Percussion
The ongoing developments in the field of percussion are reflected in the composition of the CvA percussion department. The broad and internationally orientated set-up of the department ensures an optimal representation of all facets of modern percussion practice at the conservatoire.
The lessons are structured according to the concept of team-teaching, which means that every student studies intensively with multiple teachers. In the master degree programme (MMus) students specialize in a chosen field, narrowing down the number of teachers they work with according to their study plan. The entire faculty shares responsibility for every student, thus coordinating and ensuring a healthy allround development.
In addition to the lessons of the faculty members, guest teachers from all over the world frequently give masterclasses.
Head of Percussion: Richard Jansen
Teachers
Richard Jansen head of percussion, section representative, mallets, orchestra percussion, set-up, percussion ensembles
Bart Jansen timpani
Mark Braafhart orchestra percussion
Bence Major orchestra percussion
Rachel Zhang marimba, chamber music
Laurent Warnier vibraphone
Arnold Marinissen set-up, chamber music, percussion ensembles
Marijn Korff de Gidts African percussion & methodology
Nancy Zeltsman guest teacher of marimba
Admission requirements
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. The repertoire for the recording is the same repertoire as for the live audition. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest.
Candidates are required to audition on the following instruments
- Timpani
- Snare drum
- Mallets: marimba, xylophone, vibraphone
Due to limited time per student (and logistics), we advise you not to play set-up repertoire during the live entrance exam.
1. Timpani
- 1 or 2 etudes from Nick Woud - Symphonic Studies
- sight-reading
- rolls and technical exercises
2. Snare drum
The candidate is required to play two etudes different in style;
- One rudimental, e.g. C. Wilcoxon, J. Pratt or J. Tompkins.
- One classical. e.g. M. Peters, J. Delecluse, H. Knauer, A. Wagner, etc.
Please make sure that when choosing a classical etude, to choose an etude that has a natural phrasing and character to it.
3. Mallets: marimba and vibraphone
(no longer than 10 minutes in total)
- applicants should prepare at least two pieces of contrasting moods showing variations of articulations, dynamics, meters, tempos and rhythms. For example: polyphonic/homophonic, tonal/atonal, original pieces or creative adaptations from music written for other instruments, etc. At least one piece for marimba and at least one piece with 4 mallets.
- choose one of two passages by J.P. Sweelinck
- applicants might be asked to sightread and/or play scales and arpeggios in any key.
The master's dregree programme is a specialized programme, which means that the candidate focuses on a strongly defined area of expertise within the world of percussion. For example, a student can choose an all-round master, a master in orchestral playing, a master in marimba, a master focused on solo repertoire, contemporary music, percussion and electronics, etc. From this specialization also emerges a proposal for a master's research, which is an integral part of the master's programme. After the two-year master's programme, students are employable at the highest level in the professional music world.
Admission requirements
- Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of video recordings. These video recordings, lasting 20-30 minutes, must be submitted through the application form by February 1.
- Candidates invited to the live entrance exam will prepare a 30-40 minute programme. From this, a choice will be made by the committee on the spot.
- The repertoire for the pre-selection and for the live entrance examination should consist of a varied selection of works representative of the desired personal profile (master focus).
- In the case of 'setup repertoire', contact the Head of Percussion so that this can be discussed and prepared.