Toelatingseisen CaSA Drums
Practical Part of the audition
Technical Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate technical proficiency through:
Coordination Exercises – Show coordination and fluency across all limbs.
Sight-Reading Exercises – Accurately perform a given rhythmic excerpt.
Snare Drum Performance – Perform a snare drum piece of your choice, demonstrating control, articulation, and dynamics.
Rhythmic Proficiency
Candidates must play and transition between the following styles with authenticity and groove:
Cuban Rhythms: Son Montuno, Danzón, Cha-cha, Songo, Mozambique, and 12/8 grooves.
Bell & Ride Patterns: Cáscara and fundamental bell rides combined with drum kit coordination.
Brazilian Rhythms: Samba, Partido Alto, Bossa Nova, and Baião.
Improvisation
Candidates must showcase adaptability and creativity by:
Smoothly transitioning between different rhythmic styles listed above.
Improvising in a medium tempo over a piano montuno, maintaining groove and musicality.
Creating variations while playing Samba, demonstrating fluency and rhythmic phrasing.
When preparing the above we recommend you do this with a backing track or own ensemble. Please prepare 3 pieces, the committee will choose two for your performance.
What we grade
Musical Accuracy & Expression – Candidates must demonstrate accuracy in pitch, rhythm, and articulation while conveying artistic expression and stylistic awareness.
Timing, Groove & Pulse – A solid sense of timing, groove, and rhythmic precision is essential. Candidates must be able to feel and maintain the direction of the groove, including the ability to play ‘in clave’ where applicable.
Technical Control & Instrumental/Vocal Proficiency – Assessment of fluency, control, tone quality, and dynamic range appropriate to the instrument or voice.
Aural Awareness & Musical Sensitivity – Ability to listen, respond, and interact musically, whether in solo or ensemble contexts, with an understanding of phrasing, articulation, and balance. Accurately interpret and perform a short, notated or aural excerpt with rhythmic and pitch accuracy.
Stylistic Interpretation & Improvisation – Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the stylistic nuances of their chosen repertoire and, where relevant, showcase improvisational skills rooted in the tradition.
Communication & Artistic Presence – Beyond technical ability, we assess the candidate’s ability to engage with the music and convey emotion.
CaSA Music Theory
Part of your audition also consists of CaSA Music Theory
Interview
During the interview we will look at the following aspects:
General motivation and level of English.
Commitment to Studies & Professional Growth
Ability to Articulate Goals & Perspectives
Awareness of the Codarts Learning environment