Overview

At the Pop program of Codarts Rotterdam you can learn how to make your hands or your voice do what your mind dreams of. You follow intense classes with your instrument. You play in bands with fellow students from your own and other music departments. You gain stage experience, both within Codarts and far beyond the academy’s setting.

All this helps you develop into an experienced musician who knows the profession from A to Z, from writing to performing, from producing to doing business.

Our main subjects are: voice, songwriting, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, Hammond organ, drums and creative producer.

Year 1-2

The first year (the propaedeutic phase) consists of a broad introduction to the profession. You grow as a musician and as a person.

• You learn how to better understand and control your instrument.

• Together with fellow students you form a band. You learn how to play and write music together and you work in a recording studio.

• Studying general music theory and music history gives you a better understanding of the music that you make.

• You take part in project weeks. There are many different programmes to choose from, from microphone technique to stage presentation.

• You take an introductory course in business and health & well-being (hearing protection, responsible use of your voice, et cetera).

• In the lessons about home recording you learn about editing and recording techniques.

You are becoming increasingly independent during the second year. You are much more a ‘maker’ than in the first year.

• Classes in your major subject are arranged around your needs and technical development: you follow a ‘custom-made’ programme.

• You take an introductory programme in teaching, also in practice. For instance, you coach bands or give music lessons.

• Home recording lessons continue.

• You take a new class, aimed at broadening your knowledge: music worldwide.You take part in interdisciplinary projects with other departments at Codarts and/or with students from the Willem de Kooning Academy. For instance, making video clips or creating a performance with students of circus art.

Year 3-4

In the third year, your own unique artistic personality becomes more explicit.

• There is more ‘free space’ than in the previous years, to take minors or do other projects.

• You gain more experience in teaching as well. You do an internship and learn about teaching methodology and education.

• When you complete the minor Education, you get an education certificate, which authorises you to teach at music schools.

• You can take classes at other music departments of Codarts, to broaden your knowledge.

• You take part in interdisciplinary projects with other departments at Codarts and/or with students from the Willem de Kooning Academy. For instance, making video clips or creating a performance with students of circus art.

By the time you graduate you will be an experienced artist, maker and entrepreneur who knows the profession from A to Z.

• You organise a final presentation and write your graduation paper.

• At the final presentation you demonstrate how you present yourself to the world as an artist. You choose the format that suits your graduation major (this is often a live performance). You organise all this yourself, from repertoire to venue, decoration and PR/marketing.

• You have a flourishing practice by now, which is reflected in a fine CV.

• You fill your free space with subjects of your own choice.

After graduation

After your graduation you will be a great musicians with a high artistic and entrepreneurial level. You are able to create your own place in the music industry and are active across the entire musical practice. Often you combine different qualities: playing in a band or as a soloist, working on music productions or working as a music teacher. During you study you will get to know our extensive network in the music industry from which you can benefit after you graduation. Some of our students continued their studies with a Master of Music.