Entrance exam for the Master in Research and Practice

2025 Entrance exam

• Main application phase starts on: 25 February 2025
• Main application phase ends on: 24 March 2025
• Complementary application phase takes place from 17 to 23 June 2025

Important note: for the complementary application phase: people wishing to apply for this course, but who were not able to do so during the main phase before the deadline, will be able to submit their application on the monmaster.gouv.fr platform during the complementary phase, which will take place from 17 to 23 June. 

However, due to the limited number of places available for this course, those wishing to apply during the complementary phase must contact the PSPBB by e-mail at direction@pspbb.fr before 18 April 2025.

• See the information on the complementary phase
• See the application calendar on the monmaster.gouv.fr platform

Admission conditions

Diplomas required

The applicants must meet the requirements for university enrolment at baccalaureate + 3 (years) level:  Bachelor's degree from a French university or equivalent foreign university diploma, or other diplomas subject to approval by a validation of prior learning commission (French and foreign music diplomas at Bachelor's level, state diploma, teaching certificate, etc.). A similar musical level is required: DNSPM, or equivalent, for example Bachelor of music, etc.

Course access

This Master’s degree is open to musicians (string players: violin, alto, cello, double bass) of all nationalities, with no age limit, provided that they pass the entrance exam. The admission process includes:

A PRE-SELECTION BASED ON THE APPLICATION
The applicants must submit an application including:*

• a curriculum vitae
• a cover letter
• a copy of university and musical diplomas
• a short presentation of a research project (an outline of the subject, as well as a brief reference to the literature are expected)
• a sample of their musical practice, sent in the form of a link to a video (preferably) or audio document, submitted online, lasting around three minutes. See the recommendations and advice for your recordings.

The applications must be submitted on the  www.monmaster.gouv.fr platform.

To best prepare, the applicants are invited to send an e-mail to Muriel Boulan and Claude Georgel (PSPBB Director)

AN AUDITION AND INTERVIEW WITH THE JURY

The applicants play a piece related to their research project, lasting approximately 30 minutes, from which the jury selects a 15-minute excerpt:

• a set piece – less than 10 minutes
• a concerto movement or an excerpt of a concertante piece of your choice (from a different period than the set piece) – max. duration 8 minutes
• a series of set orchestral excerpts (interruption possible)
• a piece of your choice for solo instrument, in a post-1950 aesthetic – max. duration 5 minutes
• a sight-reading (solo instrument) – max. duration 2 minutes
• an interview with the jury (15 minutes) to assess the applicant’s motivation, musical culture, professional project and research project.

For concertante pieces, applicants may be accompanied by a person of their choice. Otherwise, an accompanist will be available – no rehearsal possible.

The audition will be followed by a 15-minute interview with the jury, during which the applicant's motivation, musical culture, professional project and research project will be assessed. 

The jury is made up of teacher-researchers from the Music and Musicology UFR, PSPBB representatives, and invited specialists. It will also benefit from the expertise of private lessons teachers (instrument) present or represented at the audition.

Audition dates: to be specified (between mid-April and 28 May 2025)

Information from the course supervisors: contact Muriel Boulan or Claude Georgel (PSPBB Director)

Administrative procedures

PLEASE NOTE: administrative procedures are required to apply toSorbonne University.

All applicants must complete an administrative pre-application on the www.monmaster.gouv.fr national platform. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or problems.
Foreign applicants from within and outside the European Union will have to complete the validation procedures required for their enrolment at the university. It is also mandatory to have a good understanding of the French language. Please review these important procedures carefully and follow those that apply to you. 

Applicants of all nationalities already living in France must enrol on the www.monmaster.gouv.fr national platform.

Following the selection process, the successful applicants will be given information and guidance on the administrative procedures to be followed.

Apply for the entrance exam 

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