Guitar

The main subject Pop Guitar at Codarts offers aspiring guitarists an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills. In a stimulating and creative learning environment, our in-depth curriculum covers both the technical and creative aspects of pop guitar.  

In addition, you get the opportunity to enhance your musical learning experience and broaden your horizon by choosing elective subjects and collaborating with other Codarts music departments, such as Jazz and World Music. 

Why study Pop guitar at Codarts?  

With the most comprehensive pop guitar curriculum among all conservatoires, Codarts offers a learning experience that takes a deep dive into technique, harmony and melody. Our teachers Leif de Leeuw, Age Kat, Menno Gootjes, Martijn van Agt and Leendert Haaksma have extensive professional experience in the Dutch music scene. They teach students broad instrument knowledge and explore a large variety of pop music styles.  
 
Our close ties with the Jazz and World Music departments housed in the same building create an exciting learning environment that encourages students to mix and match across different genres and styles. This is the perfect setting to advance your creative and musical development. These exchanges also provide aspiring musicians with invaluable performance skills and a large network of useful contacts.  

Programme  

The main subject Pop Guitar at Codarts combines practical experience with a solid theoretical basis. From technical exercises to understanding scales and chord progressions, our curriculum is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a professional guitarist in the music business. 
 
We emphasise practical application and improvisation to help you learn a wide range of essential skills to navigate the modern music industry. Our graduates are active in various areas of the music business, such as bands, recording studios and music education. Famous alumni include: Yvette Terpstra (Froukje), Guido Joseph (Chef's Special), Maarten Ouweneel (Danny Vera), Paul Davids en San Holo, Isaac Delahaye (Epica), Tom Lodewykx (Clouseau), Bart Jansen (Tino Martin), Stef Delbaere (King of the World, Belle Perez), Leif de Leeuw and Simone Cesarini (Shirma Rouse). 
 

Workshops and master classes 

In addition, we regularly organise workshops and master classes led by renowned or upcoming guitar masters, such as Scott Henderson, Snarky Puppy, Allen Hinds, Arnold van Dongen, Paolo Mendonça, Branford Marsalis, Bill Frisell and Steve Vai.  In these sessions, you experience and explore different perspectives and approaches in pop music.  
 
Practice with state-of-the-art recording and production equipment in our brand-new studios. As a student, you are also actively involved in various band projects and ensembles, collaborating and performing with other talented musicians. These interactive sessions not only promote teamwork and collaboration, but also give you a platform within our inspiring musical community. 

Age Kat, Pop Guitar main subject teacher: “Do you want to learn from the top guitar players in the Netherlands? Come to Codarts!”