Entrance Test for Vocal performance
When you apply to the Bachelor’s Programme in Classical Music, you need to take an entrance examination test. Here is everything you need to know to complete the test.
Application code: KMH-40000
Preparation
For applicants on vocals there are a total of 4 tests.
In advance of the tests you should prepare and rehearse 10 songs from the classical repertoire, from different periods. Your selection should include at least four different languages: French, Swedish, Italian, and German. At least one of your pieces must be a German Lied. All of the material must be performed without sheet music (by heart).
Make a repertoire list with the names of your prepared pieces for the entrance examination (including possible Test 2). Include your personal details and the programme, profile, and instrument for which you are applying. Your repertoire list should be in PDF format.
Test 1 – Digital audition
The first audition is digital. This test is a selection that determines which applicants will get to take the remaining tests.
Choose two of the pieces you have prepared and a German Lied (if you have more than one Lied on your repertoire list, you may choose any one of them). Record three videos of yourself performing these three pieces. A pianist should accompany you and you are responsible for finding a pianist for your recordings. All of your pieces must be sung without sheet music (by heart).
Your audition will be evaluated based on voice quality, music-making ability, and musical interpretation.
After you have submitted your application at universityadmissions.se
External link, opens in new window. and once the application deadline has passed, you will receive more information via email about how to submit your test to KMH.
Instructions for the video recording
For your video to be admissible, you need to
- Provide proof of your identity by showing a photo ID card together with your face in the video. State the name of the piece you will perform and the test code.
- Perform your piece. Your face and your hands must be visible throughout the entire video. It should be easy to see both you and your instrument.
- Record your video in one single uninterrupted take. No clips or other edits are allowed.
- It is fine to make your video with a mobile phone, but make sure your setup allows you to record without too much room acoustic, distortion, or noise. All recordings should have good image quality with sharp focus and good light.
- Allowed formats are MP4 or MOV. Try to keep the file size around 500 MB if possible.
If you do not follow these instructions, and we find that your video shows signs of modification, your audition may be disqualified from consideration.
Test code: LS 11.0 Uttagning klassisk musik/Audition Classical Music
Assessment: The test is qualifying, and the result is evaluated on a pass (1) or fail (0) basis. The jury assesses your technical skill and musical performance.
Your result will be notified by email. All passing applicants will proceed to the remaining tests.
Test 2 – Audition main instrument
This test will take place on the KMH campus and has three parts.
- Entrance Audition
Select one of your prepared pieces that you want to sing for the jury. The jury will ask you to sing another of your prepared pieces. The jury may also ask to hear a third piece from your list.
Point scale: 0–50 points, pass requires 25 points. - Sight Reading
You will be asked to play on sight a piece given to you by the jury.
Point scale: 0–3 points, pass requires 1 point. - Musical Interpretation
The jury will select a short piece which you will perform after 10–15 minutes of preparation.
Point scale: 0–5 points, pass requires 1 point.
Bring a printout of your repertoire list to the audition and give it to the jury.
A pianist will be available to you throughout the audition. If you would like an accompanist for your audition, you should bring sheet music for the accompanist. All sheet music should be taped/assembled in advance and ready to use. Do not send any sheet music to KMH in advance of your audition.
Test code: LS 11.1a Huvudämne klassisk musik/Main Subject Classical Music
Test time: Approx. 10–20 minutes
Assessment: The test is qualifying and a basis for selection. You can receive a maximum of 58 points. The points required to pass each part of the test are listed above.
Test 3 – Music theory test
This test is administered on the KMH campus and consists of three parts. To pass this test, you need to
- Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of music theory: note names, intervals, keys, time signatures, note values and rests, and chord analysis.
- Demonstrate foundational skills in ear training: music dictation (melody, harmony and rhythm) as well as imitation (in certain instances).
- Demonstrate foundational skills in harmony: harmonic analysis (Roman numeral analysis or function analysis), voice leading, and writing a second instrumental part to a given melody.
Test code: MT-prov/MT test
Test time: 2 hours
Assessment: The test is qualifying and a basis for selection. You can receive a maximum of 5 points. 1 point for each part of the test is required to pass. For this assessment, the criteria shown in the chart below apply.
Assessment | Music fundamentals | Ear training | Harmony and arranging |
2 points | - | Shows good knowledge in ear training. | Shows good knowledge in harmony and arranging. |
1 point | Shows sufficient knowledge in music fundamentals to complete the education. | Shows sufficient knowledge in ear training to complete the education. | Shows sufficient knowledge in harmony and arranging to complete the education. |
0 points | Does not show sufficient knowledge in music fundamentals to complete the education. | Does not show sufficient knowledge in ear training to complete the education. | Does not show sufficient knowledge in harmony and arranging to complete the education. |
Credit for test 3
All applicants need to take the music theory test. It will not be possible to credit a passed result from the previous year's music theory test. It will also not be possible to credit the results of the music theory test from other music colleges.
You only need to take the music theory test once if you apply to more than one of the following Bachelor's programmes:
Music theory test example
Here is information about the music theory test and an example of what your test might look like. You can also listen to music examples for the practice test.
Information and music theory test example
Pdf, 883.7 kB, opens in new window.
Music example 1
Initial assignments 1 – Melody (mp3)
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Initial assignments 1 – Rhythm (mp3) Opens in new window.
Initial assignments 1 – Chords (mp3) Opens in new window.
Music example 1 – Complete (mp3) Opens in new window.
Music example 1 – Melody (mp3) Opens in new window.
Music example 1 – Rhythm (mp3) Opens in new window.
Music example 1 – Chords (mp3)
Music example 2
Initial assignments 2 – Melody (mp3)
Initial assignments 2 – Rhythm (mp3) Opens in new window.
Initial assignments 2 – Chords (mp3)
Music example 2 – Complete (mp3) Opens in new window.
Music example 2 – Melody (mp3) Opens in new window.
Test 4 - Piano test for singers
The test will be given at KMH and is required for the entrance test for singers. The test contains two parts:
- Piano test
You are required to play two pieces; one piece that you choose and one compulsory piece.
The compulsory piece will be published here in week 7 or sent by email in connection with the invitation to the test.
The piece that you choose should show your general level in piano skills. - A prima vista
Sightreading test. You will be given a piece to play at the test.
Test code: LS 11.2 Piano för sångare/Piano for Singers
Test time: 5–10 minutes
Assessment: The test is qualifying and a basis for selection. The test are graded in a scale of 0-7 points, where 1 point is passing. These points are added to the points in test 2 (in the major instrument).