During the project week The Human Algo-Rhythm, Codarts Jazz students explore how artificial intelligence influences the creative process. At a time when AI increasingly plays a role in composing, producing and performing music, this week is dedicated entirely to experimentation and reflection: what does creativity mean in the age of algorithms? Over the course of five days, students collaborate with artists, researchers and developers working at the intersection of technology and art. They attend lectures, masterclasses and work in AI labs on their own musical experiments and prototypes. The project week kicked off on Monday 27 October with Luis Gimenez Alvarez, creator of Impro Master, an AI-powered app for improvisation. On Tuesday, Yosha Wijngaarden, Assistant Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam, gave a talk on the impact of AI on creative careers. Wednesday features a live performance by drummer Hans Eijkenaar and his project AI Collective, followed on Thursday by an interactive show by Tin Men & the Telephone, where the audience can actively influence the music in real time. The week ends on Friday 31 October with group presentations, during which student teams present their ideas, concepts and prototypes to a jury of Codarts faculty members and AI experts. With The Human Algo-Rhythm, Codarts explores how technology not only presents new challenges but also opens up exciting opportunities for musical innovation and collaboration between human and machine.
John Koster is an experienced supervisor in the public and cultural sectors. He has served on various supervisory boards, including those of the Rotterdam Harbour Museum and the Music Education Foundation Zuidplas. As a business economist and organisational consultant, he specialises in financial and strategic matters. In addition to his consulting career, he has remained closely connected to business education, serving for many years as a part-time professor at Nyenrode and currently lecturing in the Supervisory Board programme at Erasmus University. “It is a tremendous honour to be able to contribute my knowledge and expertise to such an outstanding institution as Codarts, which has built a remarkable national and international reputation. I look forward to working with the Executive Board and my fellow members of the Supervisory Board. Together with our excellent teachers and staff, we aim to guide Codarts through this transition period, prepare the organisation for the future, seize opportunities, and make an impact as a leading institution in the cultural world.”
This exceptional achievement demonstrates how the joint commitment of students, teachers and staff results in education of the highest quality. It places Codarts firmly among the leading arts universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The programmes Dance, Dance in Education, Music in Education and Circus each received the maximum score of five stars, while the Conservatoire achieved an excellent score of 4.5 stars. The Dance bachelor stands out, having achieved the highest rating in the Netherlands for the sixth year in a row, with a perfect score of 100 points. “These results reflect the strength and professionalism of our community. Every day, students, teachers and staff contribute their energy, talent and dedication to Codarts. That is what makes our programmes strong and ensures we are recognised as a place ‘where it happens’. At the same time, these outcomes challenge us to continue improving – and at Codarts we embrace that challenge together,” said David Lauwen, President of the Executive Board. Other Dutch universities of applied sciences also achieved outstanding results in this year’s Keuzegids, confirming the overall strength of arts education in the Netherlands and the solid foundation it provides for future generations of makers, performers and teachers. Within this strong field, Codarts is especially proud of the recognition received by all its programmes. The Keuzegids hbo is an independent guide that annually assesses the quality of professional higher education in the Netherlands. Its rankings are based on student opinions, study success and labour market outcomes, and are designed to help prospective students make a well-informed choice of study.
Hans was an exceptional musician and an inspiring force within the Dutch jazz scene. At Codarts, he was known as a dedicated and engaging teacher. With his expertise, passion, and personal approach, he guided and motivated generations of students. Many of the musicians he taught still carry his lessons and energy with them today. We are deeply grateful for everything Hans contributed to Codarts, to our students, and to the world of music. His dedication and warmth will live on in those with whom he shared his love for music. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, students, and colleagues.
