MUSIC ENTRANCE TESTS – WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – WD027
Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Entrance Test?

 

MUSIC ENTRANCE TEST AND AUDITIONS 2012

Tuesday 1st May 2012 and Thursday 2nd May 2012

REGISTRATION EACH DAY FROM 9.00 A.M.

WRITTEN TEST: 10.15 TO 11.15 a.m.

AURAL TEST:      11.30 a.m. – 12 noon

AUDITIONS:       9.15a.m. – 10 a.m. and then re commencing after test at 12.15 p.m.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST RETURN APPLICANT’S REPLY FORM BEFORE THEY WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR AN AUDITION

Venue for the Entrance Test? 

The Test is held at the WIT College Street Campus, see below for directions.

What does the Entrance Test Consist of?

• Written Test
• Aural Test
• Performance/Interview

Written Test 

The written test consists of two questions, a short essay style on the history of music, with an alternative question for traditional music players. The second question consists of a simply composition, in two parts, opening few bars will be given and you are asked to continue the melody and indicate the chords you would use.

Aural Test

The aural test may consist of some of the following: Recognition of chords, intervals, cadences and melodic dictation.

Performance/Interview

How many pieces should I play? Two short contrasting pieces, total duration no more than 7 minutes.

Do I need an accompanist? No, an accompanist will be provided

If I pass my Entrance Test do I automatically get a place on the course? No, you still need the minimum CAO Entry Points.  The place will be offered by the CAO, following your Leaving Certificate results.

Format of the Day

Those attending for the test should bring writing tools with them, all paper, manuscript etc. will be supplied.

The check in time is usually from 9 a.m. and the first part of the day will consist of the Written/Aural Tests, then following a break, the performance/interview will take place – it is usual that the interviews are completed by 4 p.m. approximately.

Each candidate is given an information pack on registration, which will include a voucher for light refreshments, which are available at the student canteen.

Directions to WIT College Street Campus

The Music Entrance Tests are held at the Waterford Institute of Technology College Street Campus.  Directions from the Bridge are as follows:  Travel down the quay in the direction of Cork until you come to the 4th set of traffic lights after Reginald’s Tower – (the set at the Tower being the 1st set) – go straight at the 4th set but immediately after crossing the road turn into the right, there is a sign for WIT College St. Campus and once in the ground of the Institute, continue around to the left and up by the side of the building to the main entrance, which is on your right. Access to the Campus can also be made from the Manor Hill side of the Campus.

If you are travelling from Cork the WIT College Street Campus is immediately after the South Eastern Health Board Offices on the left hand side (the campus is surrounded by a high stone wall).

Further information and advice

 

Dr. David Rhodes, Dept of Creative & Performing Arts, College Street Campus, W.I.T. drhodes@wit.ie

You are advised to consult the brochure Why Study Music produced by the Council of Heads of Music in Higher Education at www.chmhe.ie.

Music entrance exam: sample papers from previous years

Sample Aural Test
(PDF, 1,107KB)

Pop Singers Audition Requirements
(PDF, 85KB)

Jazz Guitar Audition Requirements
(PDF, 63KB)

Drum Kit Audition Requirements
(MS Word, 98KB)

Sample Written Paper
(MS Word, 473KB)