Music admission interview: questions to prepare and how to answer them

Why the interview matters so much, especially for music education degrees

A music education degree trains musicians to teach in schools, music schools and other settings. It makes sense for the panel to assess not only your musical level, but also whether you understand what teaching involves and have clear motivation. Programs leading to the Maestro en Música degree may also have interviews, though with a different focus.

The Universidad del Atlántico's music education degree also included a teaching-focused interview to assess the applicant's calling and motivation: another sign that a commitment to teaching is evaluated. If you're applying to UPN, also read what its full entrance exam is like.

Questions worth preparing

We do not know of an official question bank, but certain topics come up naturally in any music interview. Prepare for these:

About your background

• How did you get started in music, and who have you studied with?
• What instrument do you play, and how long have you played it?
• What ensembles or projects have you been involved in?
• What music do you listen to, and what would you like to make?

About your motivation

• Why do you want to pursue a degree in music?
• Why this program and this university?
• Where do you see yourself after graduating?

About teaching, if you are applying to a music education degree

• Have you ever taught music, even informally?
• What do you think makes a good music teacher?
• How would you teach a rhythm or song to a group of children?
• What role does music play in a school or community?

About your audition

• Why did you choose that piece?
• What was the hardest part to prepare?
• How did you feel while playing or singing?

How to tell the story of your musical journey

Your story does not have to be impressive; it needs to be clear and true. Here is a structure that works:

1. The beginning: how you found music, whether through your school band, a relative, a choir or online videos.
2. Training: who you have studied with and how, including private lessons, music schools or preparatory programs.
3. Experience: ensembles, performances, festivals or your own projects.
4. Where you are now: what you are working on and what you still need to learn.
5. Where you are headed: why this program fits your goals.

One concrete example is worth more than ten adjectives. Instead of “I have liked music since I was little,” try something like: “I started playing clarinet in my school band at 12, and for the past two years I have helped younger students learn their parts in rehearsals.”

If you are self-taught or come from popular or traditional music, describe that background accurately and confidently. Be honest about what you still need to learn, such as reading music or theory, and explain what you are doing to address it.

How to show an interest in teaching

For a music education degree, saying “I love children” does not demonstrate a calling to teach. Experience and reflection do:

• Look for experience before the interview: help with your school band or choir, support a classmate with theory or help a younger sibling who is starting out.
• Think about your teachers: what did the one who helped you most do, and what did not work for you with others? That reflection is valuable material.
• Have a clear, simple plan for teaching something specific, such as the beat, a scale or a song, step by step.
• Learn about where music is taught in Colombia: schools, municipal music schools, cultural centers, bands and programs such as those run by Fundación Nacional Batuta.

If you are still unsure whether you want to teach or focus on performance, it is worth clarifying this before the interview: compare Maestro en Música and Licenciatura en Música.

Mistakes that hurt your music interview most

• Reciting memorized answers: the conversation becomes stiff, and it shows.
• Knowing nothing about the program, its specializations or its approach.
• Speaking badly of previous teachers or institutions.
• Saying you chose music education “in case performing does not work out.”
• Exaggerating your level or experience: the panel can check it during your tests.
• Giving one-word answers because you are nervous. If you do not understand a question, ask them to repeat it.
• Joining an online interview with a poor connection, background noise or a badly positioned camera.

How to practice for the interview

1. Write your ideas for each question as bullet points, rather than full paragraphs.
2. Say them aloud and record yourself on your phone. Check whether you are clear, speak too quickly or repeat filler words.
3. Do two or three mock interviews with someone who does not know you very well and can surprise you with new questions.
4. Prepare two or three questions of your own about the program: they show real interest.
5. The day before, review only your key ideas and rest.

A music teacher makes a good practice interviewer: they know the field, can ask about your repertoire and spot vague answers. At Gissi, you can work on music theory, solfège, dictation and instrumental skills with teachers in online or in-home lessons in Bogotá. You can also ask your teacher to devote part of a lesson to a mock interview. Find out how in preparation for music admissions tests, and see the rest of the preparation in how to prepare for a music admissions test.

Frequently asked questions