Admission requirements for The Royal Academy of Music

Transcription

1 1 Admission requirements for The Royal Academy of Music Master's degree programmes 2014

2 2 Welcome to the Royal Academy of Music At the Royal Academy of Music, we place the individual musician and the development of his/her special talents at the very centre of our work, and we are serious about both genre and musical variety and plurality. At bachelor level, we focus on what we call "the complete musicianship". This means that we teach all the skills needed to work in the world of music. These skills not only include musical skills, but also entrepreneurial and educational skills. And above all, we help you to find the artistic expression that your talent provides. At the Master level, you may specialise within a broad range of subjects or join one of our international programmes. Unique surroundings The Royal Academy of Music has departments in both Aarhus and Aalborg. This means that we have a broad network in the regions and in Denmark as such. We work together with local music schools, festivals, professional ensembles, universities and many others concerning placements, concerts, research and teaching. In this area, we also place variety and plurality at the centre of our programmes. In Aarhus, we are housed in the new wing of the Concert Hall/Musikhuset and in Aalborg, we just moved into the new House of Music/Musikkens Hus. At both locations, we share the buildings with other important music institutions. We have state-of-the-art sound studios as well as fantastic concert halls with modern technology and modern teaching and rehearsal rooms. Our buildings are located in the middle of two of the largest cities offering education in Scandinavia, with a very lively study environment and a wide-ranging and attractive music life. Outlook and cooperation DJM is an international music academy in a globalised world. We have a huge international network of both teachers and institutions. Our partners come from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Africa, and we help you to meet that world in order to study, whether you want to go to Berlin, New York or somewhere else. At the Royal Academy of Music, you will meet many young foreign musicians studying here, and we have guest teachers from all over the world affiliated with the academy. Besides the scheduled classes, we organise many projects, symposia, placements in "the real world", master classes and student concerts every year. The daily classes are both within the individual subject areas and also across subjects and musical genres. At the Royal Academy of Music, we are serious about immersion in own music area and understanding of the musical variety and plurality. You may read more about the structure of the programmes as well as the subjects involved in the Study Programmes and the Curriculums. Thomas Winther Principal

3 3 Content 1 General information about admission for a Master's degree programme Application for admission Information meetings Entry auditions Deferrals and re-examinations Accompanist and group/band Complaints procedure Admission requirements for a Master's degree in Music Admission requirements Master's degree in Classical Music Main instrument/vocal studies as main subject Classical composer Choir conducting Ear training teacher Classical Music Theory Master's degree in Rhythmic Music Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer (Aarhus) Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Composer/songwriter (Aarhus) Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Music Teacher (Aarhus) Master's degree in Music, General Music Teacher (Aarhus) Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Individual Musician (Aalborg) Master's degree in Rhythmic Choir Conducting, Aalborg Master's degree in Electronic Music Master's degree in Electronic music, Composer Master's degree in Electronic music, Music Teacher... 20

4 4 1 General information about admission for a Master's degree programme 1.1 Application for admission Application for admission must be via the website Students must apply directly to the individual music academy for the desired course. Information about the individual courses, including the relevant study programmes, may be found at the website of the Royal Academy of Music: Application deadline is 1 December 2013 at If this is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday the deadline is the first coming day at noon. 1.2 Information meetings The Royal Academy of Music arranges information meetings about the degree courses every year. During the meetings details about the course content will be explained and there will be time for questions, e.g. about the entry audition. Further information about the information meetings may be found at the website of the Royal Academy of Music. 1.3 Entry auditions Entry auditions will be held in January and February The auditions are graded according to the 7-point grading scale. Normally, the Royal Academy of Music is not able to accept all qualified applicants. The acceptance process first and foremost emphasises the results of the entry auditions, but other things must be considered as well, e.g. special needs in the music world and the consideration of a meaningful mix of instruments and voices for ensemble playing at the Royal Academy of Music. For the Rhythmic courses the following applies: if an applicant applies and is accepted at more than one course, the Royal Academy of Music reserves the right to decide which of the courses the applicant will be accepted at. 1.4 Deferrals and re-examinations If an applicant is prevented from attending the entry audition due to illness, a deferral is offered. Submission of a medical report is a prerequisite for the deferral. Deferrals are planned by the Royal Academy of Music immediately after the entry auditions.

