Univalle music entrance exam: the specific test and how to prepare
At Univalle, the specific test determines your entire music admission score. We explain its three parts, how much each one weighs and how to prepare for them.
To enter the Música or Licenciatura en Música program at Universidad del Valle in Cali, you take a specialized aptitude and knowledge test. In the most recent admissions cycle we reviewed (2027-I), this test determined your entire selection score. Saber 11 is required to apply, but does not add points.
The test has three parts: an audition on your instrument lasting no more than 10 minutes, an individual oral theory exam, and an interview. The weighting of each part differs between the two programs.
In short
- In the 2027-I admissions cycle, the specialized test accounted for the entire admission score for both Música and Licenciatura en Música.
- For Música, the instrument audition counted for 50 %, the theory exam for 40 % and the interview for 10 %; for Licenciatura en Música, theory counted for 50 %, the instrument for 40 % and the interview for 10 %.
- The theory exam is individual and oral: scales, arpeggios, sight-singing and rhythmic imitation, among other exercises.
- The audition lasts no more than 10 minutes. Bring your instrument, unless you play piano, double bass or percussion.
- Both programs admit students once a year, with 20 students per cohort according to the Escuela de Música.
Univalle's music programs
The Escuela de Música at the Facultad de Artes Integradas, on the Meléndez campus, offers two daytime undergraduate programs lasting 10 semesters:
| Program | Qualification | Specialization or structure | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Música (code 3552) | Maestro en Música | Specializations in instrumental performance, conducting vocal and instrumental ensembles, composition and musicology | Annual intake, 20 students per cohort |
| Licenciatura en Música (code 3541) | Licenciado en Música | A six-semester foundation cycle and a four-semester professional cycle | Annual intake, 20 students per cohort |
If you are deciding between the two, think about your goal: Música trains performers, conductors, composers and researchers; Licenciatura en Música trains music teachers. We explain the difference in Música or Licenciatura en Música: which degree should you choose?.
How admissions work and where Saber 11 fits in
To apply to any Univalle undergraduate program in the 2027-I admission cycle, you had to have taken Saber 11 in 2016 or later and have a minimum overall score of 190. Once that requirement is met, for the music programs the School describes the program-specific test as the mandatory aptitude and knowledge test that determines the selection score for both programs.
| Stage | Published date |
|---|---|
| Registration and payment | Check the current dates on Univalle's admissions website |
| Instrument audition | November 17 (guitar, piano, brass and percussion from 8:00 a. m.; strings, woodwinds and voice from 2:00 p. m.) |
| Music theory exam | November 18, 8:00 a. m. |
| Interview | November 18, 2:00 p. m. |
| Results published | Announced on Univalle's admissions website |
All three parts take place in person on the Meléndez campus, and the exact location is sent by email. Since admissions are annual, missing the date means waiting a year: mark your calendar well in advance and arrive half an hour early with your original identity document.
How much each part of the test counts
| Component | Music | Music Education |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument audition | 50 % | 40 % |
| Music theory exam | 40 % | 50 % |
| Interview | 10 % | 10 % |
The difference makes sense: Música gives more weight to your performance skills, while Licenciatura en Música emphasizes your grounding in musical language. We found no published minimum score or elimination stage for these programs; what is clear is that applicants who do not take the test cannot be admitted.
A practical tip: earlier admissions cycles used different descriptions and percentages for this test, and those details still circulate online. Always follow the official page for the cycle you are applying to.
The theory exam: music reading and aural skills
In 2027-I, this was an individual oral exam testing basic theory and aural discrimination through exercises such as singing scales and arpeggios, sight-singing melodic excerpts and imitating rhythms. The oral format changes how you prepare: knowing the theory on paper is not enough; you have to sing and perform it before a panel.
| Exercise | How to practice it |
|---|---|
| Singing scales and arpeggios | Sing major and minor scales and their arpeggios using note names, checking your pitch with a piano or tuner. |
| Sight-singing | Read a new excerpt every day: speak the rhythm first, then sing the notes, without stopping when you make a mistake. |
| Rhythmic imitation | Ask someone to clap patterns of one or two measures and repeat them on your first try; gradually add syncopation. |
| Basic theory | Review clefs, key signatures, intervals and triads until you can answer aloud without hesitation. |
For reading practice, use our method for rhythmic and melodic reading for the entrance exam. To improve your pitch in intervals and arpeggios, try our ear training tool.
