Pre-selection for the aptitude test on the basis of the video portfolio (conducting and oral statement), the submitted CV and the letter of motivation (see “Application documents”).
After reviewing all portfolios, the jury decides on a “short list” of candidates who will be invited to the aptitude test.
Pre-selection Examination Committee:
The jury is composed of main subject lecturers and a representative of the head of department.
The entrance examination consists of 4 parts:
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Submission of further videos (by 20. April 2025)
- Piano: Submission of a video in you perform two different works/movements that demonstrate your current skill level on the piano.
- Main instrument: Video on the main instrument (if this is not piano): Performance of works or individual (whole) pieces. Total duration of 10–15 minutes.
If possible – but not mandatory – the video should be recorded with piano accompaniment.
→ Information about technical requirements of the video submission (format, upload, date)
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Aptitude test (3 May 2025, Zurich, Toni Campus)
(25 Minutes)
Conducting: Conducting a work with an ensemble. Candidates will receive pieces no later than one month before the examination.
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Written examination in music theory (independent online test on the computer)
Duration 2 hours, individually on a computer.
Content
- Identification of intervals (up to the octave, both notes played simultaneously)
- Identification of triads (tonal triads, all inversions, played in four parts)
- Melody dictation (upper voice and bass voice)
- Rhythm dictation
- Aural analysis: describing short musical excerpts from the 15th–21st century
- Score analysis: Describing short score excerpts from the 15th–21st century
- Written realization of a simple figured bass in four-part harmony (triads only, in all inversions, including dominant chords with suspensions)
- Harmonic analysis of a four-part texture (triads only, in all inversions, including dominant chords with suspensions).
→ A sample exam can be found here.
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Integrated aptitude test
Duration 40 minutes in groups of 3-4 candidates each
Content
- Group improvisation:
- The group improvisation examination is conducted as a series of continuous solo and duo improvisations and is concluded with a trio improvisation.
- The improvisation is free, ie. not bound to a particular style.
- Assessment criteria are musical communication skills, empathy, spontaneity, imagination, rhythmic security, reliable ear, and instrumental realization.
- Duration: approx. 5 minutes.
- Theory skills:
- Keyboard skills: A simple bass line is given in a major or minor key with up to three accidentals. The left hand plays this bassline while the right hand adds the corresponding triads.
- Sight-reading of rhythms in simple (3/4, 4/4 etc.) and compound (6/8, 9/8 etc.) meters. The rhythm is spoken on an arbitrary syllable while the pulse is tapped.
- Sight-singing of tonal and atonal melodies.
- Sight-singing of a part of a Bach chorale (women: alto; men: tenor or bass), the remaining three parts will be played on the piano by the examiner.
→ More information about the required theory skills
Examination committee for part 3 and 4
The commission consists of lecturers of music theory at ZHdK.