Piano
Jazzpiano has developed from swing and bop into modern playing with elements of classical music, folk, sophisticated pop music, and various other approaches. During your piano study you will start out with the fundamentals of improvisation, technique, harmonization, composition, timing, and comping. As a pianist you will get acquinted with the most influential key players in jazz, and you will experience various styles such as bop, contemporary jazz, latin, and Nordic jazz which will ultimately lead into finding your own voice on piano.
Teachers
Wolfert Brederode
Wolfert Brederode is considered one of the most authentic pianists in the Dutch jazz scene. A refined and focused touch, concern for natural flow, openness to all kinds of music, and his relentless search for new horizons are characteristic features of his music. Wolfert has recorded as a bandleader for the famous label ECM Records and has toured the world as a member of the Acoustic Quartet of saxophonist Yuri Honing. Furthermore he has worked with a wide range of artists such as Susanne Abbuehl, Arve Henriksen, Matangi Quartet, Dave Liebman, and many others.
Sjoerd van Eijck
After graduating from Fontys Conservatorium Tilburg pianist Sjoerd van Eijck has found himself a prominent place in the Dutch jazzscene. He has released two albums with his group OAK in which he uses influences of Scandinavian melodic jazz, minimalism, classical music, and contemporary jazz. Sjoerd also leads a trio with German cello player Jörg Brinkmann and Norwegian drummer Jarle Vespestad. With the trio Mudita that also features singer Sanne Rambags and trumpet player Koen Smits, he has won an Edison Jazz Award. Furthermore Sjoerd plays keys in the group Hotspot of famous Dutch trumpet player Eric Vloeimans. As a pianist he has also collaborated with musicians such as Anton Goudsmit, Reinier Baas, Mete Erker, Maarten Hogenhuis, and many others.
Audition
There are three steps to the audition:
- Video-preselection
- Theory test
- 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 four pieces. These pieces could represent different styles (e.g. jazz, funk, latin, pop, et cetera), but at least two selected pieces must be a jazz standard, preferably one ballad and one medium swing or up-tempo tune. Furthermore, you have to prepare a minimum of two classical pieces, including at least one etude. It’s mandatory to play classical, otherwise we will not consider your application as valid.
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 (both jazz and classical) as prepared for the pre-selection. Besides this, you can be asked to present additional exercises.