Entrance exams to the studies of Bachelor in Music. June 2023.
Registration from March 31.
The exercises of Part A will be carried out on June 2 and 3, and those of Part B on June 14, 15 and 16.
ADMISSIONS
In order to access the Bachelor’s Degree in Higher Artistic Music Education, it is necessary to have passed the corresponding Entrance Test, valid for enrollment, exclusively, in the academic year in which it has been summoned.
Applicants can enroll in the entrance exams in two modalities.
The specialties and modalities for which the Access Tests for the 2023-2024 academic year are called are the following:
- PERFORMANCE
- Classical and contemporary music: harp, voice, clarinet, double bass, bassoon, flute, guitar, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, horn, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin and cello.
- Jazz and Modern Music: drums, electric bass, electric guitar, voice, double bass, piano, percussion, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, flute, clarinet, violin, cello and tuba.
- Traditional music: flamenco guitar.
- COMPOSITION
- PEDAGOGY
Goals of the entrance exams
The objective of the Entrance Exams will be to evaluate the aptitudes of the applicants and to determine if they have the adequate preparation to pursue higher music studies in the chosen specialty. And also, if the number of applicants makes it necessary, to have the elements of judgment to decide which of the candidates have more merits to access the available places.
Call for applications June 2023
The entrance exams will be held at the Centro Superior de Música Liceo, Nou de la Rambla 88 street, 08001 Barcelona (on the days of the exams it is necessary to bring the original of your ID card or passport for identification purposes).
Registration for the Entrance Exams can be made from March 31 through the Conservatory website.
The exercises of Part A will be held on June 2 and 3, and those of Part B on June 14, 15 and 16. In case of an extraordinary call, the exercises of Part A will be held on September 5 and those of Part B on September 8.
Registration can be done online through the following link:
Candidates who are unable to register online should write to provesacces@conservatori-liceu.es, where they will be provided with an alternative registration option.
Required Documentation
- Photocopy of the National Identity Card (DNI), Passport or NIE.
- Baccalaureate degree or accreditation of passing the University Access Tests for people over 25 years of age or the Generalitat remedial Test for access to higher artistic education.
- Proof of payment of the Access Test validated by the Bank.
- In case of having a professional degree in music, a document accrediting it.
Deliver all the requested documentation scanned to the email: provesacces@conservatori-liceu.es
Number of offered places
In each call of the Entrance Exams, a number of places are offered, distributed among the different specialties and itineraries according to their demand and adapted to their balance and good performance.
The number of places per specialty and modality will be published for each call and is indicative, the places not covered may be allocated to other specialties and modalities according to the results of the Entrance Exams.
Entry Profile
Preparation for the Entrance Exams is obtained through regulated studies in Professional Degree or in studies of similar content and demands. A high-level general education in Music Theory and History and mastery of one or more instruments are necessary, in addition to possessing the specific qualities required to pursue the desired specialty in the field of performance, creation or pedagogy.
In the Performance specialties, it is expected that future students of higher music education will be able to perform the repertoire indicated for the entrance exams with a technical level and awareness of the corresponding stylistic traits that will ensure the possibility of reaching the level of a higher graduate in the four years established by the Curriculum.
In the Composition specialty, a high level of knowledge in Composition and Analysis Techniques and an acceptable level of familiarity with the main repertoire are expected to be detected. It is also expected that the works contributed in the corresponding exam suggest creative ability and the possibility of developing a differentiated artistic personality.
In Pedagogy applicants, in addition to a technical and artistic level in their main instrument comparable to Interpretation applicants, sensitivity and resources for the study of very diverse types of scores and the ability to communicate their musical ideas are expected to be detected.
Academic entrance requirements
In accordance with the provisions of current regulations, applicants must be in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) or meet one of the following conditions:
- Having passed the entrance exam to university studies for people over 25 years of age.
- Be in possession of any university degree (bachelor’s degree or diploma) or a higher music degree (Plan 66, LOGSE and LOE).
- Having passed the common part of the Entrance Examinations to the upper level cycles of professional education in plastic arts and design or initial professional training or sports education.
Candidates who complete the baccalaureate in the same course in which the entrance exam is taken, will have to present the academic certification of the studies.
The minimum age to access Higher Music Studies is 16 years (under the conditions indicated in article 2 of Annex 2 RESOLUTION EDU/263/2023, of January 31, by which the entrance tests to the degrees are called in higher artistic education adapted to the European Higher Education Area, corresponding to the 2023-2024 academic year.