5 5 1.5 Accompanist and group/band Applicants must bring their own accompanist(s), groups and bands unless otherwise described in the admission requirements. The Royal Academy of Music may be able to help out by referring to one of the employed accompanists. The cost of the accompanist, group/band and special instruments is met by the applicant. 1.6 Complaints procedure A complaint in connection with the entry audition must be submitted to the academy no later than two weeks after the announcement of the result. For further information, please see the Executive Order about music educational programmes at the Music Academies and the Opera Academy (no of 11 December 2009) and the Executive Order about treatment of complaints about tests and examinations at the Music Academies and the Opera Academy (no of 11 December 2009).

6 6 2 Admission requirements for a Master's degree in Music The aim of the Master's degree is to build on the student's Bachelor degree with further studies within the creating and performing music, within teaching music and other relevant subject areas. 2.1 Admission requirements The admission requirement for admission to a Master's degree at the Royal Academy of Music is a passed relevant Bachelor degree or to be passed prior to beginning the Master's degree.

7 7 3 Master's degree in Classical Music The following requirements apply to all courses for a Master's degree in Classical music. Applicants with a Bachelor degree from the Royal Academy of Music only have sit an entry audition, if they apply for admission to a Performers' course or wish to change their main subject/instrument. Classical programmes The applicant must prepare the below-mentioned works for the entry audition. Duration of the entry audition in main instrument/vocal studies: about 20 minutes. The applicant decides tests may have to be shortened in order to stay within the time limit. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. 3.1 Main instrument/vocal studies as main subject Classical Piano A movement from a Beethoven sonata A romantic piece A work composed after 1960 Classical Guitar One or more movements from the Baroque or Renaissance period A work from the Classical or Romantic period A work/a movement composed after 1900 Classical Vocal studies An aria from an opera/oratorio A recitative A song/romance by a Danish composer with Danish lyrics A lied with German, French or English lyrics A work composed after 1970 Organ A movement from the Baroque A romantic piece A work/a movement composed after 1900

8 8 Flute 1st movement from Mozart's Flute Concerto in G major with cadence Oboe 1st movement from Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C major with cadence Bassoon 1st movement from Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in Bb major with cadence Clarinet 1st movement from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major (no cadence) Saxophone Glazunov's Concerto for Saxophone up to and including the cadence Trumpet 1st movement of Haydn's Concerto for Trumpet Horn 1st movement from one of Mozart's Horn Concertos Trombone (tenor) 1st movement from Ferdinand David Concerto for Trombone Trombone (bass) Lebedev: Concerto up to and including the cadence Tuba 1st movement from Ralph Vaughan Williams Concerto for Tuba Percussion Askell Masson: Prim or a work from The Noble Snare (Stuart SMith ed.)

9 9 Marimba: A work by Maslanka, a work by Keiko Abe or other works with the same difficulty for multi percussion, timpani, vibraphone, xylophone, marimba or snare drum Violin 1st movement of a concerto by Mozart with cadence Viola 1st movement from Sonata in A Minor for Arpeggione and Piano, Schubert Cello 1st movement from a Haydn concerto with cadence Double bass 1st movement from a Dittendorf concerto with cadence 3.2 Classical composer Applicants must submit a minimum three works documenting a level equivalent to a Bachelor degree in composition for the entry audition. The works must be submitted with the application. The student is called for an interview about the works. Duration of the interview: about 45 followed by a 15 minute evaluation. 3.3 Choir conducting Playing from a score Sight reading of a choral movement notated in two systems. Difficulty similar to e.g.: Hvor klart dog stjernen ses i nat, Chorus 4, p Egtved. Correction Sight correction of a pre-played movement with incorporated mistakes. Difficulty similar to e.g. F. Schubert: "Zum Eingang", Chorus 3, p. 5, Egtved. Singing A romance or a lied to be sung with (own) accompaniment. Applicants organise their own accompanist. Emphasis is placed on expression, intonation and articulation of text.

