Back in February, we temporarily closed the Lyrics Curator Test while we worked on some significant maintenance and improvements. Now, 3 months later, we’re gearing up for launch-day and are excited to give you a sneak-peek of what’s to come!

Make it dynamic!‍

The old test had just three questions, which had to be manually changed as desired. This meant that, if a candidate failed the test, it would be exactly the same the next time they tried to take it. This, as well as not resulting in an effective measure of a contributor’s ability, was just plain boring and repetitive for everyone! The new test has 9 questions featuring a randomized selection of diverse and varied songs. The outcome is a safer, funner, and more effective test that reflects the dynamism of the Mission system.

Thanks to a new integration of Spotify sources, the new questions also feature full-length song extracts, as well as shorter samples such as those available in the Academy. This means that a Spotify Premium connection will be required to take the test, just as it is to take part in the Missions.

Finally, the new questions have been structured in such a way that they assess all standard areas of the contribution system; Transcribing, Formatting, Syncing, and Tagging. The result is a test that gives its takers the best opportunity to show off the full range of their skills and expertise.

Make it exclusive!

The Curator role is a really special one and it was important for us that the new test expressed that. It’s with this in mind that we’re introducing ‘participation windows’ which regulate the timings within which a candidate can take the test.

In a nutshell:

• The test must be completed in a single session of under 1 hour. This window was very carefully chosen to allow for a careful and measured submission.

• If a user does not manage to pass the test, they’ll be able to try again in 4 days. This gives them the time to thoroughly review our Guidelines before retrying

It’s all about encouraging candidates to thoroughly prepare for the test, so they have the greatest chances of passing it!

Make it beautiful!

Bringing the test into the Musixmatch domain gave us much more control over what it looked like! We decided early on that just as the experience of the test mirrors the Mission system, so should its design. The intention is that budding Curators get a taste of the Missions before arriving there, helping both prepare and inspire them for the future. The new test is clean, clear, and - we think - bloomin’ beautiful!

‍

Release is due in June, and we hope you're as excited for it as we are!