Vocals
The human voice is the most personal of all instruments. In your main subject lessons you will focus on skills such as technique, phrasing, intonation, improvisation, timing, storytelling, stage presence, and composition. There will also be an emphasis on the creative process to develop your own sound and artistic direction. Various styles will be dealt with such as contemporary jazz, the American songbook, singer-songwriting, Latin jazz, Nordic jazz, and
many other styles. You will also learn group singing as a member of the close harmony ensemble, and of course you will collaborate with instrumentalists in a broad range of other specialized ensembles.
Teachers
Paulien van Schaik
After studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Paulien van Schaik started recording and performing with a range of well-known musicians such as bass player Hein van de Geyn and trumpet player Bert Joris. She won an Edison Award and performed at prestigious festivals such as North Sea Jazz. For Paulien teaching is not purely the passing of knowledge, but merely an exchange of energy, inspiration, skills and passion. ‘You will get acquainted with many different styles of music and even more, different ways of using your voice: lyrically, melodically, free, expressive, small or grand and compelling. And all of that in a quest for your own unique sound and musical personality.
Anna Serierse
From a very early age it was clear that Anna wanted to pursue a career in music, while growing up in a musical household. Anna has studied both in The Netherlands and in Scandinavia. Over the past years she has played with lots of different bands and ensembles, as a front- and sidewoman. She is equally at home with the traditional jazz repertoire, contemporary jazz and free improvisation as well as Brazilian music. She has her own quartet with guitarist Gijs Idema, and is part of Kika Sprangers Quintet. She has also collaborated with the Metropole Orkest, Paradox Jazz Orchestra, and recorded an album with saxophonist Benjamin Herman. While communicating through melodies, lyrics and wordless improvisations, Anna strives to create an intimate atmosphere during her concerts.
Candidates that live in the Netherlands, Belgium or western Germany will do a live audition. Candidates from other countries will do an online audition.
Live audition:
To assess your level of ability, you have to prepare five pieces:
- 4 jazz songs from the 'standards list' (2 medium / up tempo piece and 2 ballads)
- 1 'free choice' (can also be an original composition) or from the Jazz, Blues, Soul, Latin, Pop, Gospel or R&B repertoire.
In the audition, you will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate rhythmical, melodic and harmonic insights, as well as phrasing, diction and and interpretation. We will also do some vocal exercises to check your range and see if there are no technical obstrucitons to work intensively with the voice. 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.
Video audition:
Record the 5 songs as mentioned for the live audition.
You need to record 'live' with instrumentalists. Preferably a band. If not possible, at least a pianist or guitarist.
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, some technique, phrasing and diction exercises, in order for us to make a well informed decision about your application.