Classical and Early Music Entrance Exam
The following applies to all principal subjects:
Candidates residing within the EEA
• pre-selection by means of a link to a recording in the application form (composition: portfolio + motivation letter)
• the entrance exam takes place at the CvA
Candidates residing outside the EEA
• pre-selection by means of a link to a recording in the application form (composition: portfolio + motivation letter)
• the entrance exam takes place online, with the exception of the principal subjects of conducting, these exams take place at the CvA
The Classical/Early Music bachelor entrance exam consists of three rounds:
1. Video Recording
Candidates are asked to submit weblinks to their video recordings, uploaded on YouTube or Vimeo. The requirements for the videos are determined for each principal subject; please see the list below for the principal subject of your choice. Please make sure that the videos are recorded from a static perspective, showing hands and face, and that each work or opus is recorded in a separate video. Be aware that only unedited videos are allowed to be submitted. You can put the weblinks to your video recordings in the application form.
Candidates whose level in the first round meets the entry requirements will proceed to the principal subject entrance exam.
2. Principal Subject Entrance Exam
Aptitude and suitability are tested with reference to the principal study. Candidates perform a programme which is to be submitted beforehand of approximately 20-30 minutes duration (composition: interview). Programme details are to be submitted beforehand. For full details of the entrance requirements for each principal study, please see the principal subject of your choice below.
Please note: if you take the entrance exam online, you are expected to audition via a video link (no recordings). Make sure you have a good microphone and internet connection.
Classical Music
- bassoon
- cello
- choral conducting
- clarinet
- composition
- conducting concert & brass bands
- double bass
- euphonium, see tuba
- flute
- guitar
- harp
- horn
- oboe
- organ
- orchestral conducting
- panpipes
- percussion
- piano
- recorder
- saxophone
- theory of music
- trombone
- trumpet
- tuba
- viola
- violin
- voice
Early Music
- baroque cello
- baroque bassoon
- baroque oboe
- baroque violin/viola
- clavichord
- fortepiano
- harpsichord
- lute/theorbo
- natural horn
- natural trumpet
- historical trombone
- organ
- piano
- recorder
- traverso
- viola da gamba
- violone
- voice
3. Theory Entrance Exam for the preparatory course and all bachelor candidates
Only candidates admissible for the principal subject take a theory entrance exam. The theory entrance exam usually takes place the day before or the day after the principal subject entrance exam. This means that candidates must be present in Amsterdam for at least two days. Candidates residing outside the EEA who apply online will be invited to take an online theory entrance exam. The exact date and time will be stated in the invitation letter.
During the theory entrance exam, your hearing, solfège skills, and knowledge of music theory will be tested. The exam consists of the following components.
1. A written part, comprising:
- an ear training test (example test, answers)
- a general music theory test (example test)
2. An oral part (example test), comprising:
- unaccompanied sight singing
- performing a rhythm
- singing a song with piano accompaniment
On CvA Online you can purchase preparatory courses for the theoretical entrance exam.
The Classical/Early Music master entrance exam consists of two rounds:
1. Video Recording
Candidates are asked to submit weblinks to their video recordings, uploaded on YouTube or Vimeo. For full details of the entrance requirements for each principal study, please see the principal subject of your choice below.
Please make sure that the videos are recorded from a static perspective, showing hands and face, and that each work or opus is recorded in a separate video. Please be aware that only unedited videos are allowed to be submitted. You can put the weblinks to your video recordings in the application form. Candidates whose level in the first round meets the entry requirements will proceed to the principal subject entrance exam.
2. Principal Subject Entrance Exam
The admission requirements can be found on the page of the principal subject of your choice, see below. Please note: if you take the entrance exam online, you are expected to audition via a video link (no recordings). Make sure you have a good microphone and internet connection.
Classical Music
- accordion
- bassoon
- cello
- choral conducting
- clarinet
- composition
- conducting concert & brass bands
- double bass
- euphonium, see tuba
- flute
- guitar
- harp
- horn
- oboe
- organ
- panpipes
- percussion
- piano
- recorder
- saxophone
- theory of music
- trombone
- trumpet
- tuba
- viola
- violin
- voice
Early Music
- baroque cello
- baroque bassoon
- baroque oboe
- baroque violin/viola
- clavichord
- fortepiano
- harpsichord
- lute/theorbo
- natural horn
- natural trumpet
- historical trombone
- organ
- piano
- recorder
- traverso
- viola da gamba
- violone
- voice
Specific Master's Degree Programmes
Assessment
During the entrance examination candidates will be tested for level of repertoire, technical skills, artistic abilities, development possibilities, ear tests and musical hearing. If one of these aspects is considered insufficient, the candidate will fail.
Result
The exam result is communicated to the candidate directly after the principal subject entrance exam. The result can be 'admissible to the principal subject' or 'rejected for the principal subject'. The board of directors (not the exam committee), will make the final decisions regarding the admissions. In addition to the results of the practical and theoretical exams (and for foreign candidates their command of the English language), the number of student places available per section will be taken into account. As soon as possible after the entrance exams the candidates will be informed if they will be admitted or not. During the summer holidays all admitted candidates will receive information on the start of the study year, the introduction day and the payment of the tuition fee.