Relationships between entrance tests and exams in music performance and aural-skills at the Norwegian Academy of Music

Abstract

Focusing on aural skills and main instrument performance, the results from entrance tests and exams from 307 bachelor students at the Norwegian Academy of Music were examined to explore a possible connection between test results in the two areas. The results show a moderate correlation between corresponding tests (p<.01) but no significant connection between aural/ theory tests and music performance. Several reservations about the content and role of the aural entrance test are discussed, including concerns about how musical aptitude can be conceptualized, how it might be measured, in addition to its relationship to performance. Keywords: aural skills and performance, aural entrance test, musical abilities assessment, musical aptitude conception