Performance – Instrumental / Vocal

Do you want to develop your own musical expression as an instrumentalist or vocalist – and at the same time be able to create a sustainable working life as an artist and teacher? And would you like to meet students from other study programmes and become part of an open, inspiring study environment? 

Then the Bachelor programme in Performance – Instrumental/Vocal at RMC offers you the best opportunities.

The programme is for those who want to immerse themselves in instrumental or vocal performance and who want to develop their musical craft through creative and performing processes – both individually and in collaboration with others. Here, you will hone your technical and musical skills and receive support in finding your own artistic voice. 

Central to the programme is the subject Artistic Development Practice (KUA), where you create new music based on your own ideas and your own practice. You will learn to test and develop new artistic methods, to document and communicate your process to others – and to reflect on both your own and others' work. All this takes place in a creative study environment where reflection, feedback and shared learning are an important part of the teaching.

You will develop your instrumental/vocal skills, focusing on technique, expression, practice methods, ensemble playing, and live performance—often in combination with relevant technological tools. At the same time, you will learn to relate your music and artistic practice to the wider world across music life and society, and you will gain experience in reflecting on the role of music in different cultural and social contexts.

An important element of the programme is the field of music pedagogy, where you will work on creating frameworks for the musical development of others. You will learn to develop teaching methods and collaborative approaches, and you will gain skills in building healthy working communities. In this way, you will strengthen your ability to share your knowledge and artistic practice with others – both as a teacher and as a co-creator of communities in the music world.

During the programme, you will participate in the External, Collaborative, Integrated Project (EKIP) course, where you and your fellow students will develop and implement a project in collaboration with partners from the music and cultural scene or other sectors of society. Here you will test your skills outside the school, build networks, and gain experience in how your artistic and pedagogical practice can create value and change in your encounters with other people and environments.

As a student, you will experience a mix of individual teaching, group courses, projects, and independent work. You will meet students from other programmes and courses, with an emphasis on creating an inspiring community and study environment at RMC.

After completing the Bachelor programme, you will have a strong artistic foundation as an instrumental/vocal performer. You will have established a network that you can build on in your professional life, where you will be equipped to create artistic projects, both individually and in collaboration with others. The programme also provides you with the basis for applying for a Masters degree programme at RMC or other conservatories in Denmark and abroad.

The programme lasts three years (180 ECTS), is a full-time study with compulsory attendance, and concludes with an independent Bachelor project, which you present at a public graduation concert on one of RMC's stages.

In the dropdown menu Study Programme, you can read more about the programme's subjects, structure, and content.

Anyone can apply for the Bachelor programme Performance – Instrumental/Vocal. No specific background is required, and all genres and musical expressions are welcome. 

You must perform as an instrumentalist or vocalist on all submitted music and at the entrance examination.

All applicants will have their application assessed during the first round of the entrance examination.

You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, fill in the application form and upload your material for both the first and second rounds of the entrance examination.

The application deadline is 1 December at 12:00 noon CET. 

The application fee is 600 DKK.

The programme normally admits 8 students.

Find out more about the requirements for the material under About the application in the drop-down menu.

Find out more about the audition process under About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

When you apply for the programme, you must create a profile on Studieoptag, fill in the application form and upload your materials for the entrance examination. 
You must upload materials for both the first and second rounds before the application deadline.

The application must contain

Portfolio A for round 1

• 2 video recordings of music examples which you believe provide a relevant insight into your practice as a creative, performing instrumentalist/singer. The music examples may be excerpts from longer works. (file format: mp4, total duration 7–8 mins)
• Sheet music/scores/graphic notation, if this is part of the way you work. (file format: PDF)
• Supplementary information with brief descriptions of how you have worked with the music (maximum 500 keystrokes per music example), and a precise specification of your own role and, where applicable, the roles of others in connection with each of the uploaded music examples (maximum 250 keystrokes per music example). If the examples are excerpts from longer works, this must be stated.

