Performing Arts Program

Performing Arts Track: Music as an Artistic and Intellectual Achievement

Roosevelt Academy is the only institution in continental Europe where students can take English-spoken courses in musicology as well as courses in practical musical training, offering them the unique opportunity to obtain a B.A. degree which in turn enables them to continue their studies at a university (leading to a M.A. in Musicology) as well as at a conservatory (leading to a M.A. in Music Performance). Moreover, serious plans are being developed to establish a Graduate School of Music in Middelburg, where students can obtain an academic M.A. in Music, combining Musicology and Music Performance.

The most telling and concise description of Roosevelt Academy’s philosophy and expectations concerning music coincides with the general view occurring at British and American Universities and Colleges: "The study of music as a Liberal Art requires an integrated approach to history, theory, and performance, experience in all three fields being essential to the understanding of music as an artistic and intellectual achievement." In order to achieve this goal, RA not only offers courses in Music history, Music theory, and Music Performance, but also co-operates with two of the finest Conservatories in the Netherlands: Fontys in Tilburg and Codarts in Rotterdam.

Applied Music

The Arts & Humanities Department offers courses in the wide range of instruments and vocal techniques taught at regular conservatories. The Department requires that students have lessons from its own instructors or from instructors of the two conservatories mentioned above. Performance tuition is offered in Middelburg, Tilburg, and Rotterdam. Keyboard-instruments (piano, organ, fortepiano, Carillon) are taught in Middelburg. The famous, newly restored main organ of the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is available for RA organ lessons. Instruments at RA, at the Zeeuwse Muziekschool and in the Zeeland library -- all in Middelburg -- are available for studying and teaching purposes.

Singing in the Roosevelt Academy Choir is regarded as (compulsory) performance tuition. In addition, students following the Performance track have to attend all offered Music Theory and Music History courses. The Music Performance track itself (Conservatory level) consists of six courses, which is in contrast with other tracks, consisting of three courses. Nevertheless, it will be regarded as one track, for which students may receive 6 x 7.5 ECTS.

In order to be admitted to the Music Performance track, students have to express their interest to the Music Department (Prof. Albert Clement). In the case of a positive recommendation, students will take part in an audition (minimum required: grade 8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). Some general information can be found at the Fontys website. During this admission exam, musical and instrumental/vocal development will be tested according to the admission requirements as listed in the Fontys and Codarts Conservatory brochures. This will decide if a candidate will be admitted to the Performance track. Those students who have shown sufficient talent but who have not yet mastered the agreed entry standard for the Music Performance course may be admitted to a preparatory route. They may benefit from the 100-level History and Theory Courses, but will not receive credits from RA for the development of their instrumental/vocal skills until they have reached the agreed standard. [Instructor: depends on the instrument]

More information?

Please contact Prof. Dr. Albert Clement or call 0118-655500. Here, you can also read more about Sabrina De Bruyne's experience as Performing Arts student (piano) at RA.