Entrance exam information (Sommersemester 2022)

Contact

Prüfungsamt
T +49 (0)721-66.29-257
E pruefungsamt@hfm-karlsruhe.de

Changed procedure for the summer semester 2022

Due to the pandemic-related restrictions (coronavirus) and for the best possible protection of the applicants, the Senate of the Karlsruhe University of Music has decided to conduct the entrance examination for the summer semester 2022 according to § 27 of the enrollment statutes in a modified procedure:

1.
Applicants for the Bachelor's, Master's, Soloist Examination (1st round) and Supplementary Studies programs can choose between an entrance examination in presence or the submission of a video file. The video file must be designed according to the requirements stated below and sent to: bewerbung@hfm.eu no later than 10.01.2022 at 23:59.

If no video file has been received by this deadline, the binding invitation to the entrance examination will be made in presence.

Information on the content and technical requirements for the digital applications (video file) can be found below under the points Video file and Requirements for the examination program.

 

2.
The procedure described under 1. does not apply to:

  • Artistic teaching profession (school music): bachelor's degree
  • Conducting major (choral conducting): all majors
  • Soloist exams (2nd round)
  • Preschool students

For these, the entrance exams are conducted in presence.

For majors in composition, music pedagogy, music theory, please note the requirements for the examination program (see below).

 

General Theory Entrance Examination (Bachelor, Bachelor Artistic Teaching)

For applicants of the study program Bachelor of Artistic Teaching, the examination will take place on 14.02.2022 in presence.

For applicants of the Bachelor's program (all majors) who take the entrance examination in the major subject in presence, the examination will take place on 14.02.2022 in presence.

For applicants of the Bachelor's program (all majors) who do not take the entrance examination in the major subject in presence (video file), the examination will be made up at the beginning of the summer semester (April 2022) or in the context of the entrance examination for the winter semester 2022/23 (20.-25.06.2022) if the major subject examination is passed successfully and admission to the program  is granted.

Application deadlines

  • Submission of the files for the proof of sufficient general education (gifted exam): 05.01.2022
  • Submission of the video file (main subject): 10.01.2022
  • Entrance examination (only for presence examination): 14.02.-19.02.2022

 

Proof of sufficient general education (gifted and talented examination)


The required proof of sufficient general education for applicants without a university entrance qualification does not take place as a presence examination.
All applicants who participate in the gifted exam must successfully pass two tasks in order to participate in the entrance exam (main subject).

1.
Independently written text (maximum 7,500 characters; PDF document).
Subject:
Describe the ways in which modern media have changed musical life and interaction in recent decades. In doing so, address current pandemic experiences with digital music formats, for example, livestreaming of concerts.

2.
Self-promotional video (maximum 3 minutes, spoken).
Topic:
Verbally describe the status of your current musical education and explain why you are pursuing studies at the Karlsruhe University of Music.

3.
Please name the two files according to the following pattern:
Last Name-First Name-Year of Birth (for example, Mustermann-Max-1995).
and send your text (PDF document) and the self-presentation video by 15.01.2022 to: bewerbung@hfm.eu .

Attention.
Participation in the entrance examination (main subject) can only take place if both parts (text and self-presentation video) have been evaluated as "passed" by the examination board.

 

Preparatory education (PreCollege)

The entrance examination will take place as an attendance examination in the period 14.02.-19.02.2022. The specific dates will be sent with the invitation letter.

 

 

Video file (main subject)

General requirements and info

Video files should be submitted exclusively as a link to a privately or publicly available video/s (preferably Youtube) to: bewerbung@hfm-karlsruhe.de

Subject of the e-mail: Name, first name, year of birth, course of study, instrument.

    Ex: Müller, Max, 1999, Bachelor, Piano

In any case, please also send an examination program (PDF) with the following information:

    Last name, first name, year of birth, course of study, instrument.
    (Please only submit pieces that are also submitted as video files!)

 

 

Coaching

With the exception of the main subject voice and opera (correpetition is mandatory), the submission of a video file (main subject) is also possible without correpetition.

 

 

Requirements for the exam program

Wind instruments

Bachelor's · Master's · Soloist exam 

Video file

All courses (except tuba)
A video recording of works according to specifications in the appendix to the enrolment 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.

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

Attendance exam

Requirements based on standard requirements in enrolment rules and the appendix to enrolment rules:
→ Requirements for the proficiency test

Conducting (choral direction)

Bachelor's · Master's · Soloist exam

 

The entrance exam will be held as an in-person exam on 9 July, 2021. Requirements based on standard requirements in enrolment rules and the appendix to enrolment rules:

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

Conducting (orchestral conducting)

The orchestral conducting major is currently unavailable.

