The aptitude test is the first step towards gaining admission to the Master Music Performance.
Throughout the course of this multi-stage examination, we evaluate candidates’ musical, creative and instrumental/vocal skills and abilities.
Even if a candidate passes the aptitude test their admission is also contingent upon the availability of study places.
Vocalists, instrumentalists (only guitar, bass, drums, piano/electronic keyboards such as synthesizers, Rhodes piano, organ etc.) can apply and the programme is also open to Live-Electronics-Artists/Producers who use a laptop plus, if applicable, an instrument or their voices.
If candidates pass the aptitude test but are not accepted due to a lack of study places, they must repeat the examination when re-applying for later admission to the degree programme.
Admission to the aptitude test based on a written dossier including work samples
The dossier contains a comprehensive description of the candidate’s artistic career to date as well as their past and current work as a PDF file. Photos and links to websites, social media channels etc. are welcome and should be included.
It also includes links to three self-produced music tracks in audio or video format.
- At least one of these must be a complete, unedited live music performance on video.
- No more than one of these may be a cover version.
The links must be accessible until May 31.
Before admission to the aptitude test, the submitted documents are first checked for completeness by the university administration. The university administration then informs the candidates and the jury whether the documents are correct and the candidate is admitted for the professional evaluation, i.e. the viewing of the video portfolio by the jury.
This is only an administrative pre-clearance and not the admission to the aptitude test by the jury. This will take place in a second step and will be communicated separately.
After reviewing all video portfolios, the jury decides whether or not the candidates meet the necessary artistic requirements for the study programme and are admitted to the aptitude test.
- The jury evaluates:
- the excellence of the instrumental/vocal performance,
- the description of their current artistic activities,
- the musical originality/recognizability,
- the general creativity and originality of the video and performances,
- the artistic potential/individuality of the candidate’s own music/interpretations.
- as well as the connectivity to current trends in pop music.
As of March 29, all candidates will be informed by the Jazz and Pop Secretariat via e-mail about their admission or non-admission. Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office cannot be answered.
There is no entitlement to a professional explanation of the decision.
Aptitude test
The aptitude test consists of two parts:
1. Live-Performance
2. Interview
- Live-Performance / Showcase
Duration: max. 30 minutes
The live performance takes place on stage in the department’s own music club, Mehrspur.
Candidates determine the form and content of the performance themselves. Candidates are responsible for designing, organizing and executing the performance.
Candidates principally organize their own band; however, they may also appear as a soloist. - The jury evaluates:
- the skill level displayed in the areas of performance, composition/arrangement and production,
- the conceptual creativity and individuality of the performance,
- the autonomy of the musical-artistic statement.
- Interview
Duration: approx. 15 minutes.
Open discussion with the Jury, focusing on questions concerning the Live-Performance, career objectives and organizing one's course of study.
A candidate’s suitability for admission to the Master’s programme is assessed on the basis of their performance, dossier, video portfolio and examination results from previous courses of study.
Even if a candidate passes the admissions examination, their admission is also contingent upon the availability of study places.
Allocation of study places
As of 10 May, all candidates will be informed by the Jazz and Pop office via e-mail whether or not they will be offered a study place. Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office cannot be answered.
Candidates with the status “waiting list” will not be offered a place at first, but in case of cancellations by other candidates, they can move up to a place and will be informed by the Jazz and Pop Office via e-mail as of 29 May whether they will be offered a study place or not. Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office cannot be answered.
There is no entitlement to further justification of the decisions.
If a candidate passes the admissions examination but is not accepted due to a lack of study places, they must repeat the examination when re-applying for later admission to the degree programme.