Programme

The study programme has a two-phase structure. The first two years form the basis for broadening your talent. However, you will already choose certain specialisation trajectories in the course of the second year, in consultation with your teachers. In the final two years of the study you will deepen your talent and the lessons will be geared towards each student’s individuality whenever possible.

In the first two years, classes will be primarily taught by a permanent team of teachers, whereas in the second phase the work field is introduced via classes taught by guest teachers and guest directors.

In order to develop the skills, artisticity, and uniqueness of each student, Codarts has developed the Integration Learning Track, which distinguishes us from other study programmes in the Netherlands. It ensures that our alumni can present themselves to the work field in a very individual manner. We teach our students to learn, explore, and perform the various styles within each discipline.

Integration Learning Track

The integration learning track has five pillars: the vocal, musical, acting, physical, and theatrical track. These five learning tracks have the following structure:

The vocal learning track:
Individual singing lessons
Vocal training; building a voice by daily exercise. Vocal techniques, the theory behind the voice mechanism and the various singing methods.

Vocal improv and close harmony
Elocution lessons, a technical training of voice and articulation. The expressive potential of the voice is also explored and expanded.

The musical learning track:
In the musical learning track you are trained to become a full-fledged musician. In addition to music education lessons in which you learn the language and skills of making music, you will have subjects such as ensemble singing, solfège, theory, and harmony at the piano. This ensures that you will have all the tools to acquire the professional skills of a musician.

The physical learning track:
Dance lessons include ballet, jazz, tap dance, modern dance, and mime, as well as supporting lessons such as fitness. These classes are taught by both permanent teachers and guest teachers from the work field.

The acting learning track:
Whereas in the first two years the focus is on acquiring skills in the field of improvisation and text theatre, in the second phase the emphasis is on working on projects that feature the various acting techniques and styles.

The theatrical learning track:
Here you gain insight into and awareness of the theatrical context, featuring all the various theatrical styles from the style exploration.

By the end of your study you will be able to apply these five pillars as a performing artist. This means you can combine the five pillars in an integrated way, depending on what your goal in a performance is. You will therefore be able to always make the appropriate choices that allow you to express your talent as a vocal performer on stage in a unique manner.

Personal development

You are coached by a team of permanent teachers from the various disciplines, to make sure that you will start connecting the separate subjects of the first two years. They monitor your development, question your choices, give you insight into your specific talents, and challenge you to explore new territories by introducing you to a wide variety of styles and repertoire.

In the second phase of the study programme students will adopt an increasingly outward-oriented attitude. We are going to look at what your talents as a vocal performer are in order to design an appropriate trajectory that will allow you to take the step into the work field. To this end we invite directors, makers, musical leaders, actors, and vocal performers from the work field to supervise projects and give audition trainings, masterclasses, and workshops.

In the fourth year you will do an internship with one of the contacts in Codart’s wide network, in line with your talents and what you wish to express as a vocal performer.

You will learn to take charge of your own development already at an early stage. In the subjects Art in Context and Professional Development you learn how to ask specific questions. This will help you to develop a professional and critical outlook, which will benefit you in the lessons and also in the projects you will do later. In addition, starting with the second year, there are classes in Cultural Entrepreneurship, so you will learn to be not only an independent performer, but also a good entrepreneur.

At Codarts there is the option of working together with other departments within the institute. All departments strongly encourage their students to engage in collaboration. Various collaborative projects have been developed, such as the Incubator Week, in which students of all departments work and do research together.

Support

When you are on stage telling a story, whether you do so by singing, dancing, or acting, you are vulnerable. Making theatre requires an inquisitive attitude and not being afraid to make mistakes. At Music Theatre we feel it is very important that you can do so in a safe environment. This is why you learn how to give and receive feedback in a safe – constructive – manner. This also contributes to a professional learning attitude, a good atmosphere in class, and trust among the students.

All students are assigned a study coach for the entire duration of the study. This coach monitors your progress and is your contact for any questions or doubts you may have. Study coaches are confidential advisers and therefore will never pass on information about you without your consent.

Because being a professional performer can be very demanding both mentally and physically, Codarts has a so-called ‘Health Team’. This team consists of professional speech therapists, physiotherapists, mental coaches, and dieticians. In addition to informational classes they teach in the study programme these professionals are also available when you need help or support in any of these areas. As the team is well aware of what mental and physical demands are placed on you, they can provide effective, tailor-made help.