A more diverse audition repertoire

The review of the repertoire revealed that:

• It exclusively consisted of male composers, with no female composers included, either as mandatory works or as examples.
• It predominantly featured European composers.
• Only one living composer (born in 1945) was included.
• For some instruments, applicants were encouraged to choose a work from "modern times" – specified as post-1950 or 1960.

Following this review, FUM (the National Committee for Performing and Creative Music) issued a call to all institutions to propose changes to the repertoire. This had little effect, so a working group was established to review the repertoire and propose changes.

The audition repertoire should be composed in such a way that it allows candidates to showcase their individuality and personality as musicians, while also enabling the audition committee to assess the candidates’ skills and potential to achieve the learning objectives of the programme. Repertoire requirements may incorporate varying degrees of flexibility but should, in all cases, reflect the breadth of possible performer roles that the bachelor programme prepares for.

Recommended framework for the audition repertoire:

• The expected total duration of the audition repertoire should be specified. The recommended length for the BA audition repertoire is 20–30 minutes.
• If the repertoire requirements include mandatory composers or suggested composers, these should include:
  • Composers of at least two genders
  • Music from at least three different styles or time periods
• Repertoire requirements should include music from the past 50 years.
• Repertoire requirements should allow candidates flexibility in their choices.
• Candidates should be encouraged to select music from various cultures and/or continents.

In 2026, work has been underway to establish a new audition repertoire for all classical instruments. The Vice-Principal for Education at NMH, Vivianne Sydnes, has led this work on behalf of FUM. Each instrument has had its own committee, composed of principal instrument teachers from all institutions. These committees have collaboratively developed a new audition repertoire, which will apply from autumn 2026 for admissions in 2027.

• The new audition repertoire is available on the bachelor classical performance admissions pages. However, the repertoire for all instruments has not yet been finalised and is being updated continuously.

– It is so beneficial that this work has been carried out as a collaboration between all music education institutions in Norway. My impression is that it has also been a professionally interesting and developmental collaboration.

It will likely take some time before the new repertoire becomes fully integrated. Music school teachers, other instrumental teachers, and young musicians across Norway must also be updated and informed about the new audition repertoire. We encourage everyone to spread the word within their professional communities, says Vivianne Sydnes.