Violin admission requirements for BA studies

Admission requirements are the same for in person and online applicants unless indicated otherwise.

Main subject

  • 2 movements of different characters and tempo by J. S. Bach, from Partitas or solo sonatas (the double movements are also to be performed in case of Partita in B minor)
  • 1 outer movement of a violin concerto selected by the candidate (the 1st movement in case of Mozart violin concertos)
  • One etude: to be chosen from the two previously selected options
    Selected etudes to choose from in 2024:
    1. Rode: Etude No. 6 from 24 Caprices
    2. OR
    3. Gaviniès: Etude No. 16 from 24 Matinées
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. The recording cannot be older than six months.

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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.

SAMPLE SHEET MUSIC

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.