DAAD competition for percussion

DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievements by International Students at German Universities The DAAD Prize, worth €1,000 and awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service, is intended to help put a face and a story to the large numbers of international students at German universities. This highlights the fact that every single international student takes a piece of Germany back to their home country and leaves a part of themselves in Germany – an enrichment for both sides. 

At the Karlsruhe University of Music, the competition for the 2026 DAAD Prize is open to students specialising in 

solo percussion

Closing date for entries: Saturday, 10 October 2026 

Eligible to enter are international students at the Karlsruhe University of Music majoring in percussion on Bachelor’s, Master’s and Soloist Examination programmes. 

Format and Repertoire The competition will take the form of a public recital. Applicants will present a programme of their own choosing lasting 20–25 minutes, including any set-up time.

The choice of repertoire is unrestricted. The aim of the programme is to present the performers’ musical personality, artistic approach and stage presence as comprehensively as possible.

Works incorporating electronic elements are generally permitted. The technical requirements must be specified at the time of application; the feasibility of the performance will be determined in consultation with the technical supervisors.

The application must also include an artistic concept of one DIN A4 page in length, explaining the programme selection and its thematic context.

Prize-winner’s concert The prize-winner is obliged to give a prize-winner’s concert at the Karlsruhe University of Music, which will take place on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at 7.30 pm in the Wolfgang Rihm Forum as part of the Erasmus concert. 

Applications must be submitted by email (E silke.blume@hfm-karlsruhe.de). 

Applications must include 
• a brief CV of the applicant (approx. 1,000 characters) 
• details of the applicant’s current degree programme and tutor
• the exact programme (detailed information on the works, length of each work) 
• a photograph of at least 500 kB

Prize money: €1,000 – the prize is not divisible 

Jury: The jury comprises members who do not teach at the Karlsruhe University of Music.