Entrance Tests for Performance, Jazz

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-17000

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 a video, no more than ten minutes in length, that demonstrates both your instrumental/vocal technical skills and your musical expression. Improvisation should be included as a natural part of the performance. We welcome all forms of artistic expression within the broad field of jazz/improvisation – you are free to shape the content according to your own artistic profile. You may choose to perform your own compositions, works by others, or a free improvisation. The performance may be either solo or in collaboration with other musicians. If you choose to record more than one musical piece within the video, only cuts between the different pieces are permitted.

The purpose of the audition is to provide a clear and nuanced picture of your musical expression.

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.

You can record a separate video with your ID, test code and presentation, and insert it at the beginning of your performance video. The important thing is that there are no cuts or edits in the actual performance, and that the jury has no reason to doubt that it is you playing in the video or suspect any cheating.

Presentation text

Write a presentation text of approximately two A4 pages that includes a plan and purpose for your studies. The text should be written in Swedish or English and saved as a PDF. At the top, beneath the title, you should state your name, personal identity number, instrument, and the programme you are applying for.

The presentation text is used to assess your ability to reflect on artistic processes and your own working methods, at a level required to be able to benefit from the programme.

Please use the following template:
Click here for the template docx, 29.8 kB, opens in new window.

Describe the following:

1. Your artistic focus
   Briefly describe your artistic focus, working methods, artistic interests, and visions. You are welcome to include examples of collaborations you have participated in, as well as the artistic processes you particularly wish to explore within the programme.
2. Individual artistic projects and independent project
   In the project courses, you may choose either to work with clearly defined areas within each project or to maintain a continuous focus throughout the project courses and into the final independent project.
   
   Write a draft in which you describe how you intend to structure this. Specify:
   • An overall purpose and any research questions serving as a starting point for the work.
   • The methods you wish to work with (for example composition, improvisation, technique, ensemble playing, theory, and analysis).
   • State whether the project is independent or intended to serve as part of the process leading towards the final independent project within the programme.
3. Additional Information
   You may, for example, describe how your previous experience or studies are relevant to carrying out a larger-scale project.

Test code: LS 22.0 Huvudämne jazz/Major jazz
Assessment: The test is qualifying, and the result is evaluated on a pass (1) or fail (0) basis.

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

Test 2 – Audition main instrument

The test takes place on KMH’s campus and consists of two parts:

1. Performance test (instrument or voice):
   You must choose and prepare two musical pieces that represent your artistic expression and demonstrate your ability to improvise. These should be performed from memory, that is, without the use of sheet music.
   
2. Conversation:
   The jury will conduct a conversation with you, giving you the opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and elaborate on your thoughts regarding the purpose of your studies, based on your presentation text.

KMH provides an accompanying group/rhythm section for the audition (you may not bring your own ensemble). The time you spend instructing the accompanists is included in your allotted audition time. The standard ensemble consists of piano/keyboard, bass, drums, and a wind instrument.

Test code: LS 22.1 Huvudämne jazz/Major jazz
Test time: 30 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