Harpsichord admission requirements for BA and non-degree studies
Admission requirements are the same for in person and online applicants unless indicated otherwise.
Main subject:
Programme of minimum 25 minutes at the applicant's choice, presenting as many styles and genres as possible.
- A 16th- or 17th-century pieces of minimum 4 minutes
- J. S. Bach: Wohltemperiertes Klavier:
- 2 Preludes and 2 Fugues
or - 1 French Suite
or - 1 separate Suite (BWV 818a, 819a, 820, 821, 822, 823, 832, 833)
- 17th- or 18th-century French harpsichord music of minimum 8-10 minutes
- 1 Sonata by D. Scarlatti
- Short sight-reading
- A short interview might take place within the entrance examination
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. PIANO AS COMPULSORY SUBJECT
- J. S. Bach: a short prelude of higher difficulty level or a two-part invention.
- A movement from a classical sonata, or a sonatina movement of the same difficulty level.
- Bartók: one piece from "Microcosmos III" or from "For Children II".
- A solo piece of the above difficulty level.
C. FOLK MUSIC
- Informal conversation about the folk music of the candidate's country.