Percussion
The ongoing developments in the field of percussion are reflected in the composition of the CvA percussion department. The broad and internationally orientated set-up of the department ensures an optimal representation of all facets of modern percussion practice at the conservatoire.
The lessons are structured according to the concept of team-teaching, which means that every student studies intensively with multiple teachers. In the master degree programme (MMus) students specialize in a chosen field, narrowing down the number of teachers they work with according to their study plan. The entire faculty shares responsibility for every student, thus coordinating and ensuring a healthy allround development.
In addition to the lessons of the faculty members, guest teachers from all over the world frequently give masterclasses.
Head of Percussion: Richard Jansen
Admission requirements
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. The repertoire for the recording is the same repertoire as for the live audition. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest.
Candidates are required to audition on the following instruments
- Timpani
- Snare drum
- Mallets: marimba, xylophone, vibraphone
1. Timpani
- 1 or 2 etudes from Nick Woud - Symphonic Studies
- sight-reading
- rolls and technical exercises
2. Snare drum
The candidate is required to play two etudes different in style;
- One rudimental, e.g. C. Wilcoxon, J. Pratt or J. Tompkins.
- One classical. e.g. M. Peters, J. Delecluse, H. Knauer, A. Wagner, etc.
Please make sure that when choosing a classical etude, to choose an etude that has a natural phrasing and character to it.
3. Mallets: marimba and vibraphone
(no longer than 10 minutes in total)
- applicants should prepare at least two pieces of contrasting moods showing variations of articulations, dynamics, meters, tempos and rhythms. For example: polyphonic/homophonic, tonal/atonal, original pieces or creative adaptations from music written for other instruments, etc. At least one piece for marimba and at least one piece with 4 mallets.
- choose one of two passages by J.P. Sweelinck
- applicants might be asked to sightread and/or play scales and arpeggios in any key.
The master degree programme at the Conservatorium of Amsterdam trains students to participate in the professional music world at the highest possible level. This is a specialized course, which means that the candidate focuses on a strongly defined area of expertise within the world of percussion. For example, a student can choose a master in marimba, a master focused on solo repertoire, and orchestral or a contemporary music master, or a focus on electronic music, etc. From this specialization also comes a proposal for the master's thesis: a research project that the student must complete and defend in order to earn the master's degree.
Admission requirements
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest.
The video repertoire consists of a diverse selection of works that are obviously connected to the desired master course.
- The candidate will perform a program which may not exceed 30 minutes.
- The candidate must submit a list of repertoire with a proposed program for the entrance examination to the CvA study secretariat before the 15th of February.
Richard Jansen head of percussion, section representative, mallets, orchestra percussion, set-up, percussion ensembles
Nick Woud timpani
Tomohiro Ando assistant timpani
Mark Braafhart orchestra percussion
Bence Majororchestra percussion
Rachel Zhang marimba, chamber music
Laurent Warnier vibraphone
Arnold Marinissen set-up, chamber music, percussion ensembles
Marijn Korff de Gidts African percussion & methodology
Nancy Zeltsmanguest teacher of marimba
Marc Aixa Siurana percussion