Daan Polder turns down a higher professional education course for the Music Production Lab

One of my American friends was in the music business. We were working on music, and he encouraged me to pursue this in the Netherlands. It wasn't an easy decision. I had already been accepted into a university of applied sciences. I gave up this certainty in the hope that I would be accepted into a music program. Because, of course, there was no guarantee of that.

Good feeling

Daan lives in Utrecht, so Eindhoven wouldn't have been the most obvious choice for a music degree. "I looked at my options. Ultimately, I was accepted at a school in Amsterdam and at Summa." Daan laughs and explains, "Amsterdam is indeed closer than Eindhoven. But I had a good feeling about the teachers and auditioned at Music Production Lab. They really put you at ease, and the teachers are very welcoming. I also auditioned at the conservatory in Enschede. Conservatories have higher standards, and unfortunately, I didn't meet them. For me, the decision was easy, and I'm still very happy with that."

Strict selection 

When I applied for Music Production Lab, I had to submit my cover letter and three songs. Everyone is invited to audition. You first get time to settle in and get everything ready. Then the instructors join you, and you're asked questions about the music you submitted and the ideas behind it. They also ask in-depth questions about your approach to making music and what lies beyond your own abilities. 

After the audition, it's up to the instructors to decide whether or not you're accepted. "After all the auditions, the instructors make a selection of 20 students who they accept into the program. It's a strict selection process. That's why I'm especially proud that I made it through this selection process."

Film music and supporting music 

Most students who apply to Music Production Lab want to produce music, become famous, and travel the world. But this isn't for everyone. That's why students are challenged to push their boundaries. 

During the Autonomous project, you work half a day a week on your music and school assignments. During this time, I created game music, material for an Audi commercial, and film scores. You're really pushed out of your comfort zone and create something completely different than you're used to. It's good that they're paying attention to this. For many of us, this is the future where we'll earn our living.

Learning from each other's musical styles

Exam week at our school is different from most other schools. During this week, we present to the class autonomous and applied works we've been working on over the past term. A week later, we have the opportunity to present our autonomous tracks on stage to classmates, schoolmates, and other visitors who come by. It's inspiring to watch others, gain new inspiration, and reuse elements for your own music. We motivate each other. That's what's great about this program.

You also mentioned presenting work during exam week, which we call showcase week. Exam week and showcase week are two different things. During our exam week, we present to the class, autonomous and applied works, what we've been working on in the past term. A week later, we have the opportunity to present our autonomous tracks on stage to classmates, schoolmates, and other visitors who come by.

My music is so much better than it was six months ago 

Daan has only been in the Music Production Lab program for six months. Yet, he's proud of the progress he's made in this short time. "When I arrived at Music Production Lab, I had quite an ego; I thought I was good. You're shown a mirror, which also helps you see what you can't do yet. Now I mainly see how far I've come and what I've learned. I'm very proud of myself." 

Stay up to date with Daan's music via Instagram: dandelion.

Are you curious whether the Music Production Lab training something for you? Then sign up for a walk-along day, tour or visit us during the open day.