The subjects offered are:
- electric guitar
- electric bass
- acoustic bass
- piano
- drums
- saxophone
- trumpet
- trombone
- vocals
The jazz degree is a 4 year, fulltime course. Each year is divided into two semesters. You receive a lesson on your main instrument every week, as well as general theory subjects, teaching (pedagogy) subjects, and free choice options. With different subject choices you have the freedom to give more attention to a particular area or to specialise. During the course of your study more theoretical subjects will be completed leaving you more time to focus on your main instrument.
Breakdown of the course
The first year gives you an orientation to the degree and profession. In the second and third years much attention is placed on the pedagogical subjects, where internal and external work experience projects stand central. The general theory subjects are also completed in these years. Students also receive piano lessons, composition lessons, and take part in studio projects. Your main study instrument runs as a binding thread throughout your study, next to individual lessons, students take part in ensembles (jazz, fusion, Latin, Big Band, and Soul Band). The fourth year is directed primarily towards your main instrument and is completed with a final concert examination. The free choice options during your study can be utilised to broaden your knowledge for the profession or as preparation for a ‘Tweede Fase’ (shortly a Master’s degree).
Example of a lesson timetable
If you are a trumpet student you will take part in the following lessons:
- Individual main instrument lesson (weekly)
- Individual main instrument lesson form NY Brian Lynch (once every 8 weeks)
- Master class with a guest teacher from NY (weekly)
- Ensemble(s) (weekly by a NY guest teacher and/or a regular PCC teacher)
- Big Band
- Sectional rehearsal with the trumpets
- Piano lesson
- Studio project
- Composition class
This timetable is then filled up with theory and pedagogic subjects. Theory, solfege, arranging and history, are taught by the regular teachers at the Prince Claus Conservatoire and by the guest teachers from New York.