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Key Facts: Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam Exam

90 min

Exam Duration

Distrito Único Andaluz

0–10

Grading Scale

Junta de Andalucía

4.0

Minimum Access Pass Mark

PAU Regulations

EUR 58.70

Base Access Phase Fee

Junta de Andalucía 2026

The Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II exam tests advanced concepts in vocal physiology, diaphragmatic support, conducting technique, polyphonic history, and vocal care. Lasting 90 minutes and graded on a 0–10 scale, this page provides 100 English-language practice questions adapted from the official 2026 Distrito Único Andaluz curriculum.

Sample Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which shield-shaped cartilage forms the anterior and lateral walls of the human larynx and is commonly known as the 'Adam's apple'?
A.Thyroid cartilage
B.Cricoid cartilage
C.Arytenoid cartilage
D.Epiglottis
Explanation: The thyroid cartilage is the largest cartilage of the larynx, consisting of two hyaline laminae that fuse anteriorly to form the laryngeal prominence ('Adam's apple'). It serves as the anterior attachment point for the vocal folds via the vocal ligament. The cricoid forms a complete ring below it, arytenoids attach posteriorly, and the epiglottis guards the laryngeal inlet.
2Which major dome-shaped muscle separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities and serves as the primary muscle of inhalation?
A.Internal intercostal muscle
B.Diaphragm
C.Rectus abdominis
D.Sternocleidomastoid
Explanation: The diaphragm is the principal muscle of inspiration. Upon contraction during inhalation, its central tendon moves downward, expanding the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity and lowering intrathoracic pressure to draw air into the lungs. The intercostals and abdominal muscles assist in breathing mechanics, while the sternocleidomastoid acts as an accessory neck muscle during forced breathing.
3What is the primary anatomical function of the epiglottis during deglutition (swallowing)?
A.Tensening the vocal folds to produce high pitch
B.Closing off the laryngeal entrance to prevent aspiration into the trachea
C.Amplifying the high formants of the singing voice
D.Regulating subglottic air pressure during sustained vowels
Explanation: During swallowing, the larynx elevates and the leaf-shaped epiglottis folds downward over the laryngeal entrance (glottis). This mechanical action directs food and liquids safely into the esophagus while protecting the airway from aspiration. It does not control pitch, phonation pressure, or vocal acoustics directly.
4Which laryngeal structure is the ONLY complete cartilaginous ring encircling the airway?
A.Thyroid cartilage
B.Cricoid cartilage
C.Hyoid bone
D.Tracheal ring
Explanation: The cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring shaped like a signet ring, located at the base of the larynx directly above the trachea. It serves as the foundation for the larynx, articulating with the thyroid cartilage inferiorly and the arytenoid cartilages superiorly. Thyroid cartilage is open posteriorly, hyoid is a U-shaped bone, and tracheal rings are C-shaped cartilages open posteriorly.
5Which paired, pyramid-shaped cartilages pivot and slide on the cricoid lamina to control vocal fold adduction and abduction?
A.Corniculate cartilages
B.Arytenoid cartilages
C.Cuneiform cartilages
D.Thyroid laminae
Explanation: The paired arytenoid cartilages sit on the posterior superior border of the cricoid cartilage. Each arytenoid has a vocal process (attaching to the vocal ligament) and a muscular process (attaching to intrinsic laryngeal muscles). Their rotational and sliding movements control whether the vocal folds are brought together (adducted) for phonation or opened (abducted) for breathing.
6What is the anatomical term for the opening or space located between the two true vocal folds?
A.Epiglottis
B.Glottis
C.Subglottis
D.Vestibule
Explanation: The glottis (rima glottidis) is the space between the vocal folds. During quiet respiration, the glottis opens wide (abduction), while during phonation, the vocal folds adduct to narrow or close the glottis, allowing subglottic air pressure to build and initiate mucosal vibration.
7According to fluid dynamics, which principle states that an increase in fluid velocity through a constriction causes a simultaneous drop in pressure, drawing the vocal folds together during phonation?
A.Coanda effect
B.Bernoulli principle
C.Doppler effect
D.Boyle's law
Explanation: The Bernoulli principle states that as air flows rapidly through a narrow passage (such as the glottis during phonation), kinetic energy increases while static pressure perpendicular to the flow decreases. This localized negative pressure zone pulls the subglottic edges of the vocal folds back together at the end of each vibratory cycle.
8Which theory of phonation explains vocal fold vibration as a self-sustained oscillation driven by muscular tension, subglottic airflow, and aerodynamic pressure forces?
A.Neurochronaxic theory
B.Myoelastic-aerodynamic theory
C.Source-filter linear model
D.Acoustic impedance theory
Explanation: The myoelastic-aerodynamic theory of phonation (formulated by van den Berg) posits that voice production results from a combination of neuromuscular control (myoelastic factors setting vocal fold adduction and tension) and aerodynamic forces (subglottic air pressure blowing folds apart, and the Bernoulli effect bringing them back together).
9Which intrinsic laryngeal muscle contracts to tilt the thyroid cartilage forward relative to the cricoid cartilage, thereby lengthening and thinning the vocal folds to increase pitch?
A.Thyroarytenoid muscle
B.Cricothyroid muscle
C.Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle
D.Posterior cricoarytenoid muscle
Explanation: The cricothyroid muscle (innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve) tilts the thyroid cartilage downward and forward. This action increases the distance between the thyroid angle and the arytenoids, stretching, lengthening, and thinning the vocal folds, which raises fundamental frequency (pitch).
10What is the primary action of the thyroarytenoid (vocalis) muscle when it contracts during phonation?
A.Abducting the vocal folds for deep inspiration
B.Shortening and thickening the body of the vocal folds, increasing glottal resistance and chest voice quality
C.Tilting the cricoid cartilage back to raise fundamental frequency
D.Elevating the soft palate to close the nasopharynx
Explanation: The thyroarytenoid muscle forms the main muscle mass of the true vocal folds. When it contracts, it pulls the arytenoid cartilages toward the thyroid cartilage, shortening and thickening the vocal fold body. This increases the vibratory mass and glottal resistance, lowering pitch and producing chest register resonance.

