The entrance exams consist of a first round "by video" and a second round with on-site auditions.
First round/Video recordings
Video recordings must be handed in as part of the application.
- Content: Please prepare 3 pieces that present a selection of different stylistic fields. Use the repertoire samples as a guide. Applicants must perform on period instruments or replicas thereof in the entrance exams. List the information on your “list of works”.
- Form: three separate uncut videos of music (one per piece)
- Total length of the videos together: 15 – max. 20 minutes.
- Date: The recordings should usually be new and prepared for the entrance exams. Published videos only uncut and not older than six months.
- (Continuo-)Accompaniment: is requested. You can work with people from your own setting.
- Technical requirements:
- Camera Position: Please record the video from a fixed point of view, ideally using a tripod. The hands and the face of the candidate / musician plus the instrument must be visible.
- Audio: We recommend using a separate stereo microphone and placing it properly (if necessary, you may also use the microphone of a camera, computer, or smartphone).
Transmission:
- Video Platform: Please upload your three videos unlisted to Youtube. (exception: candidates from China may use a corresponding alternative platform).
- Create a “list of works” with the information on the pieces played including the corresponding Youtube links.
- Please also enter the Youtube links in the registration tool.
- Please ensure that the videos are accessible for four months.
- Submit the list of works with the rest of your application or send it via email to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNo by 31 January.
Only applicants considered for the second round will be invited to an on-site audition.
Second round/on-site audition
Please also refer to the document Eignungsabklärung.
Audition plus interview (15-20 min.): The entrance exam is played on the harpsichord and consists of the following parts:
- A self-prepared medium to difficult work of harpsichord literature (solo). Also use the repertoire samples as a guide. The work may be identical to the one of the video
- A compulsory piece for the basso continuo: chamber music in duo or small ensemble, with the candidate playing the basso continuo. The compulsory piece will be announced by the SCB 14 days before the exam. The ensemble partners will be organized by the SCB if no other arrangements have been made.
- Sight-reading of a figured bass from a facsimile
- Sight reading of a solo piece from the harpsichord literature
- Questions about the realization of the basso continuo
Afterwards, there will be a short conversation about the study objectives and contents as well as the applicant´s prior education, experience and career goals, the preferred professor, etc.
The general section of the entrance exam (theory) and proof of proficiency on a keyboard instrument take place on the same day, usually before or after the on-site audition for the main subject (duration: 20 min.).
- sing and identify intervals played on the harpsichord (closed and open position)
- active singing of intervals above or below a given pitch
- sing and identify seventh chords (7, 5/6, 3/4/6, 2/4/6)
- Dictation: sing and notate a two-voice setting (soprano and bass)
- identify the chords (preferably figured bass; modern harmony also acceptable)
- Improvisation: sing a continuation of the dictated melody
- Sight-sing a melody of medium difficulty from the 17th or 18th century, notated in treble or bass clef
- Performance of a prepared, short piece of your choice on the harpsichord (not required for those with major keyboard or plucked instruments)
- Tonality and mode issues
Further information can be found here.
Date
The on-site auditions will take place between mid-March and mid-April. The exact dates may be seen here after the beginning of January.
Registration
You may apply from 15 December 22 until 31 January.
The following documents must be handed in with your application: Curriculum Vitae including motivational letter, school leaving qualification (Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, High School-Diploma) and Bachelor Diploma. If the applicant already holds a Master Diploma, please include.
Announcement of the results
The results of the first round will be communicated by email by the end of February.
The results of the second round will be communicated by email in May.