In the two-year Master of Pop program, students have the opportunity to develop into well-rounded artists. What makes this program so valuable? Four (former) students share their experiences.

Are you curious about this program? Join us on December 14th at the open day at Q-Factory.

Marieke Naus (Miss Starling)
Marieke Naus is in her second year of the Master of Pop program. She is a singer-songwriter performing under the name Miss Starling. Her electro indie-pop songs give a voice to those who don’t always feel heard. Miss Starling won the Amsterdamse Popprijs 2024, with the jury commenting on her performance: “With stream-worthy pop tracks and a theatrical presentation, Miss Starling delivers a fully realized performance.”

What were you able to develop during your master’s program?
"I studied songwriting in my bachelor studies and now I’m studying vocals in my masters. So I’m learning a lot of new techniques as well. I was also able to develop my act on stage in a unique way. The way the teachers, mentors and other students cheer you on, gave me a lot more confidence in myself and my act."
 
How has this influenced your career?
"I’ve grown a lot. I found the right people who help me bring my vision to life. And I won the Amsterdamse Popprijs 2024!!"
 
Why would you recommend musicians/artists to pursue the CvA Pop master’s program?
"I would recommend the master’s program for every musician with bigger goals and dreams. You get a lot of individual attention/care and you can form your master’s program in a way that fits you."
 
Can you share a specific moment from your master’s program that has stayed with you?
"I think my favorite moments are the moments I see my classmates perform. Every time they blow me away with their talent and creativity. I also really love the moments when we celebrate each other’s achievements."

Yori Swart
Yori Swart, also known as Yori, is a graduate of the Master of Pop program. She creates indie-pop music with a folk-inspired edge. In recent years, she has written not only her own music but also songs for artists such as Roxeanne Hazes, Bente, Maan, and Meau. Additionally, she performs as a guitarist and vocalist in Ilse DeLange’s band. In the past, Yori has received numerous accolades, including the Grote Prijs van Nederland, the Amsterdamse Popprijs, and the Sena Pop NL Award.

What were you able to develop during your master’s program?
"I gained more knowledge about vocals, neuroscience and  career choices.”

How has this influenced your career?
"it gave me more focus and drive for the future.”

Why would you recommend musicians/artists to pursue the CvA Pop master’s program?
"The masters program inspired me to dive deeper in all aspects of my career."
 

Marnix Dorrestein
Marnix Dorrestein is a songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. In his work the pop and classical world come together. He is well-kown for his collaboration with Herman van Veen, receiving a golden record for his contribution to the songs and production of the album Kersvers. Together with Nora Fischer Marnix recorded the album Hush, with modern arrangements of 17th-century classical music, for which they were awarded an Edison. Since 2013 Marnix has been a member of the Amsterdam-based musicians' collective Splendor.

What were you able to develop during your master’s program?
"I was able to develop my solo project and did my first two releases."

How has this influenced your career?
"Launching my solo project helped me show more of my taste and musical identity which not only helped my career as an artist but also impacted my work as a songwriter and producer for other artists."

Why would you recommend musicians/artists to pursue the CvA Pop master’s program?
"The CVA Pop Masters can be the perfect bridge between your inside and the outside world."

Can you share a specific moment from your master’s program that has stayed with you?
"I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed writing a thesis. It developed my research skills which not only enhanced my critical thinking but also methods of researching for artistic projects."


Wesley Fransen (Keenan Mundane)
Wesley Fransen is a graduate of the Master of Pop program. Under the name Keenan Mundane, he produces alternative hip-hop. Driven by a certain necessity and love for hip-hop, Keenan released his first mixtape in 2021, Treasures of the Mundane; entirely written, produced, and mixed by himself. You may also know Wesley from the bubble-grunge band TAPE TOY. In early 2022, they released their debut album Honey, WTF.

What were you able to develop during your master’s program?
"I just started my solo project in which I write, produce and perform everything myself. I was able to develop all those elements even further because the CvA offers an array of highly capable teachers specialised in each of those categories. I also never did anything on the industry side of music myself and the master program offered a huge help in that area."
 
How has this influenced your career?
"Because of my performances at the popcontact events, I was able to showcase my music to new and important people within the music industry. This resulted into more shows and eventually signing to a bookings agency among other things."
 
Why would you recommend musicians/artists to pursue the CvA Pop master’s program?
"For me personally I just wasn’t done learning after I finished my bachelors at the CvA because the institution has so much to offer. It also felt good to be part of the scene again and meet new musicians and artists. The master’s program is very helpful if you want to kick start your new music project or want to take your current project(s) to the next level. the program is perfect for guiding you through every aspect of what it means to be an artist."
 
Can you share a specific moment from your master’s program that has stayed with you?
"I will never forget the performance I did at the very first Popcontact event at the Melkweg. It was my first real show with my new solo project after covid and I didn’t know what to expect and if people would enjoy it. Afterwards I got a lot of positive feedback and that motivated me even more to continue and develop my project and myself as an (performing) artist."