Entrance examinations for voice

You can choose to take the audition at several levels of the Academy

The entrance examination consists of the following elements:

Principal study (duration: 30 minutes incl. assessment)

A list of repertoire for the entrance examination must be enclosed with the application form. The audition in the principal study consists of these three tests:

First test: Set/self-chosen tasks, etudes, scales (duration: 15-20 minutes)

The applicant must present:

  • One aria
  • One German lied
  • One song in the applicant's mother tongue
  • Two pieces chosen by the applicant

The pieces mentioned must be sung entirely by heart.

Second test: Set task

A secunda vista task with an easy German text to be sung with accompaniment. The applicant will have 40 minutes to prepare the secunda vista task. The applicant is allowed to bring a German dictionary. You can see an example of the secunda vista task here.

Third test: Sight-reading

Sight-reading of one of the more easy vocal compositions with accompaniment (with or without text). You can see an example of the prima vista task here.

Assessment

The entrance examination is assessed by two internal examiners and one external examiner. Three separate marks are awarded according to the 7 point grading scale. 1 in each of the above-mentioned test. The test will be passed succesfully, only if the applicant has achieved a minimum mark of 02 in the principal subject examination. If the applicant passes the principal study audition, he or she then takes further examinations in supporting subjects. These examinations are identical for all Bachelor programmes.

Additional tests for voice applicants

Based on the secund vista assigment, the censors will assess whether or not the applicant needs to acquire further knowledge of German before commencing his/her studies. The applicant will be informed of the censors' assessment before the final marks. Danish applicants are advised to acquire knowledge of German corresponding to a C level in high school.

The entrance examination for the Bachelor's programme is online. It consists of three rounds. Applicants must pass the first round to proceed to the second, and the second round to proceed to the third—these rounds are sequential and prohibitive.

  1. Audition recording
  2. Set task
  3. Interview

All three parts of the entrance exam must be passed. 

1st round - Audition recording
A recording of the audition repertoire.  Requiremets for the repertoire and the recording are listed below.

2nd round - Set task
RDAM will provide applicants with a set task 7 days before the application deadline. 

The set task must be uploaded together with the rest of the application before the deadline. The aim of the set task is to assess how far an applicant can progress with a piece they likely have not encountered before. It is important to underline that there are no formal requirements to the quality of the recording of the proposed task. I.e. using a smartphone on the music stand is perfectly fine.

The set task will be available here 3 March 2025.

3rd round - Interview
The conversation will assess language skills and general communication and reflection abilities in English. The submitted letter of motivation and repertoire list will form the basis for the interview, but many different subjects may be addressed. 

Based on the above, RDAM will decide if the applicant is recommended for admission.

Repertoire requirements for the audition recording

Duration: 15-20 minutes

  • One aria
  • One German lied
  • One song in the applicant's mother tongue
  • Two pieces chosen by the applicant

The pieces mentioned must be sung entirely by heart.

Requirements for the audition recording

  • The audition recording must be unedited except between performances (i.e. between pieces), and the audition must be recorded within six months of submitting your application.
  • Check that the recording submitted is accessible and that all recordings have been submitted successfully.
  • Accepted formats: mp4, mp3, webm and mpeg.
  • The maximum size of a file that can be submitted in the online application is 1GB. Therefore, it might be necessary to divide your audition recording into individual pieces (please remember not to edit within a piece of music).  

For extra guidelines on video recording, please watch our video. If YouTube is not available in your country, the video can also be accessed here.

Supporting information to be prepared when applying

Repertoire list: Applicants must submit a repertoire list with works/pieces/studies they have previously worked on in their application. 

Ensemble and/or orchestra playing: Applicants should describe their experiences in playing in orchestra/choir or smaller ensembles i.e. which kind of orchestra/ensemble, duration, repertoire.

Piano skills: As part of their application, the applicant must describe their experience with piano playing. Piano playing as a supporting subject in all programs and is an important part of the studies at RDAM. If the applicant has no prior experience in piano playing before starting their studies, RDAM will try to adjust the classes accordingly.

