Music Theory
Available courses of study
Bachelor of Music
Minor in the Bachelor of Music programme
Master of Music
Promotion
Bachelor of Music
Key study specialisations of the artistic-pedagogical profile: Main subject teaching, history of music theory, instrumentation, arrangement, historical composition theory, improvisation, basso continuo/partimento, score playing, piano, aural training, musicology, music education, methodology/didactics, elective modules.
Requirements in the entrance exam
a) Written examination/exam (duration: approx. four hours):
- Preparation of a four-part chorale movement based on a given melody.
- Preparation of a short, two-part motet based on a given theme (‘strict movement’).
- Preparation of a two-part invention or a three-part fugue exposition.
b) Oral examination (duration: approx. 25 minutes):
- Harmonic and formal analysis of a presented piece from the classical or romantic era (song, piano or chamber music).
- General historical knowledge, questions on scoring and instrumentation.
- Sight-reading of an easy figured bass.
c) Further parts of the examination (duration: approx. 30 minutes):
- Compulsory keyboard instrument (piano, organ or harpsichord): Performance of three original compositions for the respective instrument from three styles. Sight-reading.
- Score playing (duration: approx. 10 minutes): Prima vista playing of a simple choral score.
(Excerpt from the Statutes on Enrollment; see there also the General examination requirements und the Requirements of the further examination parts [ear training, music theory, piano]).
Requirements in the entrance exam
a) Schriftliche Prüfung/Klausur (Dauer: circa 2 Stunden; von den gegebenen Aufgaben sind zwei zu bearbeiten):
- Ausarbeiten eines vierstimmigen Choralsatzes nach gegebener Melodie.
- Anfertigung einer kurzen, zweistimmigen Motette nach gegebenem Themenkopf („strenger Satz“).
- Anfertigung einer zweistimmigen Invention oder einer dreistimmigen Fugenexposition.
b) Mündliche Prüfung (Dauer: circa 25 Minuten):
- Harmonische und formale Analyse eines vorgelegten Stückes der klassischen oder romantischen Epoche (Lied, Klavier- oder Kammermusik).
- Allgemeine historische Kenntnisse, Fragen zu Partiturkunde und Instrumentation.
- Vom-Blatt-Spiel eines leichten bezifferten Basses und einer einfachen Chorpartitur.
(Excerpt from the Statutes on Enrollment; see there also the General examination requirements und the Requirements of the further examination parts [ear training, music theory, piano]).
Master of Music
As a four-semester master's degree programme following a relevant Bachelor's degree.
Main study specialisations: Main subject teaching, musicology, analysis, elective modules, Master's thesis.
Anforderungen in der Eignungsprüfung:
a) Written examination (duration: 4 hours):
- Elaboration of a four-part chorale movement based on a given melody.
- Preparation of a short two-part motet based on a given theme (‘strict movement’).
- Preparation of a two-part invention or a three-part fugue exposition.
b) Oral examination (duration: approx. 35 minutes):
- Harmonic and formal analysis of a presented piece from the classical or romantic era (song, piano or chamber music).
- Thorough historical knowledge, questions on scoring and instrumentation.
- Sight-reading of a figured bass.
- Prima vista playing of a simple choral score and a simple instrumental movement (also with transposing wind instruments).
For applicants who have obtained a music-related Bachelor's degree other than in a vocal or instrumental major subject, conducting, church music, rhythmics, elementary music education, composition or music theory:
(c) Ear training written part:
- Simple tonal one-part dictation (duration: approx. 15 minutes).
- Simple tonal two-part dictation (duration: approx. 15 minutes).
d) Aural training oral part:
- Singing from sight-reading, playing a rhythm, recognising scales, intervals, chords as well as easy chord combinations; duration: approx. 10 minutes.
(Excerpt from the Statutes on Enrollment; see there also the General examination requirements.)