The following applies to portfolio A
Both music examples must be video recordings documenting a live performance – with or without an audience – e.g. from a rehearsal room, a studio or a stage. 
In one of the two music examples, in addition to you performing as an instrumentalist or vocalist, there must be at least one other person singing or playing an instrument.
The recordings must be single takes from a fixed camera (e.g. a mobile phone) without post-production editing, i.e. without cuts or overdubs.

Portfolio B for round 2

• 2–3 music examples which you believe provide a relevant insight into your practice as a creative, performing instrumentalist/singer. The music examples may be excerpts from longer works. (file format: mp3, total duration 7–8 mins)
• Sheet music/scores/graphic notation, if this is part of the way you work. (file format: PDF)
• Supplementary information with brief descriptions of how you have worked with the music (maximum 500 keystrokes per music example), and a precise specification of your own role and, where applicable, the roles of others in connection with each of the uploaded music examples (maximum 250 keystrokes per music example). If the examples are excerpts from longer works, this must be stated.

The following applies to portfolio B
The music examples in Portfolio B must not be identical to the material you have uploaded to Portfolio A.

The following applies to both portfolios
The music may be written by yourself, by others or in collaboration with others – but you must participate yourself as a singer or instrumentalist and be artistically responsible for the music.
All musical expressions are welcome.

Overview of activities 

• Selected music-related activities and projects over the past three years that have been important to your personal development and which you believe are relevant to the study programme you are applying for. 
• Describe up to 6 music-related activities.

Application fee

The application fee is 600 DKK. The fee covers part of RMC's costs for processing applications and conducting entrance exams. The fee is non-refundable after the application deadline has passed.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 1 December at 12:00 noon CET. If this date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the application deadline is 12:00 noon CET on the next working day.

See also the FAQ about application and entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

The entrance examination for the Bachelor programme Performance – Instrumental/Vocal takes place in two rounds. All applicants will have their applications assessed during the first round of the entrance examination.

Round 1 

You will not be present in person for the first round of the entrance examination.

Based on Portfolio A, an assessment panel consisting of two examiners will make an overall assessment based on the following criteria:

• To what extent you can create, perform and communicate music characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you possess the instrumental/vocal skills necessary to create, perform and communicate your music and your artistic expression, including skills relating to tone, phrasing, articulation and dynamics on your instrument or in your vocal performance.

Assessment is based on a 100-point scale, which is a subdivision of the 7-point scale. You must achieve a minimum of 40 points, corresponding to 02 on the 7-point scale, to pass the examination. The assessment is based on the level required to commence the programme.

RMC usually selects two to three times as many applicants for the second round as there are places on the programme. 
Everyone will be notified by email. Applicants who progress to the second round will also receive information about the content and timing of the examination, as well as an instrumental or vocal set assignment for the second round. 

No feedback is provided to unsuccessful applicants.

Round 2

The second round consists of an examination at RMC, which you must attend in person. 

In the second round, the assessment is carried out by an assessment panel consisting of four examiners.

The examination comprises a concert, a presentation of an assignment sent to you in advance, and an interview, and lasts 35 minutes including changeovers.

You must not bring anyone else with you to the presentation of the assignment or to the interview.

Concert with your own group. (10 minutes)

• The music for the concert may be written by yourself, by others or in collaboration with others, and you may choose to include musical material from portfolios A and B in the concert if you wish.
• You must take artistic responsibility for the music yourself.
• You must perform yourself as instrumentalist or vocalist, and there must be a minimum of one and a maximum of four other people singing or playing an instrument.
• All forms of musical expressions are welcome.

