Frequently Asked Questions
Music Entrance Test
Q When in the year is the Entrance Test held?
The School of Music at UCC holds its Music Entrance Test several times, on various days in late April. Applicants are sent the list of alternative dates and asked to make a choice: some sessions of the test are on mornings, others on afternoons.
The dates for 2013 entrance test are 25/26/27 April 2013.
Q What is the date and time of my Entrance Test?
You will first be sent the complete list of dates and asked to make a choice: some sessions of the test are on mornings, others on afternoons. Your test will be on your first choice of date and time unless you hear from us to the contrary. It is important, therefore, to make a note of the date and time that you have chosen.
Q Can I change my chosen date and time?
Yes—but you need to contact us to arrange an alternate date/time. Phone 021 490 4530 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Q If I am ill and cannot attend my test, what do I do?
Inform us of your circumstances as soon as possible, and arrangements will be made to facilitate you if we possibly can. Phone 021 490 4530 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Q Where is the Test held?
In the Music Building, Sunday’s Well Road, Cork. Note: This is not on the main UCC campus. For directions and a map, see http://www.music.ucc.ie/index.php?/contact/.
Unless you are informed otherwise, the first part of the Test (the written test) takes place in the O Riada Hall (in the basement of the Music Building).
Q What is the Test like?
You will first sit a written test (lasting 75 minutes) and then have an interview with a member of the academic staff (15-20 minutes). The interview includes your chance to perform pieces of your choice.
For a full explanation of what the Test is like and advice about preparing for the Test, see our Guide to the Music Entrance Test for Candidates and Teachers at http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Guide_Entrance_Test.pdf
Q May I see a specimen of the written part of the test
Yes. A specimen paper is provided at http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Specimen_Entrance_Test.pdf
In the document “Section B example with answers.pdf”, there’s an example showing how you should aim to answer Section B.
Q Will I have both the written test and the interview on the same day?
Yes: your interview will be later the same day, as soon as possible after you have finished the written test.
Q How long does the Entrance Test take?
The written test is taken first, and lasts 75 minutes. The interview takes 15-20 minutes. After the written test is over, there will be a lapse of approximately 30 minutes before the interviews commence. The number of candidates interviewed by one member of staff is limited to eight. This ensures that your interview will be held within three hours of the written test (and typically sooner).
Q At what time will my interview be?
This will not be known precisely until the day of your Test. You will be informed of your interview time immediately after the written test is over.
Q What will happen at the interview?
Your interviewer will ask you questions about various things (e.g., your interests in music, your ideas about what you want to study, your ambitions, your experiences, your technical skills, etc.). You will be invited to perform on your instruments (the voice counts as an instrument if you are a singer). And you will have the opportunity to ask your interviewer questions you may have.
Q Do I need to perform on more than one instrument?
No, but if you do play more than one you are encouraged to perform on each. Time permitting, we like to hear something on every instrument you play.
Q How many pieces should I be prepared to play?
This partly depends on how many instruments you are offering to play, and how long the pieces are that you might choose—for there is only limited time in the interview. Please understand that it may be necessary to call a halt to your pieces before you reach the end of them.
If you offer one instrument, then we suggest you prepare two pieces. If you offer more than one instrument, then prepare one piece for each.
Q What about an accompanist?
You are asked to bring your own accompanist if you require one.
Q Do I need to bring pens and paper?
We provide all the paper for the Test. But please bring your own pens, pencils, eraser, etc.
Q When will I receive the results of my test?
Tests are marked and then reviewed—a process that takes some time. Results will be posted to candidates towards the end of May. We try to send out all the results on the same day.
Q How many candidates pass the Test?
We pass as many applicants who deserve to pass, as judged on their written test results and their response in their interviews. There is no upper limit on the number who can pass.
It is important also to understand that there is no direct relationship between passing the Entrance Test and obtaining a place at UCC. Passing the Test simply makes a candidate eligible for a place. Whether that candidate eventually obtains a place depends on other factors: the points requirements for entry, the quota of places available, and the degree of competition in the year in question. These matters lie outside the control of the School of Music.
Q Do you have further advice on the Entrance Test?
Yes. For a full explanation of what the Test is like and advice about preparing for the Test, see our Guide to the Music Entrance Test for Candidates and Teachers at http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Guide_Entrance_Test.pdf
See also the specimen paper provided at http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Specimen_Entrance_Test.pdf
and an example of how to approach Section B at http://www.music.ucc.ie/public/docs/Section%20B%20example%20with%20answers.pdf
Q Is there a separate test for CK103 (BMus) and CK104 (BA Arts-Music)?
No: the test is the same for both degree programmes.
Q I’m applying for CK112 (DTS) with Music. Do I need to take the Music Entrance Test?
At UCC it’s possible to take the BA in Drama and Theatre Studies (DTS) and Music as two equal subjects (known as Joint Hons), and thus specialize in both. In each of the three years of the degree, the student takes 30 credits of Music modules and 30 credits of DTS modules. Applicants for this Joint-Hons pathway apply for CK112 but must take the Music Entrance Test as well as the entrance test for DTS.
If you hope to take DTS and Music jointly you are strongly advised to take the Music Entrance Test in the spring (there is a choice of dates in late April) so that you will know the result of that test as soon as possible, by late May, rather than remain uncertain over the summer about your eligibility to take Music. To make the arrangements to take the Music Entrance Test, get in touch with us in good time (before 18 April).