Organ admission requirements for BA and non-degree studies
Admission requirements are the same for in person and online applicants unless indicated otherwise.
Main subject:
The two locations of the entrance examination for the academic year 2025/26 are the following:
Old Academy of Music, Bach Room
- J. G. Albrechtsberger: Trio in Es (6 trios for organ, Nr. 3) – played from memory
- a programme composed of pieces from the 16th–18th century literature, of max. 15 minutes
- a Geneva psalm (in Goudimel's style) with figured bass notation that is announced and received on the day of the exam
- a four-part Bach chorale to be played pedaliter, received on the spot
Béla Bartók Secondary School of Music, Gergely Ferenc Hall
- Ch. V. Alkan: Nr. 1 Allegro (11 Grandes Préludes op. 66 Nr. 1) played from memory and without register
- programme from the 19th–21st century chosen by the candidate, max. 15 minutes
- a piece announced on 2 May 2025
The auxiliary material to the Goudimel requirement can be downloaded from here.
The entrance examination committee shall retain the right to listen to the entire programme or parts of it.
Before the entrance examination the applicants have the opportunity to try the instrument.
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.) Writing down an 8-12-bar piece in baroque or Viennese classical style containing equally elaborated parts after dictation (Played 9-10 times).
4.) Dictation of a sequence including twelve to sixteen intervals, triads and seventh-chords and their inversions. The chords should also be named. (Played 3-4 times).
5.) Notation of the dictated rhythm by ear.
6.) 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 harmonic progressions based on classical harmony after dictation.
2.) Sight-singing of two song excerpts from:
a) the 18th century,
b) the late 19th century or 20th century
with a maximum of 12 bars.
3.) Identification and singing of intervals, triads and chords of four notes, as well as their inversions from the given notes.
4.) Clapping or tapping of short rhythmic patterns by sight or by ear.
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.