Entrance examination
The entrance examinations take place in May and June (Classical students may also take an early entrance exam in January). Students should be well-prepared for the exam; it is not possible to take a re-examination. The exam consist of two parts:
1. Practical part for all candidates
Aptitude and suitability are tested with reference to the principal study. Candidates perform a programme of approximately 20 minutes' duration. Programme details are to be submitted beforehand. For full details of the entrance requirements for each principal study, please see the principal subject of your choice.
2. Theoretical part for candidates for the preparatory course and all candidates for the bachelor's degree programme (only Classical candidates who have been assessed 'admissable' will take the theoretical test, if possible on the day of the practical exam, in the afternoon). The theoretical part consists of the following parts:
A. 'solfège' (ear tests)
- ability to distinguish between and name all intervals, the usual scales and triads
- sight-read a melody, tap a rhythm
- write down a short melodic or rhythmic piece
Additional requirements for jazz candidates:
Ability to distinguish between and name the most usual seventh chords in root position and major and minor scales as well as Dorian, Mixolydian, pentatonic, blues and chromatic scales.
B. General music knowledge
- evidence of theoretical knowledge of intervals, scales and triads.
- reading treble and bass clefs
- knowledge of meter and rhythmic notation
Jazz candidates are also required to show evidence of theoretical knowledge of seventh chords and symbolic notation.
N.B. Candidates are often surprised at the theoretical requirements of the entrance examination. To avoid this, applicants can find a model test on this site.
Those wishing to take up a wind instrument are advised to find out whether this will cause medical problems. Jazz voice candidates are required to submit a certificate by an ENT-specialist which states that the voice is healthy and fit for vocal training.
Assessment
During the entrance examination candidates will be tested for level of repertoire, technical skills, artistic abilities, development possibilities, ear tests and musical hearing. Students of the master's degree programme also have to submit a study plan. A form for this study plan may be obtained from the Student Registrar Office: 
studadmin@cva.ahk.nl. If one of these aspects is considered insufficient, the candidate will fail.
N.B. In order to get an impression of the theoretical part of the exam, please view the theoretical test on 
this page.
Result
The examination result of the practical part is communicated to the candidate directly after the practical part. The result can be 'admissible to the principal subject' or 'rejected from the principal subject'. The board of directors (not the exam committee), will make the final decisions regarding the admissions. In addition to the results of the practical and theoretical exams (and for foreign candidates their command of the English language), the number of student places available per section will be taken into account. In June all candidates who have been regarded as 'admissible to the principal subject', will be informed whether they are admitted. During the summer holidays all admitted candidates will receive information on the start of the study year, the introduction day and the payment of the tuition fee.