Live presentation of the musical outcome of your work on the instrumental/vocal assignment sent to you. The presentation must include both a practical demonstration on an instrument or with your voice and an oral description of your work. (5 minutes) 

Interview between you and the assessment panel, based on your concert, your work on the instrumental/vocal assignment sent to you, the material in your Portfolio B and the activity overview. (20 minutes)

On the basis of your concert, your presentation, your submitted Portfolio B and the interview, an overall assessment will be made according to the following criteria:

• To what extent you can create, perform and communicate music characterised by an independent artistic expression.
• The extent to which you possess the instrumental/vocal skills necessary to create, perform and communicate your music and your artistic expression, including skills relating to tone, phrasing, articulation and dynamics on your instrument or in your voice.
• The extent to which you can apply relevant instrumental/vocal methods to work on and develop musical material on your instrument or with your voice.
• The extent to which you can reflect on your own artistic practice, processes and methods.
• The extent to which you can relate your artistic practice to different contexts (e.g. genres, styles, traditions, forms of expression, venues, artistic environments, other composers, artists, musicians, methods, etc.).
• To what extent you can reflect on your own learning and development and what you need to learn.
• To what extent you can reflect on your experiences of working with others.

Assessment is based on a 100-point scale, which is a subdivision of the 7-point scale. You must achieve a minimum of 40 points, corresponding to 02 on the 7-point scale, to pass the examination. The mark is awarded in relation to the level required to commence the programme.

Admission

Applicants who have achieved the highest scores in the assessment in the second round will be offered a study place on the programme.

When deciding on admissions, the conservatory may take into account the needs of the music scene.

Normally, 8 students are admitted to the programme. Due to the limited number of places, the conservatory may have to turn down applicants even if they have passed the entrance examination.

You will be notified by email whether you have been admitted.

All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a brief 10-minute telephone conversation with the examiner in charge, who will explain your assessment result in more detail, based on the assessment criteria used.

A limited number of qualified applicants who are not admitted due to a limited number of places may be placed on the waiting list. Until 1 July, applicants on the waiting list may be offered a study place if any become available.

See also the FAQ about application and entrance examination in the drop-down menu.

Questions about the application

Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for the Bachelor programme in Performance – Instrumental/Vocal, and their application will be assessed during the first round of the entrance examination. All genres and expressions are welcome, and no specific educational background is required.

How do I apply?
You apply online via Studieoptag, where you create a profile, fill in the application form and upload your files.

When is the application deadline?
1 December at 12.00 noon CET. If the deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, it will be moved to the next working day.

Can I apply for more than one programme at RMC?
Yes, you can apply for more than one course at RMC. The entrance exams are not coordinated.

Can I apply to other conservatories?
Yes, RMC’s entrance examination is independent of other conservatories. You are welcome to apply to several institutions – including multiple programmes at RMC – but the entrance examinations are not coordinated.

Is there a fee for applying?
Yes, the application fee is 600 DKK. This covers part of RMC’s costs for the examinations and is non-refundable. If you are applying for more than one programme, you must pay the fee for each programme you apply for.

What should the application contain?
You can read about this in the section About the application in the drop-down menu. 

Are there any requirements regarding genres and musical expressions?
No. All genres and musical expressions are welcome. 

Do I have to perform on the material I upload?
Yes, you must perform as a vocalist or instrumentalist yourself and be artistically responsible for the music.

Do I need to have composed the music myself?
The music may have been written by you, by others, or in collaboration with others.

Do other musicians need to feature on the material I upload?
Yes, in at least one of the examples you are required to upload for Portfolio A, there must be at least one other person singing or playing an instrument.
You can read more in the About the application section in the drop-down menu.

Do I need to submit sheet music, scores or graphic notation?
Only if it forms part of your work (PDF).

What if my music samples are longer than the specified number of minutes?
The time limit applies to everyone and must be adhered to. The panel will not assess more than the specified number of minutes of music samples. If you do not stay within the time limit, this will affect your overall assessment, as you will not have demonstrated that you can prioritise your material in order to provide a relevant insight into your practice as a creative, performing instrumentalist or vocalist. 

