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Programme

Practice-oriented, flexible tailor-made education

MODEL TRAJECTORIES ACADEMIC YEAR 

(subject to change)

The programme curriculum for the three Bachelor's and two Master's years can be viewed per track via the links below. As soon as you are fully aware of the contents, you can also click on the ECTS sheets per course which describe the study load, study time, teaching organisation, learning content, assessment methods and final competences. 

In the Handbook Jazz, you will also find practical and substantive information about specific courses and more.

Jazz - Instrument

Jazz - Vocal studies

Practice-oriented programme curriculum

Academic bachelor programme Jazz

The Jazz bachelor programme is a three-year academic programme (180 credits/ECTS) that focuses on the tension between tradition and innovation. This programme takes jazz music as its starting point and lays a solid foundation in:

  • Music theory and repertoire knowledge
  • Jazz harmony and analysis
  • Improvisation and knowledge of style
  • Instrument control and ensemble playing

The supporting jazz-theoretical and general education courses are entirely dedicated to performance practice. Practical experience is an essential part of the programme and helps develop your own artistic narrative. You can:

  • Do internships with professional ensembles
  • Play student concerts at home and abroad
  • Participate in music projects

Research in the arts is an important pillar and seamlessly links up with artistic performance practice. The bachelor programme is focused on progression, which means that students usually continue their studies in the master programme. 

Academic Jazz master programme

The two-year master programme (120 credits/ECTS) focuses on the student's artistic freedom and personal development, both in classes and during examinations. Work is done on:

  • Deepening improvisation techniques (melodic, harmonic and rhythmic)
  • Refining instrument mastery
  • Further developing ensemble and ensemble work

The artistic personality is central throughout the programme. Students have the opportunity to explore and apply different styles within the broad jazz idiom. The master programme also offers the option to combine with a specific teacher training programme (60 credits). For students with academic ambitions, the AUHA (Association of Universities and University Colleges of Antwerp) even offers the possibility of obtaining a doctorate in arts.

Wide range of optional subjects, ensembles and projects

The programme offers a wide range of optional subjects to support the development of your artistic identity. Within ensembles and project work, there is plenty of room for personal profiling and creative growth.

The course ‘Ensemble’ is a crucial part of the programme. Every student has at least two hours of ensemble per week. For master's students with the stage option, there is an extra ensemble. Through optional subjects, motivated students can participate in a second ensemble.

To introduce students to various pedagogical and musical perspectives, each ensemble is led by a different teacher each semester. The elective module also offers specialised ensembles, such as free improvisation, contemporary jazz, crossover and standards.

The programme offers various line-ups, from duo playing to participation in the annual Big Band project led by Kurt Van Herck. Interdisciplinary collaboration is strongly encouraged, contributing to a broad artistic perspective.

Flexible, individual study routes

Tailor-made model paths
One or more model paths are available for each level. You can view these at the top of this page. Each course has its own ECTS sheet with information on study load, study time, teaching organisation, learning content, asessment methods and final competencies. Click through for more details.

Flexible study programme
Students can compile a personalised study programme in consultation with the study path coach. Through a mix of courses, workshops, projects and optional subjects, the programme perfectly matches one's musical goals and personal preferences.

Choices for every level
Students have a wide range of choices:

  • Choosing from different levels for general music theory (e.g. solfège for drummers or a preparatory year for solfège)
  • Combining courses from different years or even two full school years
  • Making practical experience count
  • Flexible study, with a minimum or maximum study load
  • Part-time study routes

This way, the programme seamlessly matches the individual needs of each student.