Entrance Tests for Nordic Performance Master in Folk Music (NoFo)

When you apply to this programme, you need to take an entrance examination test. Here is everything you need to know to complete the test.

Application code: KMH-35000

Test 1 – Digital audition

The first test is a digital one, where you are required to submit a video audition and a presentation text. After that, it will be determined which applicants will proceed to the next stage of the test.

After the application deadline has passed, applicants who have submitted their application at universityadmissions.se External link. will receive instructions via email on how to upload their test to KMH. You are therefore encouraged to prepare Test 1 in advance, before receiving the email.

Video audition

Record video files with three freely chosen tunes/songs from your own tradition that show your breadth and knowledge within the folk music genre, your proficiency on your main instrument, and your ability for musical interpretations.

At least two tunes/songs should be performed solo without accompaniment. The tunes/songs should be performed without sheet music.

Your chosen tunes/songs must include music connected to the Nordic folk music traditions. For instrument performance this means, for example, different tune types, playing styles and/or instrumental techniques. For singing this means different kinds of songs and singing styles as well as vocal techniques such as kulning or trallning (“diddling”). In addition to performance on your main instrument, one performance showing skills on a secondary instrument/singing is permitted.

Also provide information about the tune’s/song’s source or composer and any arranger.

Total time: maximum 15 minutes.

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. Click here for a guide External link. on how to compress your video and reduce the file size.
  

If you do not follow these instructions, and we find that your video shows signs of modification, your audition may be disqualified from consideration.

Presentation text

Write a presentation text that includes

• a description of your background
• your intentions for the programme
• a fairly detailed description of which direction you wish for your studies.

The text must be written in English and comprise 500-1000 words. The file must be in PDF format.

Test code: LS 23.4 Main subject, Nordic Master, Folk Music, part 1
Assessment: The test is qualifying, and the result is evaluated on a pass (1) or fail (0) basis.

The jury makes a holistic assessment of your artistic interpretation, technical skill, and genre-familiarity (depth and/or breadth) and possible artistic development areas relevant to the programme’s direction and setup.

Your result will be notified by email. All passing applicants will proceed to the next test.

Test 2 – Audition main instrument

This test is carried out on campus (at one or more of our four schools).

You shall choose and prepare at least three freely chosen tunes/songs from your own tradition that show your breadth and knowledge within the folk music genre, your proficiency on your main instrument, and your ability for musical interpretations.

At least two tunes/songs should be performed solo without accompaniment. The tunes/songs should be performed without sheet music.

Your chosen tunes/songs must include music connected to the Nordic folk music traditions. For instrument performance this means, for example, different tune types, playing styles and/or instrumental techniques. For singing this means different kinds of songs and singing styles as well as vocal techniques such as kulning or trallning (“diddling”).

In addition to performance on your main instrument, one performance showing skills on a secondary instrument/singing is permitted.

Also present information about the tune’s/song’s source or composer and any arranger.

Test code: LS 23.5 Main subject, Nordic Master, Folk Music, part 2
Test time: 15 minutes
Assessment: The test is qualifying and a basis for selection. 0-50 p, of which 25 p are required for a pass, according to the assessment criteria below.

Assessment criteria

The jury makes a holistic assessment of your artistic interpretation, technical skill, and genre-familiarity (depth and/or breadth).

Test 3 – Sight-reading, ear-training and accompaniment/part-playing

This test is carried out on campus (at one or more of our four schools) and consists of three sub-tests.

A prima vista

You shall play a tune/sing a song a prima vista (directly from the sheet). You will be allowed to study the music for about one minute before the test. The tune is chosen by the jury and is drawn from a Nordic folk music genre. The difficulty corresponds approximately to a typical notation from for example Svenska Låtar.
Scoring scale 0-5 points, of which 1 point is required to pass.

Ear-training

On your main instrument you shall reproduce a simple melody you have not heard before.
Scoring scale 0-5 points, of which 1 point is required to pass.

Accompaniment/part-playing

You shall improvise a part or an accompaniment in folk music style to a tune/song that you will hear at the test site.
Scoring scale 0-5 points, of which 1 point is required to pass.

Test code: LS 23.6 Main subject, Nordic Master, Folk Music, part 3
Test time: approx. 15 minutes
Assessment: The test is qualifying and a basis for selection. 0-15 points, of which 1 point per sub-test is required to pass.