Drums
As a drummer you are the rhythmic compass of a group or ensemble. Sometimes playing hard swing time, sometimes subtly colouring, and other times with an exciting groove. At Fontys Conservatorium you’ll be covering a broad approach of drum styles such as American and contemporary jazz, funk & grooves, European jazz, latin, and jazz rock.
Teachers
Niek de Bruijn
Niek de Bruijn is one of Europe’s most demanded drummers, renowned for touring the world with various artists. He has played both in small combo’s, bigbands, funk groups, and orchestras; ranging from straight-ahead jazz, fusion, funk, contemporary jazz, and pop music. Niek has performed with a broad variety of artists like Metropole Orkest, Benjamin Herman, Candy Dulfer, Paradox Jazz Orchestra, Lucy Woodward, Teus Nobel, Eric Vloeimans, Charlie Hunter, and many others. Niek has great experience in teaching drums in higher music education. In his lessons he focusses on both craftmanship and creativity.
Jeroen Batterink
Jeroen Batterink is known for his versatile approach as a drummer. He is a member of groups led by singer Sanne Huijbregts, South-African guitarist Vuma Levin, and pianists Julian Schneemann and Daan Herweg. Furthermore, he is part of the group Ikarai and has collaborated with 'Nederlands Blazers Ensemble' and Asko|Schönberg. Jeroen has studied with Martijn Vink, Marcel Serierse, and Lucas van Merwijk. He is now a first-call drummer operating in the jazz & world, pop and classical scenes of the Netherlands. At the same time, he is active in the field of electronic music, neo-soul and hiphop.
Michiel Westerhuis
After graduating drums and percussion, Michiel Westerhuis left for Brasil to study music. He is an expert in Afro-Latin styles, and played in various group such as Medicamento Trio Novo, Som do Sol, and Capim. He regularly travels up and down to Brasil and plays there with several bands including Banda Lobo, and Robson. He also made study trips to Cuba and Africa.
There are three steps to the audition:
- 1. Video-preselection
- 2. Theory test
- 3. Live/online session with the main subject teachers
Candidates are expected to prepare material for both the video-preselection and the session with the main subject teachers. This can be the same or similar material for both steps.
1. Video-Preselection
Upload 3-5 videos to your personal upload portal (PortalPlus). Suggested material to prepare and upload:
- To assess your level of ability, you have to prepare three pieces. These pieces should represent different styles (e.g. jazz, funk, latin, pop, et cetera), but at least one piece must be a jazz standard. Make sure you play solo and trade 4 or 8 bars. In addition, play a snaredrum exercise (Charley Wilcoxon or Mitchell Peters).
2. Theory Test
If you are selected, you will be invited to an online theory test using Microsoft Teams (approx. 30min.). You can find the theory guidelines here.
3. Live/Online session
If you are selected after the first round, you will also be invited for a live or online audition:
- Candidates living in the Netherlands and Belgium will have to do a live audition, location Fontys Academy of the Arts (Zwijsenplein 1, Tilburg).
- Candidates from other countries will have to do an online audition.
Duration of the audition is 15/20 minutes.
When you are invited for a live audition, the commission prefers to see you perform and play your repertoire with an accompaniment/group or band of your own. If possible, bring your own musicians to the audition. In exceptional cases the school can provide accompaniment. Please indicate this on the questionnaire form you will receive after you application. Please be mindful: there is a warm-up room, but there’s no opportunity for a joint rehearsal on campus. Be sure to bring proper sheet music for your band members.
During both live and online sessions, you will be asked to perform your material as prepared for the pre-selection. Besides this, you can be asked to present additional exercises.