Guitar
Modern creative, swing, groove music, rock influenced jazz, latin jazz; the possible approaches on jazz guitar seem endlessly. That’s why the lessons are tailored to the specifics of the student and their needs when they begin their studies. Especially at the start of your bachelor's, there will be an emphasis on
developing strong fundamentals in terms of tone, improvisation, harmonization, articulation, language, reading and rhythm. These fundamentals are a basis on which the student can develop in any chosen direction.
Teachers
Daan Kleijn
Guitarist Daan Kleijn studied at the New York University, and worked as a jazz musician in the US before returning to The Netherlands. He has regularly performed at jazz venues such as the Blue Note, Birdland and Smalls Jazz Club. He can be heard as a sideman on numerous albums alongside some of todays foremost artists such as Rodney Green, Billy Drummond, Sam Yahel, Rich Perry, Glenn Zaleski and Mike Rodriquez. His own debut album was described as ‘brilliant’ (De Telegraaf). In his music, Daan combines refreshing original and modern compositions, melancholic Brazilian songs, and carefully chosen jazzstandards. ‘I have always considered teaching music an enriching endeavour, something to accompany and embellish my own development. Over the years, I have grown as a teacher and have been fortunate to teach at various academic institutions, and abroad.
Ed Verhoeff
The renowned Dutch magazine Gitarist described jazz guitarist Ed Verhoeff as possessing ‘phenomenal technique, beautiful sound, and harmonic depth.’ Ed is often defined as a versatile player who blends jazz, rock, fusion, and Latin into a style of his own. With great passion for improvisation, he likes to approach music with an open mind. Throughout his career, he has worked with artists such as John Abercrombie, Philip Catherine, Lucas van Merwijk, Nueva Manteca, Adam Nussbaum, Izaline Calister, Ivan Lins, Hein van de Geyn, Angelo Verploegen, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, and the Metropole Orchestra.
Candidates that live in the Netherlands, Belgium or Western Germany will do a live audition. Candidates from other countries will do an online audition. You will be assessed on your rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic skills and proficiency. To evaluate your level of ability, you must prepare three pieces. These pieces should represent different styles, but at least one piece must be a jazz standard in which you should demonstrate your ability to play the melody, improvise, and accompany (i.e. play chords).
Video Audition Guidelines:
Record a video containing three songs. We strongly prefer that you play with a band. If this is not possible, you can record yourself playing with a play-along (like iRealPro, for example). Your videos will serve as the first round of evaluation. If you pass the first round, you will be invited for a second round in the form of an e-meeting. During this second round, we may ask you to complete additional assignments, such as sight-reading, to help us make an informed decision about your application.
Live Audition Guidelines:
For the live audition, you are asked to perform your repertoire with other musicians. This can be your own band, or if this is not possible, the school will provide accompaniment. Please indicate your preference on the application form. Keep in mind that there will be no opportunity for rehearsal. Be sure to bring proper sheet music for your band members.