Can the portfolio for the second round contain the same material as the music samples uploaded for the first round? 
No, it must consist of new material.

In which file format should the music samples be uploaded?
Video recordings must be in MP4 format.
Audio recordings must be in MP3 format.

Can I upload one long video containing all the music samples in Portfolio A?
No. You must upload a separate video recording (MP4) for each music example.

Can I upload one long audio recording containing all the music examples in Portfolio B?
No. You must upload one audio recording (MP3) for each music example.

Am I allowed to edit different videos together or add overdubs in Portfolio A?
No, the video must be an unedited live recording, filmed in one take.

Am I allowed to create an excerpt from a longer take in Portfolio A, for example by trimming it at the start or end?
Yes. You may trim the video at the start and/or the end to match the duration you wish to upload, provided you do not edit several different parts together.

Can the video zoom in and out slightly on me whilst I’m performing in Portfolio A?
Yes, as long as it is filmed with a single-point camera.

What does ‘single-point camera’ mean?
It means that only one camera is used, that the camera is fixed in one position and that the camera does not change position.

Can the accompanying tracks in the music be electronic or pre-recorded?
Yes, as long as there is no overdubbing or editing afterwards.

Can the video for Portfolio A be recorded on multiple audio tracks and mixed afterwards?
Yes, you may record the video on multiple audio tracks, which you then mix together into a stereo or mono track, provided it is a live recording without subsequent overdubs and without cuts or crossfades between different takes. 

Can audio from multiple takes be mixed together?
No. It must all be recorded in a single take.

Can there be overdubs on the live recording? 
No, it must be a live recording without any subsequent overdubs.

Can the live recording in Portfolio A be filmed at my own home? And can it be filmed without an audience?
Yes, there are no requirements regarding where it is recorded or whether there is an audience or not.

Can I sing or play cover versions?
Yes, but it must be an original interpretation of the song for which you are artistically responsible.

Can fellow musicians in my application submit the same video in Portfolio A as part of their own application? 
Yes, if they consider it to represent them in the best possible way. Please note that all applicants must be artistically responsible for the music samples they submit. 

Can fellow musicians in my application submit the same audio recording in Portfolio B for their own application?
Yes, if they consider it to represent them best. Please note, however, that all applicants must be artistically responsible for the music samples they submit.

May I use sound effects in my live performance?
Yes.

Can I use samples (e.g. from Splice)?
Yes, if they form part of your music and your artistic practice.

Can I use samples or material that may be similar to other people’s works?
Yes. The entrance examination is not considered a public performance, so there are no legal issues regarding copyright.

Could the use of samples affect my assessment?
Yes. The panel may assess how your practice might function professionally in the future. If your work is based on approaches to copyright that make it impossible to share the music in a professional context, this may be taken into account in the assessment.

What is an activity overview?
In the overview of activities, you must describe up to six selected music-related activities and projects from the last three years relating to creating music, performing music, producing music, teaching music, promoting music, pursuing music studies, and other activities within the music world that have been important to your development and which you believe are relevant to the study programme you are applying for. The application form itself provides a template for describing these activities.

Questions about the entrance examination

Who attends the entrance examination?
All applicants for the Bachelor programme Performance – Instrumental/Vocal will have their applications assessed during the first round of the entrance examination.

How is the entrance examination structured?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

How will I be assessed in the first round?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

How will I be assessed in the second round?
You can read about this in the section About the entrance examination in the drop-down menu. 

Are marks awarded in both rounds?
Yes. Grades are awarded on a 100-point scale, which is a subdivision of the 7-point scale. 
The assessment is based on the level required to commence the programme.

How many points do I need to pass a round?
You must achieve at least 40 out of 100 points to pass.

How many applicants progress to the second round?
RMC usually selects 2–3 times as many applicants for the second round as there are places on the programme. Everyone will be notified by email. Applicants who progress to the second round will also receive information about the content and timing of the examination.

