Study programme

The first year (the propaedeutic phase) consists of a broad introduction to the profession. You grow as a musician and as a person.

• You learn how to better understand and control your instrument.
• Together with fellow students you form a band. You learn how to play and write music together and you work in a recording studio.
• Studying general music theory and music history gives you a better understanding of the music that you make.
• You take part in project weeks. There are many different programmes to choose from, from microphone technique to stage presentation.
• You take an introductory course in business and health & well-being (hearing protection, responsible use of your voice, et cetera).
• In the lessons about home recording you learn about editing and recording techniques.

You are becoming increasingly independent during the second year. You are much more a ‘maker’ than in the first year.

• Classes in your major subject are arranged around your needs and technical development: you follow a ‘custom-made’ programme.
• You take an introductory programme in teaching, also in practice. For instance, you coach bands or give music lessons.
• Home recording lessons continue.

In the third year, your own unique artistic personality becomes more explicit.

• There is more ‘free space’ than in the previous years, to take minors or do other projects.
• You gain more experience in teaching as well. You do an internship and learn about teaching methodology and education.
• When you complete the minor Education, you get an education certificate, which authorises you to teach at music schools.
• You can take classes at other music departments of Codarts, to broaden your knowledge.
• You take part in interdisciplinary projects with other departments at Codarts and/or with students from the Willem de Kooning Academy. For instance, making video clips or creating a performance with students of circus art.

By the time you graduate you will be an experienced artist, maker and entrepreneur who knows the profession from A to Z.

• You organise a final presentation and write your graduation paper.
• At the final presentation you demonstrate how you present yourself to the world as an artist. You choose the format that suits your graduation major (this is often a live performance). You organise all this yourself, from repertoire to venue, decoration and PR/marketing.
• You have a flourishing practice by now, which is reflected in a fine CV.
• You fill your free space with subjects of your own choice.