Listen up!
Student Music Sessions
Every third or fourth Thursday of the month, it's party time at podium De Piek in Vlissingen. HZ students come together from 19:30 to 22:30 for the Student Music Sessions. These are jam sessions where everyone is welcome. Whether you are an experienced guitarist or have never sung before. You will find stage De Piek at Hellebardierstraat 13 in Vlissingen.
Does the thought of making music with fellow students in an accessible way give you the tingles in your stomach? Then we recommend taking part in the Student Music Sessions. Of course, you do not have to go on stage. You are also welcome to have a drink and listen. Admission is free and participants even get a free drink.
The Music Room
Did you know that apart from the monthly sessions, you can also practise in the Music Room? You'll find this space in the Music Barracks, behind the HZ on Edisonweg. Student Music Sessions founder Noa says: ‘You can book the Music Room for free on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. You do that via the same way you would like to book a room via the Self Service Portal. The room is already equipped with instruments and therefore offers a great place to practice together for the sessions.’
How did the Student Music Sessions come about?
'All my life I have loved making music. I sing, write songs and I enjoy playing instruments. When I started studying at HZ, I wanted to get to know people I could do that with. Such a music community did not yet exist, so I came up with the idea of setting one up myself. For me, it was important that students could join voluntarily without registrations, obligations and expectations. I approached Kevin van Gorkom, employee of HZ Community, whom I recognised from the music industry in Zeeland. Together, we were able to successfully make this idea a reality.
Do you have any tips for students who also want to participate, but are a bit anxious?
‘Maybe it sounds crazy, but I was also anxious to take part in the sessions myself. Being on a real stage, in front of (still) unknown people is not nothing. I'd like to say that nothing is expected of you when you come along. We like it when you come and listen. That way, you get to know everyone a little and the threshold becomes lower and lower, so you might want to perform next time. Is this your first time and do you want to go on stage right away, but are you still nervous? No worries. If you let one of us know, we will support you. Everyone, with any kind of experience, is welcome at our sessions.’
Is it also possible for inexperienced students to practice together?
‘We can always help you try out a new instrument. For example, I sat behind a drum kit for the first time during the sessions! The basic instruments are available at De Piek, such as a drum kit, electric guitars, bass guitar, piano and microphones. But if you'd like to bring your own instrument, that's also allowed, of course.
Noa, Nursing & Obstetrics student
Sven, Nursing student
How did you end up at the Student Music Sessions?
‘Singing is a big hobby of mine. I thought very little was being done with music at the HZ. When I saw past that the Student Music Sessions existed, I decided to take a look. I liked it and that's why I go almost every month now. By now I'm also involved in the organisation and I enjoy doing my bit there.’
For you, what are the biggest pluses of the sessions?
‘It's always very sociable during the Student Music Sessions. I enjoy having a drink with fellow students with live music playing in the background.’
Do you have any tips for students who also want to participate but are a bit anxious?
‘I understand that it's exciting to come once, let alone go on stage. A tip from me is to go with a good friend once. We really do it for fun. Don't feel pressure to perform at all. You can also just sit and listen.’
How did you end up at the Student Music Sessions? ‘Before I studied at HZ, I liked making music. I wrote songs myself and posted videos of them. A friend of mine sings and he knew I played guitar. He called me and suggested I go to one of the first Student Music Sessions. That was the first time for me to make music with fellow students. I liked it so much that I have attended every session since.’
For you, what are the biggest pluses of the sessions?
‘I really enjoyed being able to help create an environment where students from different courses and levels could connect with each other through music. I met many people with whom I am still good friends through the sessions. It's a different kind of event for students to come together, and it's especially nice because we didn't have many music-based events before.’
Do you have any tips for students who also want to participate, but are a bit anxious?
‘It is understandable if you are nervous, but not necessary at all. I have been participating for more than a year and I still sometimes mess up when I am jamming with others on stage. But we're always there to have fun.... By the way, did you know that everyone gets a token for a free drink? That can still help against nerves sometimes. ;-)’
AK, Chemistry student
Theresa, Tourism Management student
How did you end up at the Student Music Sessions? ‘I have always been involved with music. I played various instruments, sang in a choir and performed in the school musical. During my first year at HZ, I discovered the Student Music Sessions and I was immediately sold. It felt like a safe space where you have a fun evening with friends, whether you actively participate or not. Initially, I went to the sessions to see other students perform and listen to live music for free. But once I got on stage, I couldn't stop. It's such an enriching experience! To make music together, try new things and learn to entertain people.’
For you, what are the biggest perks of the sessions?
‘Making music and performing in front of my friends is something I look forward to every month. Still, the people I have met are the most valuable thing about the sessions. As a result, I have now found a group of people with whom I meet regularly to make music together.’
Do you have any tips for students who also want to participate, but find it exciting?
‘During the first two sessions I went to, I was too shy to go on stage. I didn't know many people yet, which I found quite intimidating. Eventually I got to know them and realised that there is no judging. It's all about having fun together. So I recommend anyone who loves music to just come and check it out. Nothing at all is expected of you! And we are happy to support you on stage if you want to participate.’
Is it also possible for inexperienced students to practice together or get ‘lessons’ from you?
‘The sessions are for music lovers with any kind of experience. Fellow students are happy to help you try out a new instrument. At De Piek, you will find the most common instruments. To practise for the sessions, I recommend booking the Music Room in the Music Barracks, where high-quality instruments are also available. It's a great space to meet others!’