How to apply to church music

Your application to become a church musician is made in three steps.

1. Apply via universityadmissions.se

The last date to apply is 15 January, 2025.

2. Registration for Audition

After January 15th, applicants will receive information on how to register for the audition. Information is sent to the e-mail address specified on universityadmissions.se. Registration for the entrance exam is also an assurance that you will attend the audition.

3. Entrance Exam

Auditions will take place on site in Piteå during the week of March 10-14, 2025 (week 11). It is also
possible to send in audition videos in lieu of an on-site audition. Audition videos must be received by
March 10, 2025. If further information or materials are needed before the audition, they will be sent to the email address on file at universityadmissions.se. Please check that this email address is up to date and valid.

Music theory test (MT):

The theory test will be available on Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March 18, between 10:00–12:00. You can choose either of these times (you only take the test once).

The test is conducted online. Applicants will receive an email at least two weeks before the test date with an invitation to a digital room on the Canvas learning platform, where the test can be accessed.

The test assesses skills in ear training and music theory. No tools are required for the test, but it should be done in a quiet environment where you can focus and listen to audio files without being disturbed.

The test is written in English as the program is open to international applicants.

Audition:

The audition has four components:

• Conducting

• Organ

• Voice

• Interview

If you choose to complete the audition online the video must be high quality. Begin each recording by saying your full name loudly and clearly. Film the singing and conducting videos from the front or angled so that it is clear who is singing/conducting. Organ/piano videos should be filmed from the side so that your hands and feet (organ) are visible. Failure to follow these instructions can result in your videos being disqualified.

Conducting:

Conduct a simpler work, for example Gunnar Eriksson’s ”Vara ingenting”. You can rehearse and record with a choir in your area or assemble a vocal quartet for the purpose of the recording. “Vara ingenting” also requires piano. You will receive sheet music via e-mail after you submit your initial application. It is important to show that you can demonstrate dynamics, phrasing, and articulation through your conducting gestures.

Organ/Piano:

Record 2 organ pieces of contrasting character as well as a hymn/chorale in four parts from a hymnal of your choice. If you have not played organ previously it is acceptable to play 2 piano pieces of your choice in contrasting styles. The recording of each piece must be in one take. Begin by saying your name audibly and clearly. Your hands and feet (if applicable) must be visible during the entire recording.

Voice:

Prepare and record two verses from two hymns of choice from the Swedish hymnal (Den Svenska Psalmboken) or another hymnal of your choice.

Interview:

A brief conversation where the applicant and teachers in the church music program can pose questions regarding the degree program. Applicants who apply online (by video) may be asked to schedule a Zoom or Teams interview with members of the music faculty after their audition materials are submitted. The applicant will be expected to briefly describe their background as well as motivation for studying church music.

The video-recordings:

The video-files must be accessible on the internet through a link (YouTube, Dropbox, Vimeo etc.). All recordings should have been made sometime between 1 September 2023 and the audition deadline in March 2024. Include the links to your videos in an email with information about when and where the recordings were made, and the repertoire presented (name of each piece and composers’ names). If a password to access the videos is required to view or download them, please include that information. Please avoid services/permissions settings that require the panel to set up an account or login. All audition materials must be received latest by March 11. Video audition materials and information should be sent to antagningsprovKYMU@mailbox.ltu.se.