Entrance examination
The entrance examinations start in April. Students should be well-prepared for the exam; it is not possible to take a re-examination. The exam consist of two parts (please note: Classical and Early Music candidates will take the exam parts on two consecutive days):
1. Practical part for all candidates
Aptitude and suitability are tested with reference to the principal study. Candidates perform a programme of approximately 20 minutes' duration. Programme details are to be submitted beforehand. For full details of the entrance requirements for each principal study, please see thedepartment and principal subject of your choice under Study.
2. Theoretical part for candidates for the preparatory course and all candidates for the bachelor's degree programme. The theoretical part consists of the following parts:
A. 'solfège' (ear tests)
* ability to distinguish between and name all intervals, the usual scales and triads
* sight-read a melody, tap a rhythm
* write down a short melodic or rhythmic piece
Additional requirements for jazz candidates:
Ability to distinguish between and name the most usual seventh chords in root position and major and minor scales as well as Dorian, Mixolydian, pentatonic, blues and chromatic scales.
B. General music knowledge
* evidence of theoretical knowledge of intervals, scales and triads.
* reading treble and bass clefs
* knowledge of meter and rhythmic notation
Jazz candidates are also required to show evidence of theoretical knowledge of seventh chords and symbolic notation.
N.B. Candidates are often surprised at the theoretical requirements of the entrance examination. To avoid this, applicants can find a model test on this site.
Those wishing to take up a wind instrument are advised to find out whether this will cause medical problems. Jazz voice candidates are required to submit a certificate by an ENT-specialist which states that the voice is healthy and fit for vocal training.
Assessment
During the entrance examination candidates will be tested for level of repertoire, technical skills, artistic abilities, development possibilities, ear tests and musical hearing. If one of these aspects is considered insufficient, the candidate will fail.
N.B. In order to get an impression of the theoretical part of the exam, please view the theoretical test on this page.
Result
The examination result of the practical part is communicated to the candidate directly after the practical part. The result can be 'admissible to the principal subject' or 'rejected from the principal subject'. The board of directors (not the exam committee), will make the final decisions regarding the admissions. In addition to the results of the practical and theoretical exams (and for foreign candidates their command of the English language), the number of student places available per section will be taken into account. As soon as possible after the entrance exams the candidates will be informed if they will be admitted or not. During the summer holidays all admitted candidates will receive information on the start of the study year, the introduction day and the payment of the tuition fee.
Jazz pre-selections
For a number of jazz principal subjects, candidates will be selected beforehand. Please check here if your principal subject requires a pre-selection. For the admission requirements and the recording specifics (if required), please check the instrument of your choice.
Bachelor | Master | |||
NL | EU | non-EU | NL/EU/non-EU | |
arranging | printed scores | printed scores | printed scores | printed scores |
bass guitar | no preselection | no preselection | no preselection | recordings |
double bass | no preselection | no preselection | recordings | recordings |
drums | recordings | recordings | recordings | recordings |
guitar | audition day in April | recordings | recordings | recordings |
piano | no preselection | recordings | recordings | recordings |
saxophone | no preselection | no preselection | recordings | recordings |
trumpet | no preselection | no preselection | no preselection | recordings |
trombone | no preselection | no preselection | no preselection | recordings |
voice | audition day in April | recordings | recordings | recordings |