands and musicians, for example as part of the Band in Residence project.
• Idiosyncratic education: Idiosyncrasy and artistry: these are the two main components of this course. Develop your own talent and discover who you are as a musician.