10 10 Direction Performance direction (without comments) of a vocal ensemble in a familiar work. Rehearsal of and musical work with a choir piece of similar difficulty to e.g. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy: Abschied vom Walde Emphasis is placed on the following: Methodology, use of piano, direction, textual understanding, communication and interpretation. Applicants will be informed of the work a week prior to the audition. Duration of test: 1 hour. Evaluation: 20 minutes 3.4 Ear training teacher 1) Teaching Applicant demonstrate their teaching skills with own group or own instrumental student. Working with rhythm, melody and harmony must be included in the demonstration. Duration: maximum 20 minutes. The test is concluded with a short interview. Emphasis is placed on the ability to communicate and propagate as well as musical and teaching preparation in the evaluation. 2) Own ear training skills* The test corresponds to the Bachelor exam for minor subject in ear training at the Royal Academy of Music. Examples of previous exams may be found at the academy library. A. Reading of rhythm. Rhythm assignments that may contain polyrhythmic time as well as discordant or changing time of similar difficulty to the exam requirements in general ear training. B. Reading melody/sight singing. A melodic assignment that may be a romantic song with accompaniment or an unaccompanied free-tonal/atonal part for a choir movement. C. Harmonic analysis. D. Auditive analysis. Assignment in choral listening/auditive analysis. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Duration of test, including evaluation: about 30 minutes. * The test will be annulled if a Bachelor exam for minor subject in ear training is passed within the previous two years with 10 as minimum grade. 3) Test in special keyboard skills Ten strophic songs which must be played without access to a score and with chords in two keys are provided in advance. Examiners choose 1-2 songs from the listed keys for the test. Secunda vista performance of a fairly easy piano movement (difficulty similar to e.g. Schumann: Erster Verlust) Secunda vista transposing of a fairly easy piano accompaniment (difficulty similar to e.g.

11 11 Weyse: Fuglen sang paa Kviste) Secunda vista singing to own accompaniment (difficulty similar to e.g. Schubert: Heidenröslein) 30 minutes of preparation will be given for the secunda vista assignments. Duration of test, including evaluation: about 30 minutes. 3.5 Classical Music Theory The admission requirement is a bachelor degree in music theory (or similar). Applicants from outside the Royal Academy of Music: For the entry audition, you must hand in 2 different music theoretical assignments (e.g. about composition methods, account for a theory/analysis method or teaching material) documenting that your skill level is equivalent to a bachelor degree in music theory. The student is called for an interview about the assignments. Duration of the interview: about 30 followed by a 15 minute evaluation.

12 12 4 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music 4.1 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer (Aarhus) Applicant form outside the Royal Academy of Music must sit the following test in their main instrument: Performance test and practical test. Applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music with a Bachelor degree in 'Rhythmic Music, Performer' may continue their education in 'Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer' without sitting a test. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. Test in main instrument: Performance test: Applicants play/sing two self-chosen tunes with own group brought in. At least one of the tunes is played with a small group (no more than 2-3 accompanists). Improvisation must be a part of the test. The applicant must perform the concert without scores and the concert may last up to 10 minutes. In the assessment, emphasis is placed on the applicants' independent musical and artistic profile. Practical test: Brief solo piece lasting maximum 2 minutes: Applicants play an unaccompanied, selfchosen and prepared piece that focuses on one or more musical/technical skills. Rehearsal by ear: A musical piece relevant for the instrument in question is rehearsed and performed with a predetermined pianist. Improvisation over chosen parts of the work. o Guitarists and pianists learn themes and chords o Wind players and singers learn themes. Singers will receive a text. o Bass players learn ostinati and chords. o Drummers and percussionists learn rhythmic markings and breaks. Playing from a score: A relevant notated part for the instrument in question is played with the accompaniment of a predetermined pianist. Accompaniment from figuration: Applicants accompany and improvise over a written chord progression. o Singers and wind players make guidelines as accompaniment. o Drummers and percussionist play a self-chosen basic figure and play notated breaks and markings. Total duration of the practical test: about 10 minutes.

13 13 All elements in the test count equally towards the final assessment. Marking and evaluation: Internal examiner. Graded with a short oral explanation. For applicants with laptop as main instrument The practical test is replaced by tests in 'Interaction and improvisation' and 'Imitation' as well as an interview. Interaction and improvisation: Two days prior to the audition, the applicant receives an audio file with a piece of piano music, which will be played by a predetermined pianist at the test and serves as a starting point for improvisation and interaction. It is up to the applicant how much he/she will need to prepare. At the evaluation emphasis is placed on the applicant's ability to interact with the pianist and to act on the spur of the moment in order to assess the creative and artistic level in the perspective of a performance. Imitation: The applicant imitates pre-played phrases. Total duration of the test: about 10 minutes. Interview: The test is followed by an interview, where the applicant (the laptop musician) has the opportunity to answer questions about the technical and musical effects involved in the concert. The duration of the interview is about 5 minutes. Marking and evaluation: Internal examiner. Graded with a short oral explanation. 4.2 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Composer/songwriter (Aarhus) The following, in four copies, must be submitted with the application: A brief description of previous experience in this field. An explanation of personal motivation for applying (maximum 20 lines). Documentation of own compositions/songs: A CD recording (maximum 20 minutes) with a representative selection of the applicant's compositions/songs (minimum three). Relevant notation/graphics, lyrics and explanatory text. In the assessment, emphasis is placed on a powerful personal expression.

