How to apply for classical instruments /vocals

Your application to become a classical instrumentalist / vocalist is made in three steps.

How to apply to Classical Musician

1. Apply via universityadmissions.se

The last date to apply is Wednesday January 15, 2025. Apply here! External link, opens in new window.

2. Audition Registration

After January 15th, applicants will receive information on how to register for the entrance exam. Registering for the entrance exam is also an assurance that you will attend the exam. Auditions will be held at the School of Music in Piteå and online.

3. Entrance exam

The admission test consists of two parts:

1. Audition for singing or instrument
2. Theory test

Live auditions will take place on site at the School of Music in Piteå on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. It is also possible to audition by submitting videos online (see “Instructions for Online Entrance Exams” below). Audition videos must be received by Monday March 17th, 2025.

Instructions Audition (entrance exam) Requirements for Singing

The audition has four (4) components:

a) Singing performance audition

Prepare six (6) classical songs/arias of varying compositional periods, tempi, styles, and languages (Italian, German, French, Swedish, English, etc). If you choose to complete a live audition in Piteå, you will begin with performing 1 selection of your choice from your repertoire list. The audition panel may then ask for additional selections from the repertoire list. You should bring a typed repertoire list to the audition with the name of each selection and the composer. In this audition the panel will evaluate the applicant’s demonstrated vocal, lyrical, musical, and interpretational abilities.

Note! Applicants who audition by video should record all six classical songs/arias on the repertoire list with live piano accompaniment. All of these recordings should have been made sometime between 1st of September 2024 and 17th of March 2025. See the section titled “Instructions for Online Entrance Exams” later in this document for more details.

b) Obligatory song

An obligatory/required song in English will be made available on the webpage or emailed to you at least one week before the audition. In this test, the jury considers your ability to present the song accurately and artistically in a memorized performance with limited time for preparation. Applicants who choose to audition live in Piteå will perform this song during the audition. Applicants who audition online by video can record their performance of this piece with a live pianist (See the section titled “Instructions for Online Entrance Exams” later in this document for more details). However, if it is not possible to record with a live pianist, a piano accompaniment recording will also be made available for your use. Please inform the school if you need an accompaniment recording at least two weeks before the audition materials deadline.

c) Piano test

A short piano piece of intermediate difficulty (or an excerpt of a longer work) will be made available on the webpage or emailed to you at least one week before the audition. This performance does not need to be memorized. Applicants who choose to audition live in Piteå will perform this piano piece during the audition. Applicants who audition online by video can record their performance of this piece (See the section titled “Instructions for Online Entrance Exams” later in this document for more details).

d) Interview

Applicants taking the test in person in Piteå will have a brief conversation with the jury. Online applicants may be invited to an interview via ZOOM or TEAMS shortly after the submission deadline for recordings. In the interview, the applicant is expected to describe their background and explain their motivation for studying classical singing.

Instructions Audition (entrance exam) Requirements for Instrument

The Audition (entrance exam) has two components:

a) Audition:
During the performance test, you will perform 4 different pieces. These do not need to be complete works; a single movement is sufficient. The pieces should represent various periods and demonstrate both musicality and technical skill.

b) Applicants testing on-site will have a brief interview, while online applicants may be invited to an interview via ZOOM or TEAMS.

Instructions for Online Entrance Exams (both singing and instruments)

If you choose to complete the audition online, the video must be of high quality in an acoustic that is not excessively live or dry. The video performances should be unedited. A live piano accompanist should be used (no accompanist recordings). Begin each recording by saying your full name loudly and clearly.

Film the videos from the front or angled so that it is clear who is singing/playing and with your hands in clear view of the camera. Failure to follow these instructions can result in your videos being disqualified.

The video-files must be accessible on the internet through a link (YouTube, Dropbox, Vimeo etc.). All recordings should have been made sometime between 1st of September 2024 and the audition deadline 17th of March 2025. 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 Monday March 17. Video audition materials and information should be sent to antagningsprovKLIS@mailbox.ltu.se.

You may be called to an interview on ZOOM or TEAMS.

Other information

If you would like piano accompaniment for the onsite audition in Piteå please send us your sheet music electronically (in PDF) or by mail. These files or copies should include all needed information for the pianist (please make sure that no staves are missing). Please email the PDF files to antagningsprovKLIS@mailbox.ltu.se or mail the package of music to the address below by the 1st of March 2025.

Piteå School of Music
"Bachelor Auditions"
Box 744
941 28 Piteå
Sweden

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.