Preparatory Workshop for the Theoretical Entrance Exam - Classical Department

These video lessons will guide you through all the assignments of the theory test that forms part of the entrance examination of the classical department of the Conservatory of Amsterdam.
In these video lessons, the assignments of the theory test are explained and demonstrated.
All the lessons start with an example to give you a clear idea about what you can expect in the test and what we expect you to know. You will receive advice for how you can prepare yourself for the test.
The lessons contain exercises for self study with a strong emphasis on the development of your inner ear, your theorethical knowledge and your analytical listening skills.

Video's: 3 hours

Skill Level: Beginners

Language: English

Course Details

Lesson 1. Course introduction

In this first lesson I will explain several topics that will help you get an overview of the theoretical entrance exam. I will tell you exactly what the theory exam looks like, and what we will do in this lesson series to prepare you for it. I will discuss each component of the exam, I'll explain what your preferred theoretical level is before starting the couse, and I'll give some general advice on how and when to practice at home.

Lesson 2. Scale degrees

In this lesson I will explain the first question of the ear training exam: recognising scale degrees. Upon hearing a melody, you will have to determine the final note of that melody. I will give several examples, I will discuss how to approach the question, and I'll give tips on how to practice by yourself.

Lesson 3. Melodic dictation

This lesson covers the second question for the ear training exam: melodic dictations. In a melodic dictation, you write down a melody that is being played on the piano. Using two examples, we will see how you can reach the correct result step by step.

Lesson 4. Rhythmic dictation

In this lesson we discuss the third question of the ear training exam: rhythmic dictations. In a rhythmic dictation, you write down a rhythm that you hear. I will discuss which time signatures you can expect, what you can do to prepare for this type of exercise, how to approach it in the exam, and how to practice at home.

Lesson 5. Two-voice dictation

This fifth lesson covers the fourth question of the ear training exam: two-voice dictations. In a two-voice dictation, you write down two voices that are simultaneously being played on the piano. Using a step-by-step approach and several helpful tips, you will learn how you can reach the correct result for this exercise type.

Lesson 6. Wrong note recognition

In this lesson we look at the fifth question of the ear training exam: wrong-note recognition. In this type of exercise, you see a melody containing a wrong note, which, upon hearing the melody, you have to correct. I will discuss how to prepare for this kind of exercise, and I'll discuss what to look out for when finding the wrong note. We will look at three exercises, after which I will discuss the correct answer.

Lesson 7. Triads

This lesson coveres the sixth and last question of the ear training exam: triad recognition. In this exercise, you have to notate the kind and position of the final triad of a harmonic progression that is played on the piano. I will discuss how you can practice this at home, and we'll discuss two example exercises.

Lesson 8. Sight singing

In this lesson we will look at the first exercise from the solfège exam: sight-singing. Using an example, I will discuss lots of tips on how to sight-sing, how to prevent common pitfalls, and how you can check if you are singing the correct notes while you're doing it. We will also discuss the best ways to use the practice material.

Lesson 9. Performing rhythm

This lesson covers the second exercise from the solfège exam: performing a rhythm. I will tell you how to prepare for this type of exercise, how to choose a good tempo, how to tackle particularly difficult rhythmic figures, how to maintain a solid beat, how to practice at home, and a lot more.

Lesson 10. Accompanied sight-singing

In this last lesson, we will discuss the third and last exercise from the solfège exam: accompanied sight-singing. In this type of exercise, you sight-sing a song with piano accompaniment. I will discuss some analytical tools that you can use on the spot to find the correct notes to sing, using the harmonic context provided by the piano.