If the applicant is offered a study place the applicant will be invited to a separate online interview with the relevant faculty to plan the studies. If the applicant has limited experience with theory and aural training RDAM will try to adjust the classes accordingly. 

The entrance examination consists of an audition in the principal study. The examination requirements apply equally to applicants who already attend the Academy and wish to take a quota test for the Master's programme.

The application must include a motivation letter (max. a half-page) and a recommendation from a relevant professional.

The applicant must perform:

  • One opera/oratotium aria
  • One recitativo
  • One song/romanza by a Danish composer with Danish lyrics
  • One lied with French, German or English lyrics
  • One modern work that includes either atonality, graphic notation, enhanced vocal technique or improvised elements

The rest of the programme is to be chosen freely by the applicant. The programme for the entrance examination must include works in four different languages.

Duration of the entrance examination max. 20 minutes (30 minutes including assessment).

NOTE: Non-EU/EEA applicants  do not need to include a song/romanza by a Danish composer with Danish lyrics.

The entrance examination is assessed by two internal censors, and a grade is awarded according to the 7 point grading scale. The entrance examination can end with a five-minute conversation about the applicant's motivation for applying, career considerations, etc. The conversation does not affect the grade but is used for mutual matching of expectations about the education.

The entrance examination for the Master's programme is online. It consists of three rounds. Applicants must pass the first round to proceed to the second, and the second round to proceed to the third—these rounds are sequential and prohibitive.

  1. Audition recording
  2. Set task
  3. Interview

All three parts of the entrance exam must be passed. 

1st round - Audition recording
A recording of the audition repertoire.  Requiremets for the repertoire and the recording are listed below.

2nd round - Set task
RDAM will provide applicants with a set task 7 days before the application deadline. 

The set task must be uploaded together with the rest of the application before the deadline. The aim of the set task is to assess how far an applicant can progress with a piece they likely have not encountered before. It is important to underline that there are no formal requirements to the quality of the recording of the proposed task. I.e. using a smartphone on the music stand is perfectly fine.

The set task will be available here 3 March 2025.

3rd round - Interview
The conversation will assess language skills and general communication and reflection abilities in English. The submitted letter of motivation and repertoire list will form the basis for the interview, but many different subjects may be addressed. 

Based on the above, RDAM will decide if the applicant is recommended for admission.

Repertoire requirements for the audition recording

Duration: max. 20 minutes

  • One opera/oratotium aria
  • One recitativo
  • One song/romanza by a Danish composer with Danish lyrics
  • One lied with French, German or English lyrics
  • One modern work that includes either atonality, graphic notation, enhanced vocal technique or improvised elements

The rest of the programme is to be chosen freely by the applicant. The programme for the entrance examination must include works in four different languages.

NOTE: Non-EU/EEA applicants  do not need to include a song/romanza by a Danish composer with Danish lyrics.

Requirements for the audition recording

  • The audition recording must be unedited except between performances (i.e. between pieces), and the audition must be recorded within six months of submitting your application.
  • Check that the recording submitted is accessible and that all recordings have been submitted successfully.
  • Accepted formats: mp4, mp3, webm and mpeg.
  • The maximum size of a file that can be submitted in the online application is 1GB. Therefore, it might be necessary to divide your audition recording into individual pieces (please remember not to edit within a piece of music).  

For extra guidelines on video recording, please watch our video. If YouTube is not available in your country, the video can also be accessed here.

Supporting information to be prepared when applying

Repertoire list: Applicants must submit a repertoire list with works/pieces/studies they have previously worked on in their application. 

Ensemble and/or orchestra playing: Applicants should describe their experiences in playing in orchestra/choir or smaller ensembles i.e. which kind of orchestra/ensemble, duration, repertoire.

Piano skills: As part of their application, the applicant must describe their experience with piano playing. Piano playing as a supporting subject in all programs and is an important part of the studies at RDAM. If the applicant has no prior experience in piano playing before starting their studies, RDAM will try to adjust the classes accordingly.

