معرفی
Aart Strootman serves as Lecturer at University of the Arts The Hague's Royal Conservatoire and Fontys University of Applied Sciences. At the Royal Conservatoire, he teaches music theory for Composition and Sonology department, Critical Music Studies, and History of Music for classical department while collaborating with Ensemble Academy. Since 2009, he has instructed music history, ear training, analysis, philosophy and performance studies at Fontys School of Arts in Tilburg. Concurrently, he is a PhD candidate at Leiden University through the DocArtes programme.
His academic credentials include:
- Bachelor’s in Music (cum laude) from Conservatory Fontys & Zuyd (2008)
- Master’s in Music (cum laude, 10/10) from Conservatory Fontys & Zuyd (2010)
- Master’s in Music Theory from Conservatory Fontys & Zuyd
- MA in Musicology from Utrecht University
Strootman pioneers musical instrument innovation through his Diamond Marimba project, treating instrument building as a compositional tool. His research explores how custom instruments expand sonic possibilities and reshape performer-audience relationships. This artistic research integrates composition, performance practice, and audience development within NAIP (New Audiences & Innovative Practices) frameworks, challenging conventional boundaries between instrument design and musical creation.
His distinguished awards include:
- Matthijs Vermeulenprijs (2019, Netherlands' highest composition honor)
- Gaudeamus Composition Prize (2017)
- 1st prize at prix Annelie de Man (2018)
- 1st prize at International Viola Congress (2018)
- Nieuwe maker grant from Dutch Fund of Performing Arts (2014)
Strootman mentors students through structured yet experimental coursework, connecting classroom learning to professional contexts via s t a r g a z e collaborations and Ensemble Academy projects. His DocArtes PhD research provides institutional support for instrument design innovation, while awards like the 'Nieuwe maker' grant have enabled advanced composition studies with international masters.
