Preparation for an admissions test as an online course
An online learning activity designed to prepare the student for an admissions test. This activity presents fundamental instrument exercises accompanied by instructional videos. It is intended to equip the student with the skills typically assessed in an admissions test. Students watch the videos, read the instructions, complete the exercises. They then record and submit videos of themselves performing the exercises to the teacher via email or a Learning Management System (LMS). The teacher provides feedback on the recordings in written form, through video, or via audio file.
Navigate the different aspects of the activity here
The purpose of the activity
- To give the student an understanding of what is expected in an admissions test
- To provide the student with the opportunity to practice basic techniques
- To inspire the student toward faster development
- To provide the student with materials they can access at any time
- To allow the student to work with the materials at their own pace
Target audience
Music students and conservatory students
Technology/setup
- A video camera/microphone or mobile device/tablet for recording
- A method for sharing the content, such as the institution’s LMS (e.g., Moodle), a shared drive, or another platform that can host the content
- Consider how long time the student should have access to the content, whether it’s for a specific period or accessible when needed
- A mobile device, tablet, or computer for accessing the content
Requirements
Teacher
- Willingness to record videos using a mobile device, tablet, or camera/microphone
- Open to developing and adapting a personal teaching approach into short exercises and brief instructional videos
- Knowledge of what is expected of the student at the admissions test
Student
- Curiosity and an interest in preparing for an admissions test
- Know how to access the content and videos where they are made available
- Willingness to record their exercises and share them with the teacher
Before, during and after the activity
BEFORE
The teacher
- Develops exercises with instructions and accompanying videos that embodies their personal teaching approach
- Records the videos with exercises
- Structures and organizes the exercises and videos to achieve progression and in alignment with the admissions test goals
The students
- Familiarize themselves with how to access the content
- Are prepared to supplement in-person teaching with an online course
DURING
The teacher
- Reviews the students’ exercise videos and provides feedback
- May direct students toward relevant exercises as needed
The students
- Read the instructions and complete the exercises
- Record the exercises and share them with the teacher
- Optional review additional exercises as needed
AFTER
The teacher
- Evaluates the activity with the student regarding outcomes, progression, and the goals of the admissions test
The students
- Reflect on their participation and effort
- May return to the content and exercises as needed
Experiences with the activity
Clarinet students in Denmark and Norway participated in an online activity featuring fundamental clarinet technique exercises made available on the Moodle platform (an LMS). Content included exercises and videos by a conservatory teacher and was used as preparation for the conservatory entrance exam. One student shared that they were “very pleased with the learning method and gained a lot from it”, while another commented, “the online activity was/is very positive for me, especially because Bue covered many fundamental aspects that can sometimes be overlooked in other lessons (in my case, MGK-level [pre-academy school ] lessons)”. Another student appreciated the online activity for providing independent study opportunities and valuable input without requiring travel or extra expenses.
However, challenges were also noted. One student remarked, “a problem for me is that I find it hard to stay motivated without a physical teacher present to oversee my work”. Another suggested that the course would benefit from having everything in one place including submitting videos and receiving feedback. Students also requested a more structured progression, with one suggesting, “it might have been better if the content had a more structured format, like ‘you have three weeks to practice this, then submit a video, then we’ll move on’.”
The teacher shared that he created the course he envisioned, which contains “…fundamental training in playing the clarinet…”. The teacher believes that it “… is something that everyone who wants to improve on the instrument should go through”. One challenge was learning to use Moodle and figuring out which features were most useful. The teacher expressed interest in producing higher-quality videos in the future and setting up a better recording arrangement. Additionally, he noted that “one of the young participants in the course is now applying to the conservatory”.
As a clarinet teacher, Bue Skov Thomassen developed online content to prepare students for the conservatory clarinet entrance exam. Listen to Bue explain the activity, his experiences, and his reflections after its completion.