The tests for admission to the two-year program are divided into the following topics:
WRITTEN TESTS:
- Construction of five-part chords in root state, with given initials and melodic notes, respecting interval limits in the lower register. Duration: 30 minutes.
- Harmonization in five real parts (root state) harmonic successions taking into account the resolutions of the voices and respecting the proposed lead voice, Duration 30′.
- Harmonization using the “block chord” technique, for four parts in close-knit sections, a given melody based on a specific harmony provided by the commission. Duration: 1 hour.
PRACTICAL TEST:
Candidates are required to prepare five pieces selected from the following categories:
- Free improvisation (solo)
- Blues forms (Au Privave, Straight No Chaser, Isotope, Armageddon)
- AABA song form (examples: I Remember You, Nica’s Dream, The Nearness of You, Prelude to a Kiss, Subconscious-lee)
- ABAC Song (examples: How Deep Is the Ocean, But Not for Me, In a Mellow Tone, My Foolish Heart, Out of Nowhere)
- Other forms (examples: Stablemates, Time Remembered, I’ll Remember April, Come Rain or Come Shine, Very Early)
The pieces listed above are examples and not an exhaustive list.
Each candidate must prepare lead sheets for the five selected pieces and submit them to the examination committee in advance. Two out of the five pieces will be performed:
- Sight-reading test, including verification of instrumental technique
- Motivational interview, including assessment of the candidate’s attitude and artistic background
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TESTS:
These tests, reserved for candidates who have NOT obtained a Diploma in a three-year JAZZ course, are related to the following topics:
- Progressive Ear Training Tests. 45-minute duration.
For examples of the ear training test, click here (dictation no. 1) and here (dictation no. 2).
(The test generally corresponds to the “Exam Program” of the 3rd year of the three-year Siena Jazz courses).
Music Computer Science Test (Music Writing). 15-minute duration.
Evaluation and results
Student aptitude and suitability are assessed primarily based on their knowledge of the instrument. At the end of the admission tests, the commission will draw up a merit ranking for each instrument, indicating the score achieved.
Only candidates deemed eligible (i.e., who achieve a minimum score of 18/30) will be listed in the published rankings.
Please note that the candidate’s eligibility is not sufficient to access the course, as the entry criteria (number of available places, organization of the institute, etc.) will vary for each academic year.
The grade, expressed in thirtieths, is the weighted average of the combined theoretical exams, which carry a 30% weighting of the final grade, and the combined practical exams, which carry a 70% weighting of the final grade. The minimum grade for calculating the average is 15/30 for both the theoretical and practical exams.
The final average to obtain eligibility must not be lower than 18/30.
The rankings of the results will be published on the institute’s noticeboard and on the institutional website by the Monday following the end of the selection process.
Anyone admitted who fails to complete their registration by the indicated deadline will be considered a renouncer, and the Secretariat will proceed with the ranking process.
IMPORTANT! For all students who pass the entrance exam, failure to pay the first tuition fee by the established date of September 15th will result in immediate cancellation of participation.