Application
- Video file (common format) of an artistic performance (duration: about 10 minutes)
- Exposé of doctoral project (10 DIN A4 pages max.) including timeline
- Motivational letter (one DIN A4 page max.)
- CV in prose form (one DIN A4 page max.)
- Written declaration of consent by the artistic advisor
- Written declaration of consent by the academic advisor
- One copy of the Master’s, diploma or final exam thesis or equivalent proof of prior written academic work
- Transcript of records (certified copy) of the most recent university-level degree (MA/MSc or equivalent)
- Declaration of prior dissertation projects
- Documentation of prior artistic/academic career, including a detailed list of publications and speaking engagements and/or a list of audio and broadcast recordings and performance history (if not included in the CV)
- If applicable, information on technical equipment required for the admission exam
Additional requirements for applications in the Classical Performance profile:
- Programme for an artistic presentation performed in the entrance examination. The programme should reflect the research topic and contain an ambitious reference piece or «pièce de résistance» (duration: 45 minutes)
Additional requirements for applications in the Jazz Performance profile:
- Programme with own band for the presentation performed in the entrance examination. The programme should reflect the research topic and demonstrate a unique artistic language at an advanced level of skill (duration: 20 minutes)
Additional requirements for applications in Composition:
- List of compositions to be presented and discussed in the entrance examination
Additional requirements for applications in Conducting (on prior arrangement):
- List of submitted live audio and/or video recordings. As a rule, the entrance examination includes the live conducting of an ensemble. However, in cases where this is impossible or not feasible, the panel can also make a decision based on the live audio and/or video recordings submitted.
Entrance examination
- Candidates admitted to the entrance examination will receive a personal invitation with detailed information about dates and times.
- The candidates are given a total of 30 minutes for their presentations. The first twenty minutes are dedicated to the artistic presentation, the presentation of the compositions, for the orchestra rehearsal, etc. (depending on the subject, as detailed below). During the remaining ten minutes, the candidates introduce their research project in a short presentation linking artistic practice and academic research, followed by a brief discussion with the committee. The candidates are expected to adhere to the times allocated for the individual parts of their presentation.
- Rules for the 20-minute artistic presentation, by discipline:
- Applicants who have chosen Instrumental/Vocal (Classical profile) as their major prepare a 45-minute programme. The programme should reflect the research topic and contain an ambitious reference piece or «pièce de résistance». The panel will select a 20-minute segment from this programme.
- Applicants who have chosen Instrumental/Vocal (Jazz profile) as their major prepare a 20-minute programme with their own band. The programme should reflect the research topic and showcase a unique artistic voice and highly advanced skills.
- Applicants who have chosen Composition as their major present a selection of compositions in a 20-minute recital. The works should cover as wide a range as possible in terms of scoring/genre/type/etc.
- Applicants who have chosen Conducting as their major typically lead a 20-minute rehearsal with an ensemble and piano. The works to be conducted as well as the size and composition of the ensemble will be communicated to the applicant ahead of the presentation.
- The School of Music will be happy to disclose requirements for other categories upon request.
