Every year, thousands of music lovers enroll in conservatories to pursue their vocation. But the competitions are not so simple and many attempts end in failure in these competitions. Here are some tips to prepare yourself well and put all the chances on your side.
How does the competition work?
First of all, you should know that the entrance exams for music Conservatory are not the same from one establishment to another. Some will ask you to present a fairly free program, others will offer you imposed tests, and still others may mix a free part and an imposed part.
Typically, you will have very little time to convince the jury of your potential with the instrument of your choice – which can also be your voice, quite simply. Two points will be judged: your technique, and your interpretation. Depending on the establishment selected, you may also be asked, during the test, to decipher a score or answer questions on music theory.
Please note that some institutions ask students from current classes to be part of the jury in order to complete their training. Also, selections may be made in several phases depending on the number of registrants and the numerus clausus set by the institution (number of participants accepted at the end of the competitions).
Tips for preparing well
Depending on the conditions set by the institution organizing the competition, you may be allowed to have a partner accompany you to give you the rhythm, such as a bassist or a drummer if you propose a guitar piece. Be careful, however, that his part of the performance does not predominate over yours: he must be there as support, you must not find yourself in his shadow.
Of course, the key word is to train well. Of course, a good artist is an artist who knows how to improvise perfectly. But keep in mind that taking part in a competition is stressful, especially when it is a competition that will allow you to live your passion. So put all the chances on your side, don't take any risks.
So you will need to revise your music theory, even if it seems boring and basic to you. Practice with small exercises found on the net or take guitar lessons for beginners, this will help you solidify your basic notions. It would be a shame to be a very good musician and fail the competition on a simple question of music theory.
Finally, during the competition, you will have to think outside the box, without overestimating yourself. If you are offered a free test, do not play a piece that you have heard and reheard many times. Take advantage of it to prove the extent of your musical culture… Without overestimating yourself and launching into a piece that you will not be able to play perfectly. Your passion will have to be felt from the beginning to the end of the test.
