General information
The candidate must demonstrate an exceptional level in his/her specialty in the practical examination and meet the prescribed admission requirements. The practical examination determines the professional and, above all, artistic prerequisites for studying the chosen specialisation of the given study programme: Percussion Performance, Jazz Performance, Jazz Composition and Arranging. The entrance examination takes the form of a solo or chamber performance. In addition, for the Jazz Composition and Arranging specialisation, the applicant presents at least one composition or arrangement of his/her own.
What are the specific conditions of the entrance exam and what do applicants need to prepare?
The entrance examination is divided into six parts – a theoretical, practical and oral examination, a piano test, a performance test and a general knowledge test on jazz history.
Form of admission procedure
1) examination of intonation and rhythm – movement of 3 voices in chords, writing the melody in notes, identification of chords (seven chords – major, minor, diminished and others), identification of common harmonic connections
2) practical exam 1 – compositional readiness, the candidate chooses two of the three areas listed below:
- harmonization of the given theme, four-part notation (without piano)
- creating a counterpoint voice to the melody and harmony (without using the piano)
- creating a short study based on various musical material assignments (selection of notes, intervals, rhythmic lengths, etc.). All again without using the piano.
3) practical exam 2 – presentation of own composition or own arrangement of a jazz standard for piano, double bass, drums and, if the main instrument of the candidate is other than piano/contrabass/drums, also for the main instrument of the candidate. This composition/arrangement will be rehearsed by the candidate with the accompanying band and, as a performer on his/her main instrument, performed directly at the test interview. Especially in the case of demanding parts, it is recommended that these are delivered in advance – for example, together with the application form. This part of the admission procedure also includes an interview with the candidate.
Evaluation of the exam
| Practical examination in intonation and rhythm | 27% |
| Practical test 1 | 27% |
| Practical exam 2 | 26% |
| Theoretical part | 10% |
| Knowledge test | 10% |