Practical questions about the entrance examination

In which language is the entrance examination conducted?
The examination is usually held in Danish but can be done in English if you do not speak Danish.

What happens if I fall ill on the day of the examination?
If you fall ill, you may be allowed to sit a make-up exam. This requires a medical certificate, which RMC must receive no later than 3 working days after the exam date. RMC will set the date for the make-up exam, and you will be notified as soon as possible. You cannot choose the date yourself, and you must pay for the medical certificate yourself.

What equipment is available in the examination room?
The examination room contains:

• A monitor (HDMI)
• PA
  Room U110: d&b PA + Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer
  Room U111: JBL PA system + Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer
• 18” BD jazz drum kit
• 20” or 22” BD rock drum kit
• TC Electronic RH450 bass amp head + 2 x 12” cabinet or Orange Terror Bass 1000 bass amp head + 4 x 10” cabinet
• AER Amp Two double bass combo 
• Fender Blues Deluxe, Deluxe Reverb or Hot Rod Deluxe guitar combo
• Orange Rockerverb 50 combo
• Yamaha or similar grand piano
• Case with cymbals + clutch
• Shure SM58 microphones (5 available)
• Microphone stands
• Music stands
• Keyboard stand
• Mini-jack to mixer
• Jack and XLR cables
• Special adaptors are not available – please bring your own

Or similar. We reserve the right to make changes if necessary. 
If you wish to use other equipment, you must bring it with you, but please be aware that you will have very limited time for set-up.

Do I need to bring my own equipment to the second-round entrance examination?
If you need any equipment, such as instruments, pedals or amplifiers, that is not listed in the gear list above, you must bring it with you. Your fellow musicians must bring their own instruments and equipment. Just bear in mind how much time you have to set up and pack away.

How long will I have the rehearsal room available for setting up before the entrance examination starts?
The rehearsal room will be at your disposal approximately 30 minutes before the examination begins.

How long do I have to pack up and leave the room after the examination?
You’ll have about 15 minutes.

Can other people be present during the second-round interview?
No, you are not allowed to bring anyone else with you to the interview.

Do I have to perform as a singer or instrumentalist at the concert in the second round?
Yes. You must perform as a vocalist or instrumentalist.

Do I need to bring other musicians or accompanists to the concert in the second round?
Yes, the concert must feature a minimum of one and a maximum of four other people who sing or play an instrument.

Can I use electronic or pre-recorded elements in my concert?
Yes, provided they form an integral part of your live performance and you are still playing or singing yourself during the concert.

Do sound engineers count towards the four musicians or accompanists you’re allowed to have with you?
Yes.

How does the concert in the second round take place?
You will perform a concert for the examination panel, which consists of four people. You are artistically responsible for how your music is performed in the examination room.

What does the instrumental/vocal assignment for the second round involve?
You will be given an instrumental/vocal assignment prior to the second round, which you must prepare and perform live at the entrance examination.

What does the interview in the second round involve?
The interview will be based on your concert, the instrumental/vocal assignment sent to you, your Portfolio B and your activity overview.

After the entrance examination

How many applicants are admitted?
Normally 8 students per year group.

Can I get feedback if I’m not accepted?
Yes, you will be offered a brief telephone conversation with the leading examiner regarding your assessment. 
However, this offer only applies to applicants who proceed to the second round.

What if I pass but don’t get a place? 
A limited number of qualified applicants may be placed on the waiting list. 
Until 1 July, applicants on the waiting list may be offered a study place if any become available.

You can read more about the objectives and structure of the study programme in the curriculum, where you will also find detailed descriptions of the individual subjects.

Below you will find the list of teaching staff on the programme in the current study year, permanent academic staff as well as contract teachers.

RMC prioritises diversity in terms of genre and fields of expertise when the entire group of teachers is composed. As a student, you are offered a wide spectrum of professional impulses from permanent teaching staff as well as from contract and external teachers. Within the core subjects of the programme, the teaching performed by the permanent staff will normally not exceed more than two thirds of the total number of teaching hours.

