Admission requirements
A pre-selection will take place for the entrance exam by means of recordings of two pieces from the jazz idiom and one piece of the candidate's choice, to be uploaded by the candidate in the application form. If the candidate's level of playing does not match the requirements, he/she will not be invited to take the entrance exam.

During the entrance exam, the candidate is tested on:

1. Playing skill
a. The committee will choose from three 'standards' (compositions from The American Songbook) of a different character, tempo and key prepared by the candidate, in which he/she shows the committee both command of the instrument and affinity with jazz. In playing these pieces improvisation should be an important part. For candidates who give priority to playing in an orchestra, there are also possibilities. In this case improvisatorial skills are less important.
b. The candidate must also play written material, e.g. jazz solos, jazz etudes, and/or classical etudes (bring 4 copies of sheet music for the committee).
c. Being able to play all major and minor scales and triads at a reasonable tempo.

Please note: written material in consultation with Erik van Deuren and Harmen de Boer.

2. Hearing, tempo/timing and reading skills
This may consist of:

• playing by ear on harmonic progressions which are given by the committee members
• repeating of played fragments
• being able to play a prima vista a piece in jazz idiom (for instance a section from an orchestral part or a simple etude)

The committee supplements the examination with some exercises which must show the candidate's skills which have not been sufficiently disclosed up till then.

3. Assessment
The possibilities to follow a principal subject study will be discussed by the committee. Important issues for the assessment are:

• musicality and hearing
• feeling for rhythm and tempo
• disposition for the instrument
• sight reading, technique, tone quality

Preselection

The candidate must submit via the application form three links (YouTube, Soundlink etc). to audio or video recordings of their performances. On the basis of these materials, the committee will assess the candidate's level. If the candidate's level meets the requirements for the master's degree programme, the candidate may be invited to do a practical audition. In this audition, the candidate will play three pieces, including one jazz standard (originality and a high level of improvising are required).

Candidates may bring their own accompaniment. It is also possible to make use of a conservatory trio; if you wish to do so, please state this on the application form.