Master
Specialised Composing & Performing (SCP)
You have already developed a wide range of skills as a (jazz) player or singer in your Bachelor’s studies. Now you may want to develop your interest – or hone your skills – in creating your own music, and specialise in this field.
This Master’s programme offers two-track specialist training, taking you to a high artistic level with expertise in Composing & Performing Music, enabling you to make it (part of) your profession.
Domain 1 – Composing, Arranging & Performing
Together with your main subject teacher(s), you will formulate an artistic goal. This may be related to:
Domain 2 – Instrumental or Vocal
Together with your main subject teacher(s), you will discuss and plan how to incorporate your instrument or voice. This will result in a concert and a recording, created by you as a composer and performer. Your entire creative process will be coached, from the first sketch to the final performance. In addition to these two tracks, you are free to choose from a vast array of masterclasses, group lessons in modules or workshops.
You will design your own individual study programme in consultation with your main subject teacher and other coaches, choosing to focus on e.g. writing for your instrument (or voice) plus string quartet or big band, or on acquiring knowledge on how to accomplish interdisciplinary projects.
Meet our team
Meet your lecturers
Curriculum
Specialised Composing & Performing (SCP)
Before you apply
Admission
requirements
Portfolio
Please upload the portfolio and material on an internet platform (Dropbox, WeTransfer etc) and upload the link to the questionnaire in the Osiris application.
Also send the link and the password to the teachers: wolfgang.braun@zuyd.nl and jesse.passenier@zuyd.nl.
- A video or audio recording (ideally video) of your Bachelor Final Exam by adding a video link to your portfolio. Since you are coming from an instrumental or vocal Bachelor studies, we need this to assess your musical/technical skills.
- A representative selection of your compositions and/or arrangements, as Scores/Leadsheets (pdf plus Sibelius or xml file) and Recordings (mp3 or wav)
- Diversity in style (e.g. Jazz, Pop, Rock, Crossover etc.) is not compulsory, but recommended
- One or more compositions and/or arrangements for Large Ensemble (e.g. Big Band, any Symphonic Ensemble, such as Woodwinds & Strings, Ensemble with Choir, etc.) is not compulsory, but recommended
- Different smaller sized Line-ups (e.g. for 2-6 Horns & Rhythm Section, Vocals/Choir, Strings/Woodwinds, Mix of Acoustic Instruments and Electronic/Sequencer/Sounds etc.) are recommended
“Live” Audition
Depending on your level, you will be invited for an online meeting with the teachers for an online “live” audition.
During the “live” audition, we will discuss your portfolio and you present us your vision. You should be ready to show your playing skills on your preferred instrument and piano (preferred instrument can of course be piano already). The main subject teachers also may take time to test your ears, as this is the most important tool of a composer! And be ready to do a few exercises with the main subject teachers, including sight reading, comping and improvising. The most important focus, however, will be on the quality of your writing and your vision!
The “live” audition should take 20 – 45 minutes.
Master Interview
Finally, after passing the live audition, you will be invited for an interview with the jazz master coordinator to discuss your study and research plans.
The master interview should take 45 – 60 minutes.