In relation to special courses, projects and similar activities, you will have the opportunity to meet a large number of external teachers.

Kunstnerisk Udviklingsarbejde / Artistic Development Work

Anders Mathiasen

Nikolaj Hess

Anja Tietze Lahrmann

Kasper Tranberg

Qarin Wikström

Kunstnerisk Udviklingsarbejde (individuel, faglig vejledning) / Artistic Development Work (Individual Subject-specific Tuition)

Hein Westgaard

Birk Gjerlufsen Nielsen

Anders Stig Møller

Bod 

Anders Hjernø

Fredrik Lundin

Marcela Lucatelli

Lo Ersare

Sofie Kallan

Kristoffer Rosing-Schow

Ingrid Laubrock

Adam Lilienfeldt

Pablo Llambias

Anders Stig Møller

Helena Rebensdorff

Anders P Jensen

Lars Bech Pilgaard

Helena Rebensdorff

Cæcilie Trier

Lo Kristenson

Anders Vestergaard

Jaleh Negari

Mark Solborg

Calum Builder

Morten Middelbo

Louise Dam Eckardt Jensen

Randi Laubek

Sandra Boss

Nils Bo Davidsen

Valentina Magaletti

Victor Kaas

Rebecca Molina

Pablo Llambias

Peter Navarro-Alonso

Specialisering / Specialisation

David Elberling

Anja Jacobsen

Jeppe Zeeberg

Marcela Lucatelli

Simon Toldam

Lykke Meyer Vejborg Jakobsen

Nis Bysted

Nikolaj Hess

Anders Stig Møller

Simon Toldam

Eksternt, kollaborativt, integreret projekt / External, Collaborative, Integrated Project

Christian Taagehøj 

Kim Boeskov 

Malene Bichel

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard 

Rikke Heinsen

Soffie Viemose

Eksternt, kollaborativt, integreret projekt (individuel, faglig vejledning) / External, Collaborative, Integrated Project (Individual Subject-specific Tuition)

Gry Worre Hallberg

Anders Lauge Meldgaard

Marc Facchini-Madsen

Pablo Llambias

Lea Guldditte Hestelund

Lykke Meyer Vejborg Jakobsen

Maria Laurette Friis

Morten Suder Riis

Jacob Kirkegaard

François Bonnet

Anna Johanne Jensen

Johan Wieth

Andreas Liebmann

Mimmi Bie

Søs Gunver Ryberg

Joakim Lindberg

Trine Løvenrose Pedersen

Simin Stine Ramezanali

James Whipple

Michael Breiner

Signe Lykke

Lukas Quist Lund

Rune Søchting

Bachelorprojekt / Bachelor Project

Marcela Lucatelli

Niels Lyhne Løkkegaard

Soffie Viemose

Musikpædagogik og læring / Music Education and Learning

Albert Raft Rasmussen

Clara Vuust

Aisha Thorsen

Jens Skou Olsen

Kim Boeskov

Malene Bichel

Sergio Garcia Cuesta 

Malene Bichel

Nicolai Kaas Claesson

Morten Lundsby

Eva Brandt

Komposition, arrangement, production, analyse / Composition, Arranging, Production, Analysis

Anders P Jensen

Jens Bjørnkjær

Anders P Jensen

Michael Møller

Simin Stine Ramezanali

Alexandra Hallén

Mark Solborg

Mads Bergland

Karen Juhl Jensen

Kunst- og kulturstudier / Art and Culture Studies

Henrik Marstal

Anders P Jensen

Eduardo Abrantes

Camille Behrend Roth

Jens Tang Kristensen

Cecilie Feldvoss Christiani

Mathias Schønberg

Entreprenørskab

Christian Taagehøj

Laura Nyhus Kaae