As a drummer you are the rhythmic compass of a group or ensemble. Sometimes playing hard swing time, sometimes subtly colouring, and other times with an exciting groove. At Fontys Music and Performing Arts you’ll be covering a broad approach of drum styles such as American and contemporary jazz, funk & grooves, European jazz, latin, and jazz rock.
More about the programmeBrussels based drummer and composer Antoine Pierre has become a key figure on the Belgian jazz scene. Het is the leader of the band URBEX. He is also part of the jazz-vs-rock-group TaxiWars led by singer Tom Barman and saxophonist Roben Verheyen, and has also collaborated with eminent guitarist Philip Catherine. Last years Antoine has developed a new solo project, VAAGUE, in which he fuses electronics and samples live with his drumming.
Jeroen Batterink is known for his versatile approach as a drummer. He is a member of groups led by singer Sanne Huijbregts, South-African guitarist Vuma Levin, and pianists Julian Schneemann and Daan Herweg. Furthermore, he is part of the group Ikarai and has collaborated with 'Nederlands Blazers Ensemble' and Asko|Schönberg. Jeroen has studied with Martijn Vink, Marcel Serierse, and Lucas van Merwijk. He is now a first-call drummer operating in the jazz & world, pop and classical scenes of the Netherlands. At the same time, he is active in the field of electronic music, neo-soul and hiphop.
After graduating drums and percussion, Michiel Westerhuis left for Brasil to study music. He is an expert in Afro-Latin styles, and played in various group such as Medicamento Trio Novo, Som do Sol, and Capim. He regularly travels up and down to Brasil and plays there with several bands including Banda Lobo, and Robson. He also made study trips to Cuba and Africa.
To assess your level of ability, you have to prepare five pieces. These pieces must represent different styles (e.g.jazz, latin, pop, et cetera). Play at least 3 jazzstandards. Make sure you play solo and trade 4 or 8 bars. In addition play a snaredrum exercise (Charley Wilcoxon or Mitchell Peters).
Preselection:
Make sure we can see your hands and posture in the video. Total duration 20-30 minutes. Your videos function as a first round. If you pass the first round you will be invited for a second round in the form of an e-meeting in which we can ask you to do additional assignments, like sight reading, in order for us to make a well informed decision about your application.
Live audition:
You are asked to present yourself and play your repertoire with other musicians. This can be your own band, or if this is not possible, the school will provide accompaniment. Please indicate this on the application form. There is no opportunity for rehearsal. Be sure to bring proper sheet music for your band members.