Music Theory

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]).

Minor in Music Theory in the artistic or artistic-pedagogical Bachelor of Music degree programme

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.)