Register and follow these steps
you can no longer register for this test. the new dates will be published in December.
- 30.05.24, phase 1, deadline portfolio submission
- 05.06.24, phase 1, announcement of portfolio results
- 24.06 – 25.06.24, phase 2, practical test
- 26.06.24, phase 3, theoretical test
- 26.08.24, retake theory
Only one session is scheduled for this test.
Candidates are requested to prepare thoroughly for the test, to be punctually present at the starting time and to be available during the entire duration of the test. Only candidates who have passed the portfolio check can participate in the practical and theoretical test.
start test
9:00 on the first day of the session
Campus Bijloke
Jozef Kluyskensstraat 2, 9000 Gent
The exact starting time will be communicated by the jury after the results of the portfolio are announced.
You can prepare for the theoretical part of the admission test for bachelor jazz / pop and music production with an online lesson series. All the basics are explained, you get exercises and you can even take a mock exam.
You send minimum 3 songs and maximum 5 songs in mp3 format via the online form.
songs and compositions
The portfolio consists of songs or compositions composed by the candidate (individual work or written in collaboration) and / or recorded, mixed or produced and / or played in as a musician and / or arranged...
The portfolio must contain at least 2 self-written songs (individual work or written in collaboration) and may contain a maximum of 1 "remix".
information form
The candidate also fills in the information form and forwards it together with the songs, a pdf-file of the lyrics (if it concerns self-written lyrics) and a recent photograph. Extra information such as photos, scores, videos, reviews,... can be added.
The candidate bundles all extra info in 1 folder "extra info" and forwards it together with the rest of the portfolio.
theme test
This test can be completed in various creative ways. This is a list for inspiration, you can combine several aspects.
- get inspired by the lyrics, rework or translate the lyrics.
- rework a song
- reharmonise a song
- use samples
- reference certain sounds or use instruments
- ...
It may be a completely new song, inspired by the theme, or it may be a reworking of an existing song or composition.
As an additional appendix to the portfolio, we ask the candidate to do a creative test in an imposed theme. This is therefore an (additional) fourth issue/recording.
Theme test 2024: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is one of the most influential and original singer-songwriters of all time, shaping 20th century pop and jazz through timeless songs, productions and unique collaborations. Draw inspiration from her vast body of work and countless projects, and surprise us with a quirky approach. Avoid "straight covers" and work with musical parameters such as chord progressions, lyrics, arrangement and sound. Process them in an original way to create a thematic experiment in which you combine your technical skills, creative abilities and your own personality to create a completely new song, a rework, a reinterpretation,... .
Add as pdf a report in which you briefly explain the creative process (max 1 page).
Briefly explain how you incorporated the theme into the assignment.
Only for candidates who have passed phase 1.
The exact schedule will be announced by mail.
motivation interview
During an individual interview, the candidate's motivation towards an art course in general and the specific field of study in particular will be examined. The composition of the candidate's portfolio can serve as a guide here. It is important that the candidate can explain his/her own choices and clarify the choice of study and expectations.
Interests, general and cultural knowledge, thinking skills, creative attitude, insights and communication skills are assessed. Important qualities here may include critical sense, commitment, drive, love of art and music, perseverance, self-discipline, sense of humour, etc.
practical test
Transcription: noting by ear the leadsheet of a pop song using instrument (piano, guitar,...).
Songwriting test: focused assignment(s) around songwriting. An example of a songwriting assignment: write chords and a melody based on lyrics.
Band practice / ensemble session: candidates play on their own instrument and work on a song as a group. Skill on their own instrument is tested, as well as functioning within a group of musicians.
The test is only for candidates who have passed stage 2. The exact schedule will be announced by mail.
This test is the compulsory third step in the admission procedure and consists of five parts. For subtests 1-4 (Music Theory, Solfege, Ear Training and Rhythm), a resit is possible if a student has not passed. If one does not pass Stage 3 or the resit, one has not passed the entire entrance test.
You can prepare for this part of the test with a series of videos made by teachers of jazz/pop. You will find an overview of all the tests, exercises and even a mock exam.
musical theory test
Recognising and noting:
- composition and preliminary notation of major and minor keys
- all intervals within the octave (major, minor, major, diminished, augmented)
- be able to recognise and write the following root triads: major, minor, diminished and augmented.
- recognise and write the following four-sound root scales: major seven (∆), minor (mi7), half diminished (ø), diminished (o), minor major seven (mi∆), dominant seven (7), dominant seven cross five (7+5), dominant seven mole five (7-5).
- be able to recognise and write these scales: major, minor harmonic, minor melodic, minor antique (Aeolic), major and minor pentatonic
- recognise simple chord progressions by step number and notate them in Roman numerals.
eartraining test
Hearing and notation of:
- all intervals within the octave (pure, minor, major, diminished, augmented)
- next triads in root position: major, minor, diminished and augmented.
- following four sounds in root position: major seven (∆), minor (mi7), semi-reduced (ø), diminished (o), minor major seven (mi∆), dominant seven (7), dominant seven cross five (7+5), dominant seven mole five (7-5),
- scales below:
- major
- harmonic minor
- melodic minor
- antique minor (Aeolic)
- major and minor pentatonic
- blue scale minor
- diminished scale
- all modes from the major scale: lunonic, Doric, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Lokric.
- short melodic dictation
- short rhythmic dictation
- short melodic-rhythmic dictation
rythmic test
- Rhythmic dictation in 4/4 consisting of 4th notes, 8th notes, triplets and 16th notes with their respective rests and possible ties.
- The dictation progresses from basic to advanced over about 16 bars to determine your level group in BA1 or possibly BA2
- Recognise rhythmic patterns and immediately repeat them by ear. The patterns consist of popular claves and/or commonly used 1 or 2-bar patterns within the jazz and pop idiom.
- Some rhythmic reading exercises that you can sing both binary and in swingfeel. You can accompany yourself by clipping on all counts or where possible on 2 and 4.
- A short probe into your ability to phrase a rhythmic motif against the metronome or backing track.
written test
The candidate must provide a written answer to a general question on a current social, cultural and/or artistic issue. The aim is to allow the examination committee to get an idea of the candidate's theoretical prior education, gauge language skills and the ability to formulate an opinion, develop a line of reasoning and edit a short written text.
Please note that locations and times are subject to change. Changes will be communicated on the spot.
The results will be announced by mail. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for individual feedback physically on campus. The time of the feedback moment will be announced in good time. No information on the tests will be given afterwards.