Entrance exam information (Summer semester 2021)

The deadline for submitting all standard application documents is 1 December 2020.
Video files may be submitted until 6 December 2020 at 11:59pm.

E (video files): bewerbung@hfm-karlsruhe.de

E (contact): pruefungsamt@hfm-karlsruhe.de

Mailing address

University of Music Karlsruhe
P.O. Box 6040
D-76040 Karlsruhe, Germany

Due to preventive measures against COVID-19 and to promote health and safety of all applicants, the entrance exam will be conducted in a two-part process. Candidates who pass the first round will be invited to participate in the second round.

1. First round:
   Evaluation of videos sent without in-person contact.
    
2. Second round:
   The second round of the entrance exam is held as an in-person exam during the week from Monday, February 15 to Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Exceptions: composition, music education, music theory, choral conducting. For these degree programs, please note relevant information under Requirements for the exam program.

Requirements for first round applicants (video files) may be found under the heading Video-file (first round) und Requirements for the exam program.

Requirements for the second round (in-person exam) are based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

All parts of the entrance exam will be held on Monday, 15 February and Tuesday, 16 February 2021 (in-person exam).

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

The general theory entrance exam (written / oral) and piano supplementary exam will take be held on Monday, 15 February 2021 as an in-person exam. (The appointment only applies to applicants who have been invited to the second round of the entrance exam after examination of video files.)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Required proof of sufficient general education for applicants without a high school diploma is determined in two parts: First, an independently written essay of up to 7,500 characters on one of three specified tasks submitted with the application. Then a video conference with the exam board on an assigned day from Wednesday, 20 January to Friday, 22 January 2021. An invitation to the second round (in-person exam) can only be issued if both parts have been given a passing grade.

The entrance exam is held as an in-person exam during the week from Monday, February 15 to Saturday, February 20, 2021.

Prior meeting with the major subject instructor is required.

Video files may only be sent

a) as a link to one or more privately or publicly accessible videos (such as on YouTube.com) to: bewerbung@hfm-karlsruhe.de

Subject of the email: Applicant’s family name, first name, birth year, course of study, instrument

    For example: Taro, Kuidaore, 1999, bachelor’s degree, piano

or

b) as file(s) on a USB stick (maximum file size 2.5 GB) by post.

Recordings should be saved in the following format: applicant’s last name-first name-birth year-composer-work;

   For example: Taro-Kuidaore-1999-Beethoven-3rd symphony-3rd movement

Please send only recordings with the required exam program. Individual pieces must be recorded in unprocessed and complete form, without cuts. There may be cuts between individual pieces. Applicants must be visibly singing or playing instruments, with an unobstructed camera view of whichever is relevant: hands, face, or instrument.

For all applicants, please send an exam program in PDF form with the following info:

• Family name, first name, birth year, study course, instrument.
  (Please list only those pieces submitted as video files.)

Unaccompanied recordings are acceptable if current circumstances prevent accompanied performances.

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam 

1st round (video file)

All courses (except tuba and trumpet)

A video recording of works according to specifications in the appendix to the enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Excerpts and / or individual movements may be played.

Tuba

Three excerpts from three different works of the candidate’s choice.

Trumpet

An entrance exam for the major subject of trumpet will not be possible for the Summer 2021 term.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

The entrance exam will be held as an in-person exam on Wednesday, 10 February 2021. Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

The orchestral conducting major is currently unavailable.

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

Bachelor Gesang

First round (video file)

1. The video recording should include in the prepared program:

• an aria (oratorio or opera)
• a song (At least one of these works must be performed in German. The two chosen works should differ stylistically).

2. A short speech text in German language.

3. Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s degree program in singing

First round (video file)

1. Runde (Video-Datei)

1. The video recording should include in the prepared program:

• an opera aria
• an oratorio aria
• a song

(one of each in German and Italian, in different styles)

2. A short spoken text in German language.

3. Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency testt

Exam in solo singing

First round (video file)

1. The video recording should include in the prepared program:

• an opera aria
• an oratorio aria
• a song

(one of each in German and Italian, in different styles)

2. A short spoken text in German language.

3. Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam 

First round (video file)

A total of three works from different stylistic eras, adding up to at least 10 minutes of music.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Historical Keyboard Instruments (Postgraduate Studies)

First round (video file)

A challenging program with works from different epochs or stylistic areas. Excerpts and/or single movements can be played.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Chamber music (Master’s degree, postgraduate studies)

First round (video file)

A video recording of works according to specifications in the appendix to the enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Excerpts and/or individual movements may be played.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Piano chamber music
(master's degree, soloist‘s exam, postgraduate studies)

First round (video file)

Three chamber music works from different eras. Include, as far as possible, a work from the trio repertoire.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Chamber Music for Wind Instruments
(postgraduate studies)

First round (video file)

Three chamber music works from different epochs, including one work of modern music and at least one work from trio instrumentation, as far as possible.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor’s degree in piano

First round (video file)

Works from four eras: baroque, classic, Romantic/Impressionist, and modern. Individual movements may be played. 

