Classical Piano admission requirements for BA and non-degree studies
Admission requirements are the same for in person and online applicants unless indicated otherwise.
Main subject:
- J.S. Bach: One prelude and fugue - from the Wohltemperiertes Klavier series
- One complete classical sonata
- One significant romantic piece
- One 20th century piece
- One virtuosic etude
Only for BA applicants (not applicable to non-degree applicants):
- One contemporary piano piece composed for the entrance examination – sheet music is made available one month before the entrance examination.
The contemporary piece for 2024 is available from HERE.
All pieces are to be played from memory.
For online applcants only: the full audition programme must be recorded in one take, no cutting is allowed.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - ONLY FOR FULL-TIME BA STUDIES
A. SOLFEGE, MUSIC THEORY
General requirements: in-depth understanding of the theory of classical harmony (diatonic triads and seventh-chords, their inversions; double dominant; sharpened subdominants with diminished seventh [#IIo7, #IVo7] and their inversions), knowledge of simple and complex forms (incl. compound ternary form [Trio form]).
Written examination:
1.) Dictation of a four-part harmonic progression (max. 15 chords), notation of all parts; indication of the harmonic progression with figures above or below the bass line (figured bass) or with Roman and Arabic numerals. (Played 6 times.)
2.) Writing out, in close voicing, of two four-part harmonic progressions (max. 11 chords) from Roman and Arabic numberals.
3.) Dictation of a Baroque imitative polyphonic excerpt (max. 8 bars, 4/4 time signature, generally moving in quavers; played 10 times).
4.) Dictation of a sequence including ten triads and seventh-chords (and their inversions) built on common bass note. The chords should also be named. (Played 3 times.)
5.) Indication of the parts of simple and compound binary and ternary forms of a musical excerpt given on the spot. Indication of proper keys, modulations, cadences and functions are also needed.
Oral examination:
1.) Playing (on the keyboard) of four-part harmonic progressions in close voicing (max. 11 chords) with appropriate voice-leading (after dictation).
2.) Sight-singing of the vocal part of a German romantic song – selected first of all from the works of Schubert, Schumann and Brahms (max. 12 bars).
B. FOLK MUSIC
- Informal conversation about the folk music of the candidate's country.