Studying music in Colombia: admissions and pre-college prep
Music degrees, admission tests, dictation, sight-singing and auditions at Colombian universities.
Guides to studying music
How to Prepare for a Youth Orchestra Audition
Scales, a prepared piece, sight-reading, and sometimes an interview: common youth orchestra requirements, an 8-week plan, and what the panel listens for.
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Music conservatories in Colombia: what they are, where to find them, and how to get in
In Colombia, a “conservatory” is almost always a university music program with its own entrance exam. We show you where to find options, how admission works, and how to prepare.
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Music admissions at EAFIT: theory test, audition and preparation
EAFIT’s music program has no interview: admission involves a group theory test and an audition for your chosen specialization. We explain what has been published, what has not, and how to prepare.
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Music admissions at Conservatorio del Tolima: entrance tests and preparation
The Maestro en Música and Licenciatura en Música degrees at Conservatorio del Tolima have very different entrance tests: one focuses on your audition, the other on musical aptitude. We explain both.
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Music entrance exam at UdeA: what to expect and how to prepare
UdeA’s music applicants do not take the general entrance exam. Admission depends on two elimination tests: one on your instrument, and another on listening, reading and harmony. We explain each one.
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Music entrance exam at Universidad del Atlántico: what to expect and how to prepare
Universidad del Atlántico first selects applicants using Saber 11 results, then requires a score of at least 3 out of 5 on the program’s specific test. We explain what each program assesses.
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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.
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UIS Licenciatura en Música admission test: what it's like and how to prepare
At UIS, your score for the Licenciatura en Música (music education degree) comes from a four-part test: aural perception, prepared exercises, aptitude and instrument. Here's how to prepare.
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Formación Musical admission test at El Bosque: what it's like and how to prepare
At El Bosque, admission to Formación Musical combines an aptitude test, a computer-based theory and ear test, your instrument and an interview. Repertoire ranges from classical piano to blues and DJing.
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Music aptitude test at Universidad de Caldas: what it's like and how to prepare
At Universidad de Caldas, your Saber 11 score decides who takes the test and counts for half of the final score. The other half is a test of rhythm, intonation and instrument. We explain each part.
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How do you prepare for a music entrance exam?
Music entrance tests combine theory, ear training, reading and instrument, and each university weighs them differently. This guide gives you the full map and a 6-to-12-month plan.
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Maestro en Música or Licenciatura en Música? How they differ
Both are undergraduate degrees: one trains artists, the other music teachers. We explain the differences, the mix-up with a master's degree and which one suits your goal.
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What is a music university prep course, and how do you choose one?
A music university prep course gets you ready for the program's specific entrance test, but it doesn't award a degree or guarantee you a place. We explain what it includes and how to choose one.
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Admission to Artes Musicales at ASAB (Universidad Distrital): tests and preparation
To enter Musical Arts at ASAB, you take exams in your specialization, dictation, reading, harmony and counterpoint, and reading and writing; Saber 11 accounts for 5 %.
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Admission to Estudios Musicales at the Javeriana: auditions by specialization and preparation
At the Javeriana, the audition depends on your specialization: Performance, Composition, Conducting and Music Education each ask for different things. Here's how to prepare for each.
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Music admission at Universidad de los Andes: what the aptitude test is like
Los Andes assesses your musical aptitude, not what you know about theory. That's why it's one of the most open doors for self-taught musicians and those who learned by ear.
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Music degrees in Colombia: universities and degree titles
Where to study music in Colombia, which degrees exist and which specializations you can choose, with tables of programs in Bogotá and other cities.
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Musical dictation: how to prepare for your admission test
Dictation is the part of the test that takes longest to develop. We give you a method for each playback, a 20-minute daily routine and a stage-by-stage plan.
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Music admission interview: questions to prepare and how to answer them
In some music education degrees, the interview counts as much as the theory test. These are the questions worth preparing and the mistakes that cost you the most points.
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Studying music in Medellín, Cali and other Colombian cities: universities and entrance tests
Outside Bogotá there are public and private undergraduate music programs, with very different entrance tests. Here's a summary of what they ask for in Medellín, Cali, Ibagué and other cities.
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Music entrance exam at Universidad Nacional: what it assesses and how to prepare
For the Música and Música Instrumental programs at UNAL, the general exam isn't enough: the specific test, with an elimination round on your instrument, carries most of the weight. We explain what each part assesses.
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Rhythmic and melodic reading for the music admission test
In the reading test, you're handed sheet music you've never seen. We explain how to read rhythms with a steady pulse, sing in tune by thinking in scale degrees, and what the panel looks for.
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Licenciatura en Música at Universidad Pedagógica: what the admission test is like
At UPN, the interview counts as much as the aptitude and knowledge test, and the instrument exam includes a set piece. Here's how to prepare each part.
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Repertoire for your admission audition: how to choose it
For your audition, play what you've mastered, not the hardest thing you know. We explain how to choose your free-choice piece, prepare the set piece and rehearse the audition.
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Online or in-home lessons in Bogotá, for all ages, with vetted teachers.