Arts

It's so great that almost all the art programmes are in one building, so you can quickly find the one you're looking for!

Kiki

Student year 2

I chose Conservatorium Tilburg because they collaborate so much with other art programmes and the atmosphere is so nice. Also because of the diversity within the programme.

The atmosphere is very pleasant and safe, in my opinion. They really listen to us as students. Also working with other programmes, like dance, visual arts and theatre, feels easy and pleasant. I make many friends and work in project collaborations with them!

The teachers pass on their knowledge, and you learn a lot from that. In addition, you get so many different subjects from different teachers that you gain expertise from every lesson.

I think it's absolutely fantastic that there are multiple art programmes within Fontys Academy of the Arts. As I said, I make many friendships and collaborations from it. It's so great that almost all the programmes are in one building, so you can quickly find the one you're looking for! I also think this makes Fontys unique, and it's definitely one of the reasons I wanted to study here.

What I'd like to say to those who are hesitant to do audition: don't live in fear, try the audition, and make your dream come true!

I help students step by step, so that they can eventually continue independently

Guus Bakker

Teacher bass guitar and double bass

What music means to meI have been playing music since I was ten years old. That's when I started playing the guitar. At fourteen, I switched to bass guitar, and since I was nineteen, I have also been playing the double bass. I still enjoy working with my instruments every day. Music helps me to continue developing myself, and that makes me very happy.

My work at the Tilburg ConservatorySince 2017, I have been working as a bass guitar and double bass teacher at Tilburg Conservatory. I also coach ensembles and bands. I find it very inspiring to share my knowledge with students. Music is my profession and playing bass is my great passion. It's wonderful to pass that on to young people who are just as enthusiastic about music as I am. I also learn a lot from my students, for example by discovering new artists.

My approach to teachingI mainly coach students in their own learning process. That process is different for everyone. Together with the student, I look at their motivation and their goals. Of course, there are also goals that need to be achieved. Studying independently can be quite difficult, especially alongside all the other challenges that come with life as a musician. For international students, this is often even more difficult. I help students step by step, so that they can eventually continue independently.

What makes Tilburg Conservatory unique?Tilburg Conservatory is unique to me for a few reasons:• We are a small-scale institution. This means there is a lot of personal contact with teachers and management. Bassists get extra opportunities to play in ensembles here. This allows students to gain a lot of practical experience alongside their studies.• Tilburg has had its own unique jazz scene for many years.• The jazz venue PARADOX is an important part of this scene. The Conservatory works closely with PARADOX. Students can attend concerts at a discount and participate in jam sessions.

This school lets people be who they are and gives us the support to develop our own style and personality

Iris

Student year 2

I chose Circus and Performance Art at Fontys because I was seduced by the opportunities and connections we have here. In fact, we are part of a multidisciplinary campus where we are lucky enough to work with people from other disciplines. Fontys encourages exchange and cohesion between the different branches of the campus, allowing us to learn from each other.

The school offers a unique programme! Minor, in the 3rd year, which allows you to train outside the school for a while, and I think that's a real advantage! It allows us to tailor our training more closely to what we want.

The challenges may lie in the autonomy. We have a guest teacher system where artists are invited to teach for a few weeks at a time, which is great because we get to learn in a different way, but it can also be challenging in the weeks when we have no teachers to train on our own and remember the advice.

Teachers help us achieve our goals by being extremely open to what we ask. We will always have the opportunity to adapt a training to a need or a wish, because the class is based on respect and consent.

We are part of a community where everyone knows each other. There is always help available between students when needed.

We go to school to learn, but it is also the place where we find our friend.

Dance is my strength, my passion and my way of telling stories

Ghislaine

Alumnus

During my training, I discovered my love for dance. I was also given the space to develop my own artistic voice.The broad education gave me a strong foundation while allowing me to delve into my own fascinations. For me, that was the Martha Graham technique. Already during my studies, I travelled to New York to experience this style up close. After graduating, I decided to stay there and got the chance to dance with the Martha Graham Second Company. My dedication was rewarded with the Armgard von Bardeleben Award for Excellence in Graham Technique.I now work as a professional dancer with various companies and teach the Graham technique here in New York.

Dance is more than a profession for me, it is a way to tell stories, share emotions and constantly reinvent myself.