Form, content, and assessment of the examination

The entrance examination consists of a principal study audition, which is taken in two rounds. If you apply for the specialisation Soloist Artistic Research or Soloist with teaching qualifications (advanced level), there will also be a third round in your chosen specialisation.

You can read about the different specialisations and the content of the entrance exams here.

1st round – Video

The 1st round consists of a video recording with a duration of 20 minutes, where you play your chosen repertoire for the 1st round. The video recording must be uploaded in the application form.
You find the repertoire requirements below.

If you pass the 1st round, you will continue to the 2nd round.
We will send you the result from the 1st round in an email in the middle of May.

The 1st round will be assessed by two internal examiners and one external examiner with pass/fail.

Requirements for the video recording

  • The recording of the entire 1st round must be one-take. You are allowed to take a sip of water or a short break between the pieces – like you would do, if it had been a live entrance exam.
  • The video recording must be unedited.
  • The video recording must be a maximum of six months old.
  • We encourage you to record works with an accompanist, if the piece normally is performed with accompaniment.

Recommendations for the video recording

2nd round – At RDAM

The 2nd round will be held at RDAM between mid-May and end-June. If you pass the 1st round, you will be summoned for the 2nd round.

From mid-March, you can find a preliminary schedule of the dates for the 2nd round on How to apply - EU/EEA applicants and How to apply - non-EU/EEA applicants.

In the 2nd round, you will be asked to perform a programme of 30 minutes' duration. Please find the repertoire requirements below.

The 2nd round ends with a five-minute conversation about the applicant's motivation for applying, career considerations, etc.. The conversation does not affect the grade but is used for mutual matching of expectations about the education.

The 2nd round will be assessed by two internal examiners and one external examiner according to the 7-point grading scale.

Repertoire

The applicant chooses the repertoire, always subject, however, to the following rules:

  • Together the works performed at the two rounds must cover at least four different stylistic periods.
  • At least four different languages must be represented in the repertoire performed.
  • At least one work must include either atonality, graphic notation, enhanced vocal technique or improvised elements.
  • At least one of the works which at the examination must be performed with piano, must be written for voice and orchestra/chamber ensemble (e.g. a concerto aria by Mozart, an orchestral song by Mahler or Strauss, arias from operas, passions, or oratorios).
  • Performing the same work at both rounds is not allowed.

Co-operation with the Royal Theatre

Study programmes at the Opera Academy are provided in co-operation with The Royal Theatre. 
The Opera Academy provide two programmes a Master's Programme in Voice, Specialising in Opera and an Advanced Postgraduate (soloist) Programme in the form of a Young Artist Programme.

Master's Programme in Voice, Specialising in Opera

Please note, that at the moment it is only possible for EU/EEA citizens to apply for admission on this programme.

Form and content of the entrance examination for the Master’s programme
The entrance exam for the Master’s programme at The Opera Academy takes place once a year. The entrance exam is judged by a committee of examiners, which is made up of the following:

  • the principal of The Opera Academy
  • an examiner appointed among the teachers at The Royal Theatre or The Opera Academy
  • an examiner appointed among the teachers at The Royal Danish Academy of Music who are associated with The Opera Academy
  • an external examiners officially appointed by The Danish Ministry of Culture and recommended by The Opera Academy Council
  • an assessor officially appointed by The Danish Ministry of Culture and recommended by The Opera Academy Council

The committee of examiners recommend qualified applicants to The Opera Academy Council. The admission is carried out by The Royal Danish Academy of Music based on the decision of The Opera Academy Council.  

If an examiner is disqualified in relation to an applicant, the examiner neither has the right to speak or to vote in relation to this applicant. The assessor will function as examiner with regard to this applicant, while the disqualified examiner functions as assessor.