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s degree in Piano

First round (video file)

Works from four eras: baroque, classic, Romantic/Impressionist, and modern. Individual movements may be played. 

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Soloist exam for piano

First round (video file)

A freely chosen program that includes an excerpt from a piano concerto.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 25 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (in-person test)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

First round (digital submission)

Please send your own work (scores, and recordings if possible) in digital form by 1 December 2020 to:
E-mail address: bewerbung@hfm.eu

Preferred file formats: PDF and MP3

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master's degree | Soloist exam  | Postgraduate studies

First round (video file)

Required

1. Present three typical songs by three different composers.  

2. All three songs should be presented in duo format, whether for voice with piano accompaniment or piano with vocal accompaniment.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?
• Apart from music, what activities do you do?
• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s degree program

First round:

Please send the following documents to this email address by Thursday, 31 December 2020: bewerbung@hfm.eu

1. Concept for a self-designed and self-presented instrumental / vocal lecture of about 10 to 15 minutes with a music educational format targeted at a freely chosen group (up to one page of text)

and

2. Draft concept for another music educational project of your choice (up to three pages of text)

Second round (in-person test)

Entrance exam procedure lasting about 20 minutes for each applicant:

• self-designed and self-presented instrumental / vocal lecture of about 10 to 15 minutes with a music educational format targeted at a freely chosen group
• aptitude interview (about five to ten minutes); excellent German language ability required 

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree

The entrance exam is held in person during the week of Monday, 15 February to Saturday, 20 February 2021. Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

Bachelor’s degree in Opera

1. Runde (Video-Datei)

• an aria in German language
• an aria of your choice
• lasting about 10 minutes in total.

2. A spoken text in German language of your choice, to be recited from memory.
lasting about 10 minutes

3. In addition, please answer the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?
• Apart from music, what activities do you do?
• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s degree in Opera

First round (video file)

1. The submitted program should include at least five opera arias from three stylistic eras, comprising the following:

• a Mozart aria
• an aria in German
• an aria of your choicetotal
• duration up to about 15 minutes.

2. A dramatic text of your choice in German language, to be performed from memory.

Total duration up to about 10 min

3. In addition, please answer the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study opera singing at the University of Music Karlsruhe?
• Which opera experiences have especially influenced you?
• What is your dream role and why do you hope to perform it onstage?

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Solist’s exam in Opera

First round (video file)

1. The submitted program should include at least eight opera arias from four stylistic eras, comprising:

• a Mozart aria
• an aria in German language
• two arias of your choice (one of which must be in Italian)
• Total duration up to about 20 minutes.

2. A dramatic text to be performed from memory:

    =>> Acting text Monologue from Antigone by Jean Anouilh (PDF)

    =>> Acting text Haemon’s Monologue from Antigone by Sophocles (PDF)

3. In addition, please answer the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study opera singing at the University of Music Karlsruhe?
• Which opera experiences have especially influenced you?
• What is your dream role and why do you hope to perform it onstage?

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Entrance exams for the trumpet major will be given again for winter semester 2021/22.

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

Bachelor’s program in string instruments

First round (video file)

Violin

A work with the level of difficulty of a Bach solo sonata or partita, a work with the level of difficulty of a Mozart concerto, a Romantic work, a work from the modern era, an etude or caprice.

Viola

Three movements from one of the suites for solo cello by J.S. Bach BWV 1007-1012, first and second movements of a classical concerto, a work from the Romantic period.

Cello

One etude and three works of your choice from different stylistic eras.

Double bass

Three works of your choice from different stylistic eras. 

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes 
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (presence check)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s in string instrument study

First round (video file)

Violin

A work with the level of difficulty of a Bach solo sonata or partita, a work with the level of difficulty of a Mozart concerto, a Romantic work, a work from the modern era, an etude or caprice.

Viola

One of the suites for cello solo by J.S. Bach BWV 1007-1012 or one of the sonatas and partitas for violin by J.S. Bach BWV 1001-1006, a classical concerto by Stamitz or Hoffmeister, the first movement of a major concerto such as those by Bartók, Walton, or Hindemith, and a work from the Romantic period.

Cello

Applicants may freely choose what they wish to play.

Double bass

Three works of your choice from different stylistic eras; also the third movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 and Recitatives from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes 
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (presence check)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Soloist exams for string instruments

First round (video file)

All applicants for instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double bass may

freely choose what they wish to play.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 20 minutes 
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round (presence check)

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

First round (video file)

A video recording of works as specified in standard requirements in the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Excerpts and/or individual movements may be played. 

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes 
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Master’s degree program

First round (video file)

A video recording of works as specified in standard requirements in the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test

Excerpts and/or individual movements may be played.

Kindly reply to the following questions in the video:

• Why do you wish to study at the University of Music Karlsruhe?

• Apart from music, what activities do you do?

• What do you hope to accomplish after graduation?

Maximum length of the entire video (performance and replies): 15 minutes 
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

Second round

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrollment rules and the appendix to enrollment rules:

=>> Requirements for the proficiency test