Main subjects
You can choose from the following main subjects:
• Wind instruments: flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone
• Stringed instruments: guitar, bass guitar, double bass
• Piano
• Drums
• Vocals
Foundation
In the first two years of the course, in addition to your main subject you will be working on the basis of all musical styles: the harmonic, rhythmic and melodic principles of jazz and pop. This exercises skills that are useful in many musical styles.
Utrechts Conservatorium organises a lot of projects in which you gain experience for your future professional musical career, on themes like Latin, Motown or Joni Mitchell. You can also participate regularly in masterclasses. Guests in recent years have included Marcus Miller, Jonathan Kreisberg, Gino Vanelli and Richie Beirach.
More about the study programme
Talented students who can sing or play an instrument and would like to become professional musicians. You want to be the best in your discipline and are therefore critical of yourself, where necessary. To grow as a musician you are keen to learn and are open to the experiences of others.
Music is a means of communication and you want to communicate. You share your love of music with your audience during concerts, with your fellow musicians in workshops and during lessons with your pupils. In rehearsals with your band you seek the best-sounding result. And you will spend time at the mixing desk learning how to please your future record buyers.
It may not always be easy to earn a living in music, but you are certain that you want to become a musician.
Most musicians have a mixed professional career in which they combine various musical activities, such as performing, teaching and studio work.
You will soon be giving lessons at a music school or culture centre or to private individuals. Or you will be preparing to work as a producer or concert promoter, for example. In any event, we are assuming that you will also remain active as a performing musician. That is the basis for all your other work.
• Musical challenges in a good atmosphere
• Plenty of group sessions and combo lessons
• Dedicated teachers with a broad vision who perform regularly themselves
• Projects: masterclasses, workshops, courses with your own teachers and guest teachers
• Facilities: own concert halls, recording studio, ICT
• Playing at local and regional venues such as Muziekcentrum Vredenburg, Beauforthuis and 't Oude Pothuys.
• Extra attention to - and coaching in – presentation, audition and application techniques and entrepreneurship
• Interdisciplinary projects with other faculties of the Utrecht School of the Arts.
After completing the Bachelor of Music programme, you can advance to the Master of Music.
For more information you can visit us on our open day. If you still have any questions, then please contact us on+31 (0) 30 23 14 044 or by e-mail: info@muziek.hku.nl.The Jazz & Pop coordinator, Hannie van Veldhoven, will be pleased to help you.
If you would like to know more about the Jazz & Pop teachers, then take a look at the list of teachers.
Jon is in his fourth year of the Bachelor of Music, Jazz & Pop. We asked him about his experiences in Utrechts Conservatorium.
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