Vibraphone
The vibraphone has been part of jazz history from very early on. In recent times, the instrument has become popular again with many innovative vibraphone players who are integrating the beautiful sound of the instrument in nowadays jazz. During your vibraphone study you will start out with the fundamentals of improvisation, technique, harmonization, composition, timing, and composing. As a vibraphone player, you will get acquainted with the most influential key players in jazz. Moreover, you will experience various styles such as bop, contemporary jazz, Latin, and Nordic jazz. This will ultimately lead into finding your own voice on your instrument.
Teachers
Vincent Houdijk
Vincent Houdijk is a virtuoso on the vibraphone. The combination of his classical and jazz studies, gave him a broad view on music. His approach cannot be described in one word since his inspiration is mainly influenced by jazz, world music, classical, minimal and improvised music. With his jazz group VinnieVibes he has performed at all important jazz venues and at the North Sea Jazz Festival. Vincent collaborated with Ravi Coltrane, Sean Jones, Maria Mendes, Eric Vloeimans, Wouter Hamel, Metropole Orkest, Kyteman Hip Hop Orchestra, Remy van Kesteren, Teus Nobel, and many others.
Candidates living in the Netherlands/ Belgium/ Western Germany will do a live audition. Candidates from other countries will do an online audition.
To assess your level of ability, you have to prepare five pieces. These pieces must represent different styles (e.g.jazz, latin, pop, et cetera). We would like to hear at least 1 solopiece (completely alone) and want to hear your technical and improvisational abilities.
In the audition, you will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate rhythmical, melodic and harmonic insights, as well as sufficient reading proficiency.
Video audition: we request you to make a recording of the five pieces in different styles (jazz, latin, pop, etcetera). We strongly prefer that you play with a band. If this is impossible you can record yourself playing along (with iRealPro e.g.). Make sure that you and your hands are clearly visible at all times and that the bass is clearly present in the balance. Your videos function as a first round. If you pass the first round you will be invited for a second round in the form of an e-meeting in which we can ask you to do additional assignments, like side reading, in order for us to make a well informed decision about your application.
Live audition:
You are asked to present yourself and play your repertoire with other musicians. This can be your own band, or if this is not possible, the school will provide accompaniment. Please indicate this on the application form. There is no opportunity for rehearsal.Be sure to bring proper sheet music for your band members.