Candidates who complete the baccalaureate in the same course in which the entrance exam is taken, will have to present the academic certification of the studies.
Applicants without the academic baccalaureate requirement
If none of these academic requirements are met, it will be necessary to pass a test called annually by the Department of Education of the Generalitat de Catalunya, which will take place on May 23, 2023 at 4 p.m. at the Pedralbes Institute, Avenida de Esplugues, 36-42, 08034, Barcelona.
Registration: from 23 to 30 May 2023 through the computer application available on the website of the Department of Education, in the section of Entrance Exams.
For further information, please contact: gestioproves.educacio@gencat.cat
Exemption from the Catalan test may be requested by those who can prove that, on the date of the test, they have lived in Catalonia for less than two years and that they have not previously taken the Catalan language subject (article 9.2 of annex 2 of RESOLUTION EDU/263/2023, of January 31) by applying to the Directorate General of Curriculum of the Department of Education (Via Augusta 202-226, 08021 Barcelona).
Those who justify the impossibility of attending the test on the established day, due to a major cause, can apply for the call for incidents that will be held on May 31, 2023 by submitting an application to the Pedralbes Institute before May 25, 2023.
Candidates with baccalaureate studies completed outside of Spain
Candidates who have completed the baccalaureate outside of Spain must request the homologation of the title by contacting the Ministry of Education and Science of the Spanish Embassy in their country or the Spanish Consulate closest to their city of residence, or request the “provisional registration flyer” if the homologation has already been requested, but it has not yet arrived.
Further information
Transfer regulations
With respect to the transfer and acknowledgement of credits, the procedures are adapted to the following legal texts:
- Resolution ENS/2869/2011, of November 21, on the acknowledgement and transfer of credits, validation of learning, individualized credit acknowledgement and other specific procedures in the field of higher artistic education.
- Resolution ENS/27/2016, of January 11, amending Resolution ENS/2869/2011, of November 21, on the acknowledgement and transfer of credits, validation of learning, individualized credit acknowledgement and other specific procedures in the field of higher artistic education.
- Royal Decree 1618/2011, of November 14, on the acknowledgement of studies in the field of Higher Education.
Applicants who wish to gain access to the Degree in Artistic Music Education by transferring their transcript may contact: serveis@conservatori-liceu.es to request the beginning of the procedure. The Center reserves the option of requesting an audition or interview to prove that the applicant’s interpretive or creative level corresponds to the requirements of the course in which he/she will be admitted, in order to verify the guarantees of successfully completing the studies.
Applicants with special needs
Applicants with specific needs arising from physical, mental or sensory disabilities or other serious disorders, who have a legal declaration of disability, may request an adaptation of the exercises of the Entrance Exams, as well as the additional resources necessary to perform them by applying to the Department of Education.
Structure and parts of the Entrance Exams
The Entrance Exams have two parts, A and B. Part A is evaluated with Pass or Fail and part B represents 100% of the final grade. It is necessary to pass part A in order to take part B of the test.
Part A serves to assess the competencies of the applicants, as well as the basic knowledge and skills to pursue the studies.
For those candidates who do not have the Professional Degree in Music, the test of part A is divided into several exercises that are grouped, for the specialties of Interpretation and Pedagogy in two blocks (Aural Recognition and Musical Analysis), and for the specialty of Composition in three blocks (Aural Recognition, Musical Analysis and Instrumental Exercise).
For those candidates who hold a Professional Degree, the test of part A consists of passing a single test of Aural Recognition and Musical Analysis.
Part B is specific for each specialty and serves to assess the competencies and abilities of the candidates to study the specialty. It contains a variable number of exercises, depending on the specialty.
Part A Exercises
These exercises will be offered separately for the areas of Classical and Contemporary Music, Jazz and Modern Music and Traditional Music (Flamenco Guitar).
For applicants who do not have the Professional Degree in Music
Ear Training
1) Melodic dictation
This exercise will be offered in three options, linked respectively to Classical and Contemporary Music, Jazz and Modern Music, and Flamenco Guitar. The candidates will do one or the other according to their specialty. If an applicant is applying in specialties linked to different fields, it will be necessary for him/her to do the exercise in both options.
The Melodic Dictation may be performed on any instrument of the corresponding field. It will be listened live or from a recording. It will have a length of no more than eight bars and will be listened to a minimum of 10 times and a maximum of 15 times.
