I level Diploma RENAISSANCE and BAROQUE SINGING
ENTRANCE EXAM
Test 1 checks vocal skills and candidate’s music experience. Test 2 verifies theory and musical culture knowledge.
Test 1
1) Performance of at least three musical pieces selected from a traditional singing method or from 7 Solfeggi by Leonardo Leo (available at IMSLP);
2) Performance of a free repertoire (totally 20 minutes) including:
– at least one sacred or profane piece from Renaissance o Early Baroque period. Suggested composers: Giulio or Francesca Caccini, Alessandro Grandi, Claudio Monteverdi, Sigismondo d’India, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Stefano Landi
– one piece from the same period not in Italian or Latin language, Songs and Air de cour included. Suggested composers: J. Dowland, H. Purcell, H. Shütz, J. S. Bach
– one aria from an Italian cantata. Suggested composers: G. F. Haendel, A. Vivaldi, G. M. Bononcini, A. and D. Scarlatti
– one aria chosen from the Baroque opera repertoire or oratorio
– one piece possibly chosen by the candidate
3) Sight-singing of an easy piece chosen by the commission.
The commission reserves the right to interrupt the audition at any moment.
Test 2 (Theory, rhythmic, music perception)
1) Sight-reading solfège, with syllables, on the treble clef. Difficulty level: complex rhythmics appropriate to the instrumental or vocal repertoire up until the 1900s.
2) Sight-reading solfège, with syllables, on the seven clefs. Medium difficulty
3) Sight-singing of a melodic solfège. Short modulations and transposition (one note up or down).
4) Music dictation of a short melody with accidentals.
5) General music theory questions.
N.B. candidates will be exempted from the latter test if awarderd with one of the following:
- TRPM (Theory, rhythmic, music perception) final certification of pre-college courses (Propedeutico) issued by Conservatorio Rossini;
- TRPM level A certification of preparatory courses (Preaccademico) issued by Conservatorio Rossini;
- TRPM level A certification of preparatory courses (Preaccademico) issued by one of Conservatorio Rossini’s certified partner schools;
- “Licenza di Solfeggio” (instrument specialization) certification of old-degree system (vecchio ordinamento) issued by any Italian recognized Institution;
- High school diploma issued by any Liceo Musicale recognized by Conservatorio Rossini. The exemption will be given for diplomas issued from a.a. 2020/2021 on to candidates that had passed an exam with a commission appointed by the Liceo and completed by Conservatorio Rossini’s Director or one of his/her delegates.
Test 2 (Piano practice)
1) Performance of two studies of difficulty not inferior to Czernyana 1 (from n.25 on), Beyer (from n. 75 on), or chosen from other collections and methods of equal difficulty level.
2) Performance of two pieces, of which one mandatorily by Bach or another Baroque composer (Telemann, Couperin, etc.).
N.B. candidates will be exempted from the latter test if awarderd with one of the following:
- Piano pratice final certification of pre-college courses (Propedeutico) issued by Conservatorio Rossini;
- Piano pratice level A certification of preparatory courses (Preaccademico) issued by Conservatorio Rossini;
- Piano pratice level A certification of preparatory courses (Preaccademico) issued by one of Conservatorio Rossini’s certified partner schools;
- “Licenza di Pianoforte complementare” or “Licenza di Lettura della partitura” (fourth-year or higher) certification of old-degree system (vecchio ordinamento) issued by any Italian recognized Institution.
Motivational interview.