14 14 Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. 4.3 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Music Teacher (Aarhus) Applicants from outside the Royal Academy of Music with a degree who are unable to document sufficient level in main instrument and/or main subject must sit one or both of the following tests: Main instrument: as described under 'Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer'. Additional main subject: Tests will be held in the subjects. Applicants must ask for a description of the tests. Applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music with a relevant degree and relevant exam in main instrument and additional main subject will not need to take any further test. Other applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music must apply for new (additional) main subject in writing. The application must include: Background for applying for the subject (personal experience, etc.) Motivation for applying for the subject Scope: lines. This application is an important element in the applicant's interview with the Head of Studies. The purpose of the interview is to make a joint evaluation of the applicant's level and possibilities in the subject. If this is not achieved, a test may be arranged in the subject. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. 4.4 Master's degree in Music, General Music Teacher (Aarhus) Applicants from outside the Royal Academy of Music with a degree who are unable to document sufficient level corresponding to a Bachelor degree in Music, General Music Teacher in main instrument and/or main subject must sit a test. Main instrument, performance test. Applicable for both classical and rhythmic main instrument. Applicants play/sing two self-chosen tunes with own group brought in. The applicant must perform the concert without scores and the concert may last up to 10 minutes. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question.

15 15 Practical test for classical main instrument: 1 sight reading. Scale playing, chosen by the examiner. All major and minor scales may occur. Duration: about 5 minutes. Practical test for rhythmic main instrument: Brief solo piece lasting maximum 2 minutes: Applicants play an unaccompanied, selfchosen and prepared piece that focuses on one or more musical/technical skills. Rehearsal by ear: A musical piece relevant for the instrument in question is rehearsed and performed with a predetermined pianist. Improvisation over chosen parts of the work. o Guitarists and pianists learn themes and chords o Wind players and singers learn themes. Singers will receive a text. o Bass players learn ostinati and chords. o Drummers and percussionists learn rhythmic markings and breaks. Playing from a score: A relevant notated part for the instrument in question is played with the accompaniment of a predetermined pianist. Accompaniment from figuration: Applicants accompany and improvise over a written chord progression. o Singers and wind players make guidelines as accompaniment. o Drummers and percussionist play a self-chosen basic figure and play notated breaks and markings. Total duration of the practical test: about 10 minutes. All elements in the test count equally towards the final assessment. Marking and evaluation: Internal examiner. Graded with a short oral explanation. For applicants with laptop as main instrument: please see 4.1 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer Additional main subject: Tests will be held in the subjects. Applicants must ask for a description of the tests. Applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music with a relevant degree and relevant exam in main instrument and additional main subject will not need to take any further test.

16 Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Individual Musician (Aalborg) Before applying to the Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Individual Musician, applicants must decide if the subject areas "Performer" is: Main instrument: Instrument/Vocal studies or laptop/live-electronics Music conducting: Children's music, choir conducting, Music Direction or SSB direction (Singing, Playing and Movement) Applicants from outside the Royal Academy of Music Applicants from outside the Royal Academy of Music with a degree who are unable to document sufficient level in main instrument or music direction must sit the following tests: Main instrument: as described under 'Master's degree in Rhythmic Music, Performer'. Music conducting: as described below. Individual Musician, entry audition in Music Direction The applicants show that they possess the basic teaching skills in Music Direction in a teaching demonstration. Duration of the test: 20 minutes followed by a 5 minute interview. Evaluation and oral explanation: 10 minutes. Marking and evaluation: Internal examiner. Graded with a short oral explanation. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. Applicants must submit an A4 page with considerations about the preparation of the teaching demonstration one week prior to the entry audition to be used for evaluation. Copies of teaching material may be submitted. The grade expresses to what extent: The submitted A4 page reflects the described below. The applicant possesses the basic skills in empathy, professional reflection as well as being able to discuss the content of the teaching demonstration in the interview. The applicant is working with music and musical forms of activity that are meaningful to the participants. The applicant has an enthusiastic and relevant approach. The applicant demonstrates basic skills in listening/sensing, empathising, reflecting and acting relevantly in the teaching demonstration. A group will be provided for the entry audition (with the exception of Children's music). Applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music