2) Polyphonic/harmonic dictation
This exercise will also be offered in three options, linked respectively to Classical and Contemporary Music, Jazz and Modern Music, and Flamenco Guitar. As in the case of the Melodic Dictation, the candidates will do one or the other according to their specialty and it will also be necessary to perform the exercise in the two options if the candidate presents himself/herself in specialties linked to different fields. The Dictation will be performed live or recorded by a polyphonic instrument or by different instruments.
In the option linked to classical and contemporary music it will be a Dictation in four voices. It can be solved by transcribing the four voices or by doing it only with the upper voice and the bass and indicating in this case the harmony with the appropriate ciphers.
In the option related to Jazz and Modern Music, it will be a harmonic dictation and each chord must be indicated with the corresponding cipher.
The polyphonic/harmonic dictation will also have a duration of no more than eight bars and will be listened to a minimum of 10 times and a maximum of 15 times.
The combined duration of the two Dictation exercises will be one hour.
The exercises of this block will represent 35% of the part A for candidates in the Composition specialty, and 40% for the rest of the candidates.
Music Analysis
1) Score Analysis
This exercise will be offered in three options, linked respectively to Classical and Contemporary Music, Jazz and Modern Music, and Flamenco Guitar. The candidates will do one or the other according to their specialty. If a candidate is applying in specialties linked to different fields, it will be necessary for him/her to do the exercise in both options. The piece or passage to be analyzed will not be longer than 100 bars. Up to four questions will be asked to guide the analysis work, always accepting the plurality of methods with which it can be carried out.
2) Audition Analysis
This exercise will also be offered in three options, linked respectively to Classical and Contemporary Music, Jazz and Modern Music, and Flamenco Guitar. The candidates will do one or the other according to their specialty. If an applicant is applying in specialties linked to different fields, it will be necessary for him/her to do the exercise in both options. The duration of the piece or passage to be analyzed will be around four minutes, but this time may vary according to the characteristics of each modality. You will listen to it a minimum of three and a maximum of five times. Guiding questions will be given for the analysis work, but as in the case of the Analysis of a score, the use of different analysis techniques will be accepted.
The combined duration of the two Analysis exercises will be three hours.
The exercises of this block will represent 50% of the part A for candidates in the Composition specialty, and 60% for the rest of the candidates.
Performance exercise (only for Composition applicants)
Presentation of a program to be performed on the applicant’s principal instrument/song. The minimum number of works or complete movements presented will be two, from different periods and styles. If the performance of one or more works requires the participation of other instrumentalists or singers, it will be the candidate’s responsibility to obtain the collaboration of the necessary musicians. In works of these characteristics, it will be essential that the candidate’s part has a soloist role or in any case is sufficiently outstanding to allow its individual evaluation. The minimum total duration of the program should be around ten minutes. The examining board may decide whether the candidates must perform the whole program or parts of it.
The exercises in this block will represent 15% of part A for candidates in the Composition specialty.
For applicants who hold a Professional Degree in Music
Single test for Ear Training and Music Analysis
This test will be taken by candidates who hold a Professional Degree in Music, as long as it is for the instrument with which the applicant is taking the Entrance Exams for the Degree in Higher Artistic Music Education.
The Single Test of Aural Recognition and Musical Analysis will consist of a written exercise with contents related to ear training and formal and stylistic analysis.
Part A assessment and results
As indicated above, part A will be evaluated with Pass/Fail. Only those candidates who obtain a pass grade will be allowed to take part B of the entrance examinations. After the publication of the provisional results, there will be three working days for claims and revisions, after which the definitive results will be published, with the list of candidates who will take part B.
Part B exercises
Interpretation Specialty
Performance tests
This test consists of the presentation of a program to be performed with the applicant’s main instrument, or voice. It will have the following parts evaluated in a differentiated manner:
- Assessment of the applicant’s technical competence (35% of the final grade).
- Evaluation of the stylistic and expressive aspects of the interpretation (35% of the final grade).
- Sight reading or improvisation (30% of the final grade).
Repertoire to be presented
The minimum number of complete works or movements presented will be four, except in the case of Singing (Classical and Contemporary Music) in which it will be eight.
The works chosen will have to form a varied program in languages and styles and, as far as possible, representative of the different periods of the history and main repertoire of the specialty. If the performance of one or more works requires the participation of other instrumentalists or singers, it will be the responsibility of the candidates to obtain the collaboration of the necessary musicians. In works of these characteristics, it is essential that the candidate’s part has a soloist role. The minimum total duration of the program should be around thirty minutes. At least one of the works must be performed from memory. The selection board may decide whether the candidates must perform complete works or parts of them.