About the Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam Exam

The Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II (Coro y Técnica Vocal II) examination evaluates 2nd Bachillerato students on vocal anatomy, respiratory mechanics, choral conducting gestures, polyphonic repertoire from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era, vocal health, and acoustic choir alignment. Please note: The official PAU examination consists of practical musical analysis, score commentary, and written essay responses. The 100 practice questions presented here represent an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for the 2026 Distrito Único Andaluz curriculum.

Exam sponsor: Distrito Único Andaluz / Comisión Interuniversitaria de Andalucía. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Vocal Anatomy, Phonation, and Resonating Systems

Structure of the larynx (thyroid, cricoid, arytenoid cartilages), vocal fold vibration (myoelastic-aerodynamic theory), vocal registers, and acoustic resonators.

20%

Breathing Mechanics, Vocal Support, and Vocal Health

Inspiration and expiration mechanics, costo-diaphragmatic-abdominal support (apoyo), vocal acoustic formants (singer's formant), hydration, and voice disorders.

25%

Choral Conducting, Gesture, and Ensemble Pedagogy

Conducting beat patterns (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8), preparatory beats, ictus, dynamic control, intonation/temperament, IPA diction, and choir arrangement.

25%

Choral Polyphony Repertoire and Historical Periods

Medieval polyphony, Spanish Golden Age sacred polyphony (Victoria, Morales, Guerrero), Renaissance madrigals/villancicos, Baroque/Classical masterworks, and contemporary choral literature.

10%

Vocal Classification, Diction, and Choral Formations

Voice type classification (SATB, tessitura, vocal timbre), phonetic principles in singing, and ensemble dynamics in a cappella vs accompanied choirs.

Preparing for the Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 58.70 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (or ~14.70 € per subject in voluntary admission phase) set by Junta de Andalucía. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study laryngeal anatomy, including cartilage functions, vocal ligament structure, and the myoelastic-aerodynamic theory of phonation.
2Understand the physiological mechanics of costo-diaphragmatic breathing and how muscle opposition creates controlled vocal support (apoyo).
3Practice identifying conducting beat patterns (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8) and the function of the preparatory gesture, ictus, and release.
4Memorize major historical milestones in choral music, especially Spanish Golden Age polyphony, Baroque choral forms, and modern choral techniques.
5Review voice classifications, tessitura versus range, and common vocal health practices to avoid vocal fatigue and lesions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the official Andalusia PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II exam?

The official PAU exam administered by the Distrito Único Andaluz consists of score analysis, technical written questions, and repertoire commentary. The 100 practice questions provided on this platform are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation designed to help students master core terminology and theoretical concepts.

What passing score is required on the PAU Choir and Vocal Technique II exam?

The exam is graded on a 0 to 10 scale. If taken as part of the compulsory Access Phase, a minimum score of 4.0 is required to combine with the Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0). In the voluntary Admission Phase, scores above 5.0 generate weighted points toward university admissions.

How much does it cost to register for the PAU exam in Andalusia?

The base registration fee set by the Junta de Andalucía for the PAU Access Phase is €58.70, with individual voluntary admission phase subjects costing approximately €14.70 each. Discounts apply for large families (Familia Numerosa) and eligible exemptions.

Does the exam cover Spanish and Andalusian polyphonic music?

Yes, the curriculum emphasizes Renaissance polyphony by Spanish masters like Tomás Luis de Victoria, Cristóbal de Morales, and Francisco Guerrero, as well as 20th-century choir works by Spanish and Andalusian composers.