Admission requirements
A completed Bachelor’s degree in music or documentation of an equivalent level as well as a passed entrance exam is a prerequisite for entering the Master’s programme. The decision about admission is made by The Royal Danish Academy of Music and The Opera Academy on the basis of a concrete evaluation of the abilities and skills of the applicant carried out by The Royal Danish Academy of Music and The Opera Academy together with one or more examiners, who are officially appointed by The Danish Ministry of Culture.

Total admission
Every year 6 students are admitted in the Master’s programme and 3 in the soloist class.

Prior to the entrance exam the applicant will receive an induction indicating time and place of the entrance exam and information about the content and sequence of events. Immediately after the last round of the entrance exam the applicant will be notified about a possible recommendation for admission. However, final notification about admission can only be given after a hearing in The Opera Academy Council and at The Royal Danish Academy of Music.

Procedure of complaints
Complaints on the entrance exam are treated according to the executive order of The Danish Ministry of Culture. 

Assessment
The judgment is based on a compiledassessment of the applicant’s prospect of being able to work as an opera singer on the highest artistic level after graduation.

The management of The Opera Academy determines the guidelines for the entrance exam procedure. After the 3rd round a mark on the currently applicable marking scale is given. In the decision on who to admit, not only the limited number of study places, but also the voice type of the applicant may be taken into concideration, since this is crucial to the function of The Opera Academy.

The content of the entrance exam
The audition takes place in 3 rounds, for which you must prepare 2 arias and a longer recitativo, 1 song or romance in your mother tongue, and a monologue.

  1. Round – one aria of your own choice. Total duration max 4 minutes.
  2. Round – the rest of the repertoire is performed, ie. one aria, one longer recitativo, a song, and a monologue. Total duration max 12 minutes.
  3. An improvisational sequence during which you work with music and interpretation with an appointed coach and Head of Drama at The Opera Academy. Finally there will be a short conversation with the examinators.

All prepared pieces must be performed by memory.

The entrance examinations are held between 8 and 9 March 2025. Please note, that all applicants must attend the entrance examinations live in Copenhagen.

 

Co-operation with the Royal Theatre

Study programmes at the Opera Academy are provided in co-operation with The Royal Theatre. 
The Opera Academy provide two programmes a Master's Programme in Voice, Specialising in Opera and an Advanced Postgraduate (soloist) Programme in the form of a Young Artist Programme.

Young Artist Programme

Form and content of the entrance examination

At the moment it is only possible for EU/EEA citizens to apply for admission on this programme.

Application

Application deadline: 7 October 2024. 
You find the application form here.

Application to be uploaded on the admission site must include:

  • Video of two arias
  • Motivation letter
  • Recommendation(s) from educational institution(s) or professional collaborator(s)
  • Curriculum Vitae including information on education and prior professional experience
  • A list of five arias, representing a minimum of two different languages and two different stylistic periods, one recitative in Italian, and a monologue in the applicants mother tongue to be performed at the live-audition.
  • Documentation of a Master education in classical singing 

The entrance exam: procedure and assessment

The entrance exam has three rounds.

The jury grades the first round with “pass or fail”. If you pass, you will be invited for the second round.

The jury grades the performance in the second round with “pass or fail”. If you pass, you will be invited for the third round.

The entrance exams are held at The Opera in Copenhagen on 22 and 23 November 2024.

The first round of the entrance exam

The first round of the entrance exam consists of an assessment of the applicant’s qualifications based on the material submitted in the application.

The second round of the entrance exam

The second round of the entrance exam consists of a live audition in which the applicant sings a recitative in Italian and an aria from the repertoire list of his/her own choice. The jury then chooses one aria from the applicant’s repertoire list to be performed consecutively, and finally the applicant performs the monologue.

The second round takes place on one of the stages at The Royal Opera. The second round is graded with “pass or fail”.

The third round of the entrance exam

The third round of the entrance exam consists of dramatic improvisation with a director and musical instruction with a conductor/coach, and concludes with a conversation with the jury about expectations to the study programme.

The third round is assessed with one grade from the currently applicable marking scale.