Sight reading or improvisation
For classical and contemporary music instrument candidates: a performance test after reading the materials corresponding to a piece of music or musical excerpt. For Jazz and modern music instrument candidates: sight-reading and improvisation, of a maximum duration of ten minutes, on a theme (melody and harmonic progression).
Candidates will have ten minutes to prepare this exercise.
Pedagogy Specialty
Composing a didactic passage
Writing a musical passage with a didactic character, for a learning situation of the applicant’s main instrument. The passage must comply with the characteristics established by the examining board. The candidate must subsequently answer the questions asked by the examining board about the written passage and its didactic objectives, and about any other aspect of the educational practice that is considered appropriate.
Vocal performance exercise
Performance of an individual or polyphonic vocal work, previously chosen and freely prepared. It is the applicant’s responsibility to procure the necessary accompanist(s).
Performance test
This test consists of the presentation of a program to be performed on the candidate’s principal instrument.
The minimum number of complete works or movements presented will be four, except in the case of singing, which will be eight.
The works chosen must form a program varied in languages and styles and, as far as possible, representative of the different periods of the history and main repertoire of the specialty. If the performance of one or more works requires the participation of other instrumentalists or singers, it will be the responsibility of the candidates to secure the collaboration of the necessary musicians. In the specialties of Jazz and Modern Music, the center may provide a rhythm section if necessary. In works with these characteristics, it is essential that the candidate’s part has a soloist role. The minimum total duration of the program should be around thirty minutes. At least one of the works must be performed from memory.
The selection board may decide whether the candidates must perform the whole program or parts of it.
Sight reading or improvisation
Performance test after reading the materials, corresponding to a piece or musical fragment, in the case of instruments related to classical and contemporary music. For Jazz and modern music instrument candidates: sight-reading and improvisation, of a maximum duration of ten minutes, on a theme (melody and harmonic progression).
Applicants will have ten minutes to prepare this exercise.
Composition Specialty
Composition exercise
The candidates will have to write a musical passage of between twelve and sixteen bars, developing a given beginning in four-part writing. Several options will be given in different styles, to be chosen by the candidate. The ability to develop the exercise while maintaining the stylistic and structural coherence of the proposed beginning will be especially valued.
The time for this exercise will be two hours.
Instrumentation exercise
The student will have to arrange a piano piece or a fragment for an orchestral or chamber ensemble. Skill in the use of the instruments, their ranges and technical possibilities, as well as knowledge of the tradition in instrumental arrangements and combinations will be assessed.
The time for this exercise will be one hour.
Presentation of music composed by the candidate
Applicants must submit the score and, if possible, the recording, of two works or works performed by him/her that they consider relevant or representative of their training and creative experience. These works must be submitted one week before the beginning of the Entrance Exams. The panel will discuss the works with the applicant, who will have to answer questions about various aspects of his/her compositions.
Piano sight reading
Performance test on the piano after reading the materials corresponding to a piece or musical fragment. Candidates will have fifteen minutes to prepare for the sight-reading.
ADMISSION
After passing the Entrance Exams
Passing the Entrance Exams, together with the academic requirements of access, allows participation in the admission procedure in the education for which the test has been passed, only for the same school year.
Once the ordinary call has been completed and enrollment has taken place, if there are vacancies in the center, the second call for specific tests may be held. The candidates who, having passed the tests in the ordinary call, have not obtained a place in the center, will have to take all the exercises again if they apply for the extraordinary call.
Communication of results
The week after the entrance exams are held, and depending on the results, a Provisional List of those admitted to the center is published on the Centro Superior’s web page, opening a brief period to present possible amendments and waivers. After approximately two days, the Final List is published, and prospective students are notified via e-mail of their admission status and the period in which they can formalize their enrollment. If at the end of this period a candidate has not formalized the enrollment, it will be mean that he/she renounces to the place.
Welcome and tutoring sessions
At the beginning of the academic year, an informative meeting is held for incoming students, as well as several meetings with the corresponding Department Heads so that new students are informed and have a guide at the beginning of their higher musical education studies.
The Center organizes specific welcome and orientation meetings for new students and for the rest of the students during the first days of the academic year. In the case of new students, the aim is to facilitate the adaptation of these new students. Likewise, the tutoring of students is regulated by the Center’s Tutorial Action Plan.