17 17 Applicants from inside the Royal Academy of Music with a relevant degree and relevant exam in main instrument and main subject will not need to take any further test, but apply directly for admission to the Master's degree in Music. The application must include: Preference of content in "performance" (instrument, vocal studies, laptop/live electronics or music direction) Thoughts about the direction and content of the "immersion subject" (theoretical, practical and/or pedagogical approach) Background for applying for the subjects (personal experience, etc.) Motivation for applying for the subjects Scope: lines. This application is an important element in the applicant's interview with the Head of Studies. The purpose of the interview is to make a joint evaluation of the applicant's level and possibilities in the subjects. If this is not achieved, a test may be arranged in the subject. 4.6 Master's degree in Rhythmic Choir Conducting, Aalborg The entry audition is organized in such a way that it will give the broadest possible image of the musical background and pedagogical skills of the applicant. Main subject exam in Rhythmic Choir Conducting Applicants demonstrate teaching skills through 2 assignments with a predetermined vocal ensemble (8 Academy students s/a/t/b). Applicant chooses a relevant assignment and a special assignment will be sent forward a week before the audition. No later than a week before the entry audition, applicants submit their reflections concerning planning and content of the choir test as well as the motivation for applying. Copy of the teaching material must be enclosed. Duration of the test: 45 minutes followed by a 10 minute interview. Evaluation: 20 minutes per applicant. Examination with external examiners. Tests in minor subjects SSB (Singing, Playing and Movement): The applicant will be included as a student in a tuition situation in the subject SSB. Emphasis is put on the applicant's ability to imitate shown movement patterns, sung phrases, and shown rhythmic figures. This part of the examination will take place in groups. Duration: ca. 45 minutes.

18 18 Singing and piano: 1. Singing to own accompaniment on piano. In the evaluation, emphasis is put on the applicant's ability to express the textual content. Microphone must be used. 2. Piano a. A self-chosen rhythmic piano piece (without song) b. Secunda vista accompaniment to tune with figuration c. Secunda vista playing from the score of a fairly simple rhythmic choir movement. 15 minutes of preparation will be given for the secunda vista assignments. A combined grade based on the 7-point grading scale is given for the items 1 and 2a. A combined grade based on the 7-point grading scale is given for the items 2b and 2c. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. Ear training and theory Written ear training test including the following: Intervals (notes played separately and simultaneously/also over 1 octave). Triads. Chord definition. Notation of a rhythmic passage. Identification of pre-played scales. Notation of a melodic sequence with harmonies. Duration of test: 60 minutes. Oral test: Preparation time (30 minutes): Reproduction of a 1-voice notated rhythmic passage. Reproduction of a 2-voice notated rhythmic passage. Vocal improvisation on a chord sequence. Without preparation time: Vocal reproduction of pre-played melodic phrases. Reproduction of pre-played rhythmic phrases. Sight singing. Duration of test: 20 minutes. Evaluation: 10 minutes. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question.

19 19 Marking and evaluation: Internal examiner. A combined grade is given for the oral and written tests. The grade expresses to what extent the applicant: is able to hear, understand and notate pre-played intervals, triads, chords, rhythms, scales and melody with harmonies. is able to imitate rhythms and melodic phrases, can reproduce rhythmic and melodic passages as well as improvise vocally over chord sequences musically and with selfconfidence.

20 20 5 Master's degree in Electronic Music 5.1 Master's degree in Electronic music, Composer Applicants must submit documentation for own compositions with the application: CD recording (maximum 30 minutes) with a representative selection of compositions (minimum three) as well as a description of relevant professional working experience. Furthermore, applicants must submit documentation for qualifying exams. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question. 5.2 Master's degree in Electronic music, Music Teacher Applicants must submit documentation for own compositions with the application: CD recording (maximum 30 minutes) with a representative selection of compositions (minimum three) as well as a description of relevant professional working experience and teaching experience. Furthermore, applicants must submit documentation for qualifying exams. Criteria: The evaluation should reflect the applicant's possibility to reach the objectives of the education in question.