How to enrol

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Gregorian Chant, involves:

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

   

Part II (piano)

Performing

a) One study from three chosen by the candidate from the following works: 

Cramer, J.B., Piano Study [ed. ital. under the title 60 studies].

Czerny, C., School of Velocity op. 299 [ed. ital. under the title La scuola della velocità].

Heller, S., 25 Etudes faciles op. 45.

Heller, S., 30 Etudes progressives op. 46.

Pozzoli, E., Studi a moto rapido.

Pozzoli, E., Studi di media difficoltà.

b) Bach, J.S.: one of the Zweistimmige Inventionen BWV 772-786, drawn by lot from three submitted by the candidate.

c) One sonatina by Mozart, Clementi or Beethoven.

d) Scales in similar motion (2 octaves).

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Gregorian Chant, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licence Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) An entrance examination consisting of:

• A written test: analysis of a passage chosen from the Graduale Romanum: text, melody, neumes, modalities, liturgical and historical notes.

• An oral test: singing an Introit and Alleluia, chosen and prepared by the candidate; first sight singing of a piece chosen by the Commission

Following the positive completion of the test, the committee will assess admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Composition, involves:

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

   

Part II (piano)

Performing

a) One study from three chosen by the candidate from the following works: 
- Clementi, M., Gradus ad Parnassum
- Cramer, J.B., Studio per il pianoforte [ed. ital. under the title 60 studi].
- Czerny, C., Die Kunst der Fingerfertigkeit op. 740.
- Pozzoli, E., Studi di media difficoltà e Studi a moto rapido.

b) Bach, J.S.: performance of one of the Symphonien BWV 787-801, drawn by lot from four submitted by the candidate.

c) One sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Clementi or Beethoven (excluding Mozart's Sonata KV545 and

Beethoven's op.49 and op.79).

d) Scales in similar and contrary motion (4 octaves).

e) Sight reading

Specific tests to be taken one week before the above:

• 4-voice harmonisation of a given bass.

• Harmonisation of a melody for 4-voice choir (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). 

• Realisation of two 5th species counterpoints in 3 voices on Canto dato (the Canto dato in semibreve and two parts in florid counterpoint), the first with Canto dato in the bass and the second with Canto dato in another voice.

Each test has a duration of 8 hours

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Composition, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licence Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance exam:

Part I

• Composition of  a 4-part Fugue.

• Interview on the candidate's compositions submitted to the Admission Examination Commission not later than the date of the first test.

Part II (Piano)

Performing

One study of your choice from:

• Clementi M., Gradus ad Parnassum.
• Chopin F., 12 Etudes op. 10, 12 Etudes op. 25.
• Liszt F.: A Etude (excluding l’op. 1).
• Czerny, C., Die Kunst der Fingerfertigkeit op. 740.

A Prelude and Fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach (of your choice).

A Sonata of your choice by Beethoven (excluding Op. 49), Mozart (excluding K.545), Haydn or Clementi.

Following the successful completion of the examination, a Commission will assess the admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Choir Direction, involves: 

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19. 

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

   

Part II (piano)

Performing 

a) One study from three chosen by the candidate from the following works: 

• Clementi, M., Gradus ad Parnassum.

• Cramer, J.B., Studio per il pianoforte [ed. ital. under the title 60 studi].

• Czerny, C., Die Kunst der Fingerfertigkeit op. 740.

• Pozzoli, E., Studi di media difficoltà e Studi a moto rapido.

b) Bach, J.S.: performance of one of the Symphonien BWV 787-801, drawn by lot from four submitted by the candidate.

c) One sonata by Haydn, Mozart, Clementi or Beethoven (excluding Mozart's Sonata KV545 and Beethoven's op.49 and op.79).

d) Scales in similar and contrary motion (4 octaves).

e) Sight reading

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Choir Direction, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licenciate Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance examination:

Part I (Piano)

Performing

One study of your choice from:

• Clementi M., Gradus ad Parnassum.
• Chopin F., 12 Etudes op. 10, 12 Etudes op. 25.
• Liszt F.: A Etude (excluding l’op. 1).
• Czerny, C., Die Kunst der Fingerfertigkeit op. 740.

A Prelude and Fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach (of your choice).

A Sonata of your choice by Beethoven (excluding Op. 49), Mozart (excluding K.545), Haydn or Clementi.

