music courses
Formal Courses
Formal classes are all subject to formal examinations and continuous assessment. Students must follow practical and theoretical classes, as well as any other activity prescribed in the Internal Rules and regulations of the Conservatoire.
Age for admission in formal courses
Jardin Musical 1 & 2
Jardin Musical courses are meant for children aged 6 & 7. No specific instrument is taught in those classes, but children learn basic music concepts such as rhythm, pitch, movement, texture. There will be no aptitude test for Jardin Musical 1 & 2. The age for admission in Jardin Musical courses are as follows:
- Jardin Musical 1: prospective students must have attained the age of 6 but not 7 by 31st August of the year of admission.
- Jardin Musical 2: prospective students must have attained the age of 7 but not 8 by 31st August of the year of admission.
Instrumental classes (Classical Strand) – Absolute beginners
For the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, doublebass, recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, classical guitar, classical piano and percussions (classical), prospective students must have attained the age of 8 but not 35 by 31st August of the year of admission.
For flute, recorder, horn, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone and saxophone no selection test will be required.
Voice classes – Absolute beginners
For Year 1 (absolute beginners) voice classes, prospective students must have attained the age of 18 but not 35 by 31st August of the year of admission.
Courses with pre-requisites
For the following courses: electric guitar, bass guitar, modern piano, drums, jazz saxophone and jazz trumpet prospective students must have attained the age of 11 but not 35 by 31st August of the year of admission.. Students must be able to play scales and one piece at Year 3 level (Grade 2) or Level 2 of Guitar Accompaniment, Keyboard or Drums.
No selection test will be required.
Instrumental and voice classes – Students with experience
For applicants who already have musical experience/knowledge and wish to join the Conservatoire at a level other than beginner (Year 2 or successive years), the age limit is as follows: prospective students must not have attained the age of 35 by 31st August of the year of admission.
Aptitude and Selection Tests for formal courses There are different aptitude and selection tests for formal courses. Applicants are urged to be fully aware of the various requirements for the courses they wish to follow, as listed below.
- Aptitude test for Instrumental classes – Absolute beginners
Applicants are admitted following an aptitude test which consists of the following items:
(i) Rhythm (20 marks)
(ii) Singing (20 marks)
TOTAL (40 marks)
- Selection test for Voice classes – Absolute beginners and applicants with experience
Applicants are admitted following a selection test which consists of the following items:
(i) Tone quality (15 marks)
(ii) Melodic memory (35 marks)
(iii) Pitch accuracy (35 marks)
(iv) Sight reading (15 marks)
TOTAL (100 marks)
Instrumental classes – Students with experience
For applicants who already have musical experience/knowledge and wish to join the Conservatoire at a level other than beginner, the selection test will consist of the following items, which must reflect the level of proficiency stated on the application form:
(i) One piece (20 marks)
(ii) Scales & arpeggios (20 marks)
(iii) Aural perception (20 marks)
(iv) Sight reading (20 marks)
(v) General music knowledge (20 marks)
TOTAL (100 marks)