Do you dream of a career in theatre, dance, circus, music or arts education? During our Open Days – both live on location and online – you will have the opportunity to explore the world of (performing) arts and discover your possibilities. From November 2025 to January 2026, we will open our doors and our digital platforms to inspire you. This academic year, Codarts is organising open days on location for Classical Music, Jazz & Pop, and for the Bachelor's programmes in Music Education and Dance Education. Other departments and subject groups are putting together their own (online) information sessions and information activities. You are warmly invited to come and get to know our university, take trial lessons or attend workshops. Experience the magic of our stages and theatres, or discover from home how Codarts can help you develop your talents and realise your dreams. Meet our passionate teachers and enthusiastic students and get a unique glimpse behind the scenes, wherever you are. Don't miss out – Codarts is happy to help you on your way to a sparkling future! 📅 Period: November 2025 – January 2026 📍 Locations: Live on location (Kruisplein 26 & Pieter de Hoochweg 125), online through Teams and through social media Click here for the complete overview.
On 29 September, the annual Buma Awards took place. Three alumni of the Pop Songwriting programme were honoured with a Buma Award this year. The prestigious prize is presented annually to the creators of the most successful music in the Netherlands. Nienke van der Velden and Julian Vahle received the award for their contribution to Spijt is voor later , performed by Martin Morero. Jesper Hoekstra was recognised for the song Echte liefde is te koop , performed by Samuel Welten. The Buma Awards acknowledge composers, lyricists and music publishers whose work reaches a wide audience and makes an important contribution to the Dutch music industry.
Hans studied organ with Andre Verwoerd and church music with Barend Schuurman. From 1994 until his retirement in 2016, he taught Liturgics as part of the Church Music programme at Codarts. Former Codarts lecturer Arie Hoek on Hans: “Friends, former students and colleagues remember Hans as a passionate musician and a caring person. May he rest in peace.”
This year, five new faculty members join Codarts Classical Music. Each brings a unique background and specialization – from music history to organ improvisation, and from tuba to bass trombone.
Composition teacher Robin de Raaff experienced two career highlights this summer: the world premiere of his latest work L’Azur on 27 August at the Lucerne Festival, followed just four days later by the German premiere at the Philharmonie in Berlin during Musikfest Berlin. The cantata for mixed choir and orchestra is a tribute to Pierre Boulez, who would have turned 100 this year, and is based on the poem of the same name by Stéphane Mallarmé. Commissioned by the Lucerne Festival in collaboration with the Pierre Boulez foundation and the NTR Zaterdag Matinee, L’Azur once again brought De Raaff international recognition. The work was performed by the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and the Groot Omroepkoor under the direction of Karina Canellakis. With his extensive oeuvre of symphonies, concertos, and operas, De Raaff is regarded as one of the most prolific Dutch composers of his generation. His international experiences at festivals such as Lucerne and Berlin flow directly into his teaching at Codarts, where he inspires students with his artistic insights and hands-on experience on the world’s leading stages. Robin de Raaff is a composition teacher at Codarts and an internationally recognized composer whose works are performed worldwide by leading orchestras and ensembles. More information about Robin de Raaff and his work can be found at www.robinderaaff.com .
A warm welcome and careful preparation In the months leading up to this new academic year, we connected with our new students through introductory activities, workshops and performances. This gave them a taste of the rich diversity and spirit of collaboration that Global Musics stands for. Behind the scenes, our staff worked on the final details of the new curriculum this summer, refining courses and preparing the teaching spaces so that everything was ready for the 2025-2026 academic year. When the doors opened, we didn't just start a new academic year – we also began a new chapter in the history of this department. The energy, creativity and global outlook that characterise this programme are already coming to life. We are delighted to have welcomed our first students and to see the journey truly begin. A renewed programme for a globalised music landscape In 2023/2024 an extensive survey of teachers and experts revealed that the World Music Department in its current form no longer met the changing wishes and needs of students and the music industry. Technological advances and globalisation have led to new challenges in music education. Codarts is responding to this with a revamped programme that prepares students for an increasingly globalised music landscape. With this transition, Codarts aims to continue to fulfil its pioneering role by focusing on new musical forms and modern technologies, such as digital music production and cross-cultural projects with local and international partners. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of two new specialisations: Maqam and Modal Traditions along the Silk Road and Caribbean and South American (CaSA) Music Traditions .