Part II 

• The student has to demonstrate knowledge of all the gestures of simple and compound tempos, according to the "focal point" technique and provide the appropriate didactic explanations; to demonstrate good hand independence; indicate the tricky points in the performance of scores of polyphonic pieces and provide suggestions to the choir to facilitate overcoming difficulties; to demonstrate a good melodic and harmonic ear; to demonstrate the ability to recognise the mode of certain pieces of Renaissance polyphony; to demonstrate knowledge of the physiological functioning of the vocal apparatus; to define the semiological behaviour of the neumes of Gregorian Chant; and to sing first-sight a given vocalisation and one's own part from a polyphonic piece. 

• Compose a polyphonic piece in relation to the student’s knowledge of the subject.

• Conduct a piece for four or more voices, with one hour of private study and thirty minutes of application with a workshop choir. 

N.B. Tests 1 and 2 are requested from all candidates, both external and internal to PIMS; tests 3 and 4 only from candidates external to PIMS.

Following the successful completion of the examination, a Commission will assess the admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Organ, involves: 

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

Part II (Organ)

Performing:

• Bach, J.S.: a Prelude and Fugue with obbligato pedal.

• One slow tempo from a sonata by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy or Joseph Gabriel Rheinberger.

• Four studies for solo pedal; three studies with manual and obbligato pedal.

Part III (Piano)

Performing;

• Bach, J.S.: Two Preludes and Fugues (Das Wohltemperierte Klavier BWV 846-893).

• One sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven. 

• A composition from the piano repertoire between the 19th and 21st centuries.

The references to the performance programme (organ and piano) serve as a yardstick to provide a measure of the required level of difficulty of the pieces presented; it is implied that the achievement of this level can also be well demonstrated by the candidate by performing other compositions of equal difficulty.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Organ, involves:

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licentiate Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance examination:

Direction: Early music 

Organ playing:

Free programme (total duration approx. 30 minutes) comprising three pieces: one by an Italian author of the 17th century, one by   a French author of the 17th century, one (pedaliter) by an 18th century author of the German school. 

 Historical keyboards

• Free programme (total duration 10-15 minutes) including two pieces to be performed on harpsichord or clavichord.

Direction: Romantic and contemporary music

Free programme (total duration approx. 30 minutes) comprising three pieces, at least one from the 20th-20th centuries.

Direction: Composition and improvisation aimed at liturgical music

• Performance of two pieces for organ, among which a chorale by César Franck or a sonata by Mendelssohn of your choice and a Prelude and Fugue by Bach, also of your choice.

• Written harmonisation of a given chant to be placed in the upper voice.

• Written harmonisation of a given chant to be placed in the lower part.

• Composition of a small prelude on a given theme, in free form, with at least one contrapuntal section.

• Accompaniment on the organ of a simple liturgical monody (it is permissible to write some notes underneath the melody that are useful for harmonisation).

• Improvisation of a short piece on a given theme (some personal notes useful for formal and harmonic development permitted).

Time available to prepare the five tests: 8 hours (an organ will be provided).

P.S. The compositional and improvisational tests are of considerable difficulty and are intended to highlight the candidate's abilities. If the result is not fully satisfactory and if, in any case, evidence emerges of clear potential for study, the candidate's admission is not precluded and he/she will therefore still be enrolled on the course.

Following the successful completion of the examination, the commission will assess admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen (see Chapter 4).

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Musicology, involves:

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

Part II (piano)

Performing

a) One study from three chosen by the candidate from the following works: 

• Cramer, J.B., Piano Study [ed. ital. under the title 60 studies].

• Czerny, C., School of Velocity op. 299 [ed. ital. under the title La scuola della velocità].

• Heller, S., 25 Etudes faciles op. 45.

• Heller, S., 30 Etudes progressives op. 46.

• Pozzoli, E., Studi a moto rapido.

• Pozzoli, E., Studi di media difficoltà.

b) Bach, J.S.: one of the Zweistimmige Inventionen BWV 772-786, drawn by lot from three submitted by the candidate.

c) One sonatina by Mozart, Clementi or Beethoven.

d) Scales in similar motion (2 octaves).

Specific test to be taken before the others

Students will have to write a paper on a musicological topic to assess their aptitude for research.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Musicology, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licentiate Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance examination:

Showing proficiency in reading a score on the piano. The admission certificate must therefore show proof of these skills. 

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of common musicological research methodologies, both historical and systematic, as well as the salient moments in the History of Sacred Music. He/she will also have to demonstrate knowledge of the main bibliographical reference tools of a musicological nature, from dictionaries and specialised encyclopaedias to the best-known collections of practical music.

