Entrance Test for the Music Production Programme

The entrance test for the Music Production Programme consists of two parts. You have to pass Part 1 to be invited to Part 2. Both parts must be passed to fulfil the specific entrance requirements for the programme.

The programme further requires applicants to fulfil general entrance requirements. If there are more qualified applicants than places on the programme, selection is based on the combined points awarded on Parts 1 and 2 of the entrance test.

Part 1: Submission of work samples

Test description

Apply for the programme online at University Admissions. After your application has been received, you will receive an email with a link to a submission form. It is therefore crucial that you enter the correct email address when applying. The email is sent from ljudantagning@mhi.kau.se so make sure that emails from this address are not marked as spam.

Part 1 of the entrance test requires you to submit two work samples and documentation. Admission and selection are partly based on the results of this part of the entrance test.

Work samples, including documentation:

• Two sound files of your own music productions. The files must be in MP3 or AAC format.
• At least one of the files must comprise material you composed yourself.
• At least one of the files must comprise a voice singing lyrics (both the writer and the singer may be someone else).

You further need to complete a form to document your own role in each music production submitted, as well as the roles played by others, regarding composition, arrangement, music making, sound recording and mixing. A person who can confirm your role in the production must also be indicated as a reference in the form. The reference cannot be someone who participated in the music production.

You will receive an email with a link to the submission form after submitting your online application at University Admissions (link below).

• Click here to get to University Admissions

Assessment

The assessment team comprises two music production teachers. A student representative monitors that due process is followed. The two submitted work samples are assessed separately based on two criteria: composition and arrangement, and sound quality.  For each musical production, 0–3 points are awarded per criterion.  4 points are required for a pass, with at least 1 point per criterion in each work sample. A maximum of 12 points is awarded for Part 1 of the entrance test.

The assessment team relies on the submitted documentation to understand your role in the two submitted work samples. The documentation is not assessed in itself. All applicants who pass Part 1 are invited to Part 2 of the entrance test, which takes place at Ingesund School of Music in Arvika during week 21. When you are invited to Part 2, we also ask you to indicate which software you want to use. The choices available are Logic, Studio One, ProTools, Cubase, Reaper, Ableton or Garageband.

You will use an Apple Macintosh computer we provide. The software version used during the test will be stated in the invitation.

Part 2: Practical music production test

Test description

Part 2 requires you to complete a practical music production test at the Ingesund School of Music in Arvika during week 21. Admission and selection are partly based on the results of this part of the entrance test.

Practical music production test

You are given 1h 45 mins to create a music production based on your selection from a number of provided prerecorded audio clips. You must also record at least one track in which your own musical ideas are added to the production.

You will be equipped with an Apple Macintosh computer and one music production programme. In the invitation to Part 2 of the test, we ask you to indicate which of the following software packages you want to use for the test: Logic, Studio One, ProTools, Cubase, Reaper, Ableton or Garageband.

During the test, you will also have access to a microphone, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar and simple percussion instruments that you can use when recording your own track/s. You are allowed to take another solo instrument with you to the test to use in the recording. You are also allowed to sing.

Example: The entrance test comprises a prerecorded song track as well as a number of prerecorded audio clips from different instruments. The basic form of the production is determined by the song track. Based on this, you select and insert different audio clips from the different instruments and mix them to create a complete music production. The audio clips are from different instruments with different functions, such as harmony or rhythm, as well as some extra tracks, giving you many choices.

An expert will be available to assist you with any technical issues, but cannot provide any guidance on your production or any technical tips. This expert is not on the assessment team.

Assessment

The assessment team comprises two music production teachers. A student representative monitors that due process is followed. Your music production is assessed based on four criteria: arrangement, musical contribution, sound quality, and overall impression.  0–3 points are awarded per criterion. 4 points are required for a pass, with at least 1 point per criterion. A maximum of 12 points is awarded for Part 2 of the entrance test.

If there are more qualified applicants than places on the programme, selection is based on the combined points awarded on Parts 1 and 2 of the entrance test.

Test results

Results from Part 1 of the entrance test are communicated by email at the latest on 30 April.  All applicants who pass Part 1 of the entrance test are invited to do Part 2 at Ingesund School of Music in Arvika during week 21.

Results from Part 2 of the entrance test are communicated by email at the latest on 1 June. The results show whether you passed and fulfil the specific entrance requirements, or whether you failed and therefore do not fulfil the specific entrance requirements.

The email will also indicate the total number of points awarded for Parts 1 and 2 of the entrance test on which selection is based, as well as a description of the current admission process.