The instrument audition: 10 minutes to show your skills
This is an individual, prepared audition on the main instrument you will study in the degree program. It lasts no more than 10 minutes, and you must bring your instrument unless you play piano, double bass or percussion. The Escuela de Música publishes the required repertoire for each instrument on its applicant page. Some examples from 2027-I:
| Instrument | What was required |
|---|---|
| Singing | Stepwise and arpeggio vocal exercises, one exercise from Ferdinand Sieber's method (1 to 10, medium voice) and one aria from the book of 24 Italian arias. |
| Guitar | One étude by Sor, Giuliani or Brouwer, one étude by Villa-Lobos and a piece of your choice. |
| Piano | Two pieces contrasting in tempo, period or genre, with sheet music for the panel. |
| Percussion | A snare drum étude, a multiple-percussion étude by Ney Rosauro and a piece of your choice; the Escuela de Música provides the instruments. |
Ten minutes go by quickly. Order your program so your strongest work comes early, and rehearse it from start to finish with a timer. Find more ideas in how to choose repertoire for an admissions audition.
The interview
It counts for 10 % and takes place after the theory exam. According to the Escuela de Música, it explores your aspirations and expectations for your professional future, and checks your availability, commitment and understanding of the graduate profile. In practical terms: read the curriculum and program profile beforehand, and be clear about why you want to study that particular program.
Classes are held during the day, with a demanding schedule, so think about how you will organize your time if you work. To prepare your answers, see the music admissions interview.
How to prepare for Univalle's test
- A year or more ahead: daily instrumental technique, a thorough grounding in music theory, and sight-singing every day.
- Six months ahead: choose and learn the repertoire listed on the applicant page; start singing scales and arpeggios aloud.
- Three months ahead: practice 10-minute mock auditions and oral exams with someone who gives you unfamiliar exercises.
- The final week: review what you already know, sleep well, and check your email to confirm the time and place.
The Escuela de Música also offers extension programs, such as the Plan Pentagrama introductory music program. Check the School's extension page for offerings and requirements.
You can also prepare with teachers in Gissi's online lessons, from Cali or any other city: music theory, solfège, ear training and your instrument, with a plan leading up to your exam date. Learn more in preparation for music entrance exams, and find a general timeline in how to prepare for a music entrance exam. If you are comparing cities, also see the UdeA music entrance exam.
Frequently asked questions
Does Saber 11 count toward music admissions at Univalle?
It is required to apply (for 2027-I, taken in 2016 or later with an overall score of at least 190), but selection for the music programs is based solely on the specialized test, which accounts for the entire score.
How long is the instrument audition at Univalle?
In the 2027-I cycle, no more than 10 minutes. Prepare a program that fits comfortably within that time and put your strongest pieces first.
Do I have to bring my instrument?
Yes, unless you play piano, double bass, or percussion. For percussion, the School provides several instruments for the test, but you must bring your sheet music and sticks.
Does Univalle open music admissions every semester?
No. According to the Escuela de Música, admission to Música and Licenciatura en Música is annual. Plan well ahead and avoid leaving registration until the last day.
Is Univalle's theory exam written?
In the 2027-I cycle, it was described as an individual oral exam involving singing scales and arpeggios, sight-singing and rhythmic imitation. Check the description for the cycle you are applying to, as it has changed over the years.
Sources
We checked the facts in this article against these sources on October 22, 2026.
- Universidad del Valle, Escuela de Música: program-specific Music admission test (2027-I)
- Universidad del Valle, Escuela de Música: music knowledge test for the music education degree
- Universidad del Valle, Escuela de Música: Music degree program (10 semesters, annual admission)
- Universidad del Valle, Escuela de Música: undergraduate degree program in music education
- Universidad del Valle: undergraduate admissions portal, Cali (2027-I)