Singing

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

 

Bachelor Gesang

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).

No video editing during artistic performance / audition. Correpetition is obligatory.

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?


Attendance exam

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

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)

No video editing during artistic performance / audition. Correpetition is obligatory.

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?

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Exam in solo singing

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)

No video editing during artistic performance / audition. Correpetition is obligatory.

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?

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Harp

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam 

 

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

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

 

Historical Keyboard Instruments

Historical Keyboard Instruments (Postgraduate Studies)

 

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

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Chamber music
Piano chamber music

Chamber Music for Wind Instruments

Chamber music (Master’s degree, postgraduate studies)

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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)

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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)

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Piano

Bachelor’s degree in piano

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Master’s degree in Piano

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Soloist exam for piano

Video file

A freely chosen program that includes an excerpt from a piano concerto.
(The chamber music part is omitted).

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Piano/Historical Keyboard Instruments

Bachelor’s degree

 

Video file

Works from 4 epochs: Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Impressionist, Modern (equally divided between piano and harpsichord/fortepiano).

Individual 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): 20 minutes
(with excerpts from works being allowed)

 

Attendance exam

Works from 4 epochs: Baroque, Classical, Romantic or Impressionist, Modern (equally divided between piano and harpsichord/fortepiano).

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

=>> Anforderungen bei der Eignungsprüfung

 

Composition

Bachelor's · Master's · Soloist exam

 

Video file

Please send your own work (scores, recordings if possible) in digital format by 10/01/2022 via email to bewerbung@hfm.eu .
Preferred file formats: PDF and MP3.

The entrance examination will be held as a video conference in the period 14.02.-19.02.2022. The specific dates will be sent with the invitation letter.

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

Datei (Hauptfach)

Bitte senden Sie eigene Arbeiten (Partituren, nach Möglichkeit Aufnahmen) in digitaler Form bis zum 10.01.2022 per email an bewerbung@hfm.eu .
Bevorzugte Dateiformate: PDF und MP3.

Die Aufnahmeprüfung wird als Videokonferenz im Zeitraum 14.02.–19.02.2022 durchgeführt. Die konkreten Termine werden mit dem Einladungsschreiben übermittelt.

Anforderungen nach Vorgabe der Immatrikulationssatzung/Anlage zur Immatrikulationssatzung: 
→ Anforderungen bei der Eignungsprüfung

Song interpretation

Master's degree | Soloist exam  | Postgraduate studies

 

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?

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Music education

Master’s degree program

Video file

Please send the following documents by 10.01.2022 to the following e-mail address: 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)

 

Attendance exam

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 enrolment rules and the appendix to enrolment rules:

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

Music theory

Bachelor’s degree | Master’s degree

 

The entrance examination for the summer semester 2022 will take place as an attendance examination during the week of 14.02. to 18.02.2022.

Requirements according to the enrolment statutes/annex to the enrolment statutes:

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Opera

Bachelor's · Master's · Soloist exam

 

Bachelor’s degree in Opera

Video file

1. It shall be presented:
· an aria in German language
· an aria of your choice
Total duration about 10 min

No video editing during artistic performance / audition. Correpetition is obligatory.

2 a. A spoken text of your choice in German language, to be recited from memory.
Total duration about 10 min

2 b. A scenic improvisation of about 3 minutes.
Task: You come home and discover a letter lying on the table. You may speak as much as you like during the improvisation, but there should be at least 3 sentences. Please use a letter with an envelope, a table and a chair for the exercise.

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?

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Master’s degree in Opera

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 language
· an aria of your choice
Total duration up to about 15 min

No video editing during artistic performance / audition. Correpetition is obligatory.

2 a. A dramatic text of your choice in German language, to be performed from memory.
Total duration up to about 10 min

2 b. A scenic improvisation of about 3 minutes.
Task: You come home and discover a letter lying on the table. You may speak as much as you like during the improvisation, but there should be at least 3 sentences. Please use a letter with an envelope, a table and a chair for the exercise.

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?

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

Solist’s exam in Opera

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 min

Correpetition is mandatory.

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?

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

Percussion

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

String instruments

Bachelor's | Master's | Soloist exam

 

Bachelor’s program in string instruments

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Soloist exams for string instruments

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test

 

 

Contemporary music

Master’s degree program

 

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)

 

Attendance exam

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

→ Requirements for the proficiency test