The examination will consist of a written paper on a theme proposed by the Commission concerning a general topic of study on Sacred Music. The candidate will have four hours in which to complete the paper according to the Commission's instructions.

The written paper will be followed by an interview, during which the candidate's knowledge will be tested and discussed.

Following the successful completion of the examination, the Commission will assess admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Pianoforte, involves: 

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

Part II (piano)

Performing:

• One sonata by Haydn (excluding Kleines Sonaten), Mozart (excluding KV 545) or Beethoven (excluding op. 49 and 79).

• Performance of one study of brilliant character from a choice of six chosen by the candidate from among: Clementi, Moszkowski, Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninov. 

• Four Preludes and Fugues selected from Das Wohltemperierte Klavier by J.S. Bach.

• One or more freely chosen compositions with a total duration of not less than 10 minutes.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate course in Pianoforte, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licentiate Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance exam:

Performing

• One sonata by Beethoven (excluding op. 49 and 79) or Schubert. 

• Two brilliant studies chosen from: Moszkowski, Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninov.

• One or more freely chosen compositions with a total duration of not less than 10 minutes.

The piano programme chosen by the candidate must be handed in to the secretary's office no later than the week before the entrance examination, together with the list of the repertoire previously studied.

Following the successful completion of the examination, the Commission will assess admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Baccalaureate course in Vocal studies, involves:

• Having the necessary qualifications that allow access to university studies according to international conventions.

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

• Knowledge of the Italian language. Recommended Italian language proficiency: minimum B1 level (CEFR).

• Passing the entrance exam consisting of:

Part I

• Transcription on the staff of a tonal melody performed on the piano.

• Perform a rhythmic sight-reading exercise.

• Sing a melody at first sight.

• Sight-sing one voice of a polyphonic composition assigned by the Examination Board.

• Sing his or her own part in a polyphonic work by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Sing a Gregorian chant selected and prepared in advance by the candidate.

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of general music theory.

   

Part II (piano)

Performing ; 

a) One study from three chosen by the candidate from the following works: 

• Cramer, J.B., Piano Study [ed. ital. under the title 60 studies].

• Czerny, C., School of Velocity op. 299 [ed. ital. under the title La scuola della velocità].

• Heller, S., 25 Etudes faciles op. 45.

• Heller, S., 30 Etudes progressives op. 46.

• Pozzoli, E., Studi a moto rapido.

• Pozzoli, E., Studi di media difficoltà.

b) Bach, J.S.: one of the Zweistimmige Inventionen BWV 772-786, drawn by lot from three submitted by the candidate.

c) One sonatina by Mozart, Clementi or Beethoven.

d) Scales in similar motion (2 octaves).

Part III (vocal)

• Sung performance of scales and arpeggios.

• Sung performance of a piece of the candidate's choice.

• Aptitude tests, to check ear, rhythmic sense and knowledge of elementary music theory.

• Performance of an aria from an oratorio by Haendel; an aria from a sacred or secular cantata by Bach; a piece from the 17th century repertoire; an aria from the vocal repertoire up to 1750 sacred or secular.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Enrollment as an ordinary student for the Licentiate in Vocal studies, involves: 

a) Submitting a written request, addressed to the Principal (Preside), stating: 

• The line of study of the Course for which enrollment is requested.

• A specific musical certificate from a three-year Level I course (or other corresponding qualification) consistent with the Level II course to which admission is requested).

• Any other academic qualifications obtained.

• Proof of other cultural, artistic and educational activities carried out.

• Certificates of musical qualifications on the basis of which admission to the Licentiate Course is requested. 

• Submitting an application to undertake the entrance exam. The Admission Examination Application form must be downloaded and sent to ammissioni@musicasacra.va email address by June 19.

b) Passing an entrance exam:

Performing:

• A selection of chamber music, oratorios, cantatas, classical and modern lieder from the Western repertoire.

• A programme proposed by the candidate to the Board, consistent with the studies undertaken and the characteristics of the repertoire acquired in the first-level cycle.

Following the successful completion of the examination, the Commission will assess admission to the two-year course, indicating any educational debts.

c) Filling the study plan, following the schedule of the course chosen.

Singing Programme for the Final Examination of the Licentiate

• Monographic or thematic singing programme of a maximum duration of 30 minutes to be followed by a thesis written and discussed by the candidate. The performance, as a rule and according to the pupil's possibilities, is included in the programme  of the PIMS Youth Season concerts. 

• Culture test: demonstrating knowledge of the physiology and hygiene of the vocal organs.

AFTER SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION