Historical Keyboard Instruments

Entrance exam in central artistic subject (approx. 20 minutes):

• Performance of an artistic programme with at least two pieces of different styles and characters on the historic instrument. (For Historic Violoncello, performance of a mandatory piece, see below for info)
• Sight-reading
• Listening to and understanding (comprehension) of simple melody and chord sequences by singing in response / playing in response; completion of a melody on the relevant instrument
• Performance of simple cadenzas on the harpsichord
• Suitability interview based on the letter of motivation

The entrance examination is used to check the candidate’s aptitude for the specific requirements of the Master’s degree, with particular consideration of their prior knowledge and skills in the practical field. The condition for admission onto the Master’s degree is a completed Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from an Austrian or foreign post-secondary educational facility, as well as successfully passing all parts of the entrance examination.

Fulfilment of the admission requirements in terms of quality are based on the requirements of graduating with a BA in the Early Music degree at the MUK. Admission with a degree qualification that is not relevant to the subject may be linked with the condition that academic achievements from the Bachelor’s degree have to be completed in addition to the Master’s curriculum (see §10 of the Study and Examination Regulation of the articles of association).

Entrance exam:

1) Performance from a representative technically demanding programme, from which the committee will select pieces lasting no more than 25 minutes
- At least 3 different styles
- At least 2 instruments
- 1 solo piece without accompaniment; for historical oboe instruments, violin and historical bassoon instruments: Prelude or cadenza in classic solo concerto or classic étude
- Uninterrupted continuo (only for lute and harpsichord)

2) Prima-vista play

3) Embellishment of a musical section (is provided 60 minutes before the exam)

4) Analysis of a piece from the exam programme, taking into consideration the aspect of historical performance practice. Then subsequent viva based on the letter of motivation and the entrance examination.

The entrance examination serves to check the following
a) the motivation to study
b) the educational, artistic and personal competence of the candidates.

The entrance examination is divided into four parts; the positive assessment of the first and second parts is a prerequisite for admission to the further parts of the examination.
 

1. Online Application

The following documents must be included in the online application:

• A short biography with an overview of the qualifications, competences and main areas of activity acquired so far.
• Letter of motivation with details of personal expectations and objectives
• Programme (prepared pieces) for the artistic examination part (= part 2)
• Programme (prepared pieces) for the pedagogical-practical examination part (= part 3)

More information on the online application can be found here.

2. Artistic part of the examination

ATTENTION: The programme to be prepared as well as the examination process (video or on-site audition) are identical to the requirements of the respective artistic bachelor’s programme. Please inform yourself on the respective page for the corresponding programme requirements.

Another examination of the musical ear and of music theory knowledge will take place at the start of the first semester as part of a classification in the Aural Training and Composition courses only for those candidates who have been admitted to the course.
 

3. Educational-practical part of the examination

Applicants must demonstrate their educational-practical abilities and potential by showing their practical piano and vocal skills in a presentation:

a) Singing and chordal accompaniment

Singing and simultaneous chordal accompaniment (with lead sheets) at the piano. Applicants are given five songs from the field of popular music to prepare (see here)

b) Accompaniment at the piano

Applicants prepare the accompaniment of three pieces (or single movements) which they may choose from the beginner and intermediate literature for their own instrumental or vocal musical subject (in the piano, organ, accordion, guitar, harpsichord and historical keyboard instrument subjects, accompanying three pieces or single movements of their own choice from the beginner and intermediate literature for an orchestral instrument of their own choice).

Practice-oriented simplifications of the accompaniment parts are permissible, if not desirable. Applicants are required to name the pieces when they submit their musical programme at the time of registration. They must submit four copies of the scores to the Examination Panel at the examination.

c) Sight-Singing

Singing a simple song in German.

4. Colloquium

For testing cognitive and linguistic skills.

The panel will discuss and reflect with the applicants on the results of the previous parts of the examination and will examine their individual educational potential as well as their objectives and suitability for the course.

Sample questions for the colloquium are available here.
 

Proficiency in German:
Applicants whose native language is not German also have to prove their proficiency in German. They need to prove that they have at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, at the latest upon enrolment.

Examination in the central artistic subject (approx. 15 minutes):

• Performance of an artistic programme with at least two pieces of different styles and characters of the candidate’s choice.
• Interview
• Examination of German proficiency for applicants who are non-native German speakers

If you cannot join the exam on the given date, an individual exam date can be arranged.

The admission exam can be done directly on site in Vienna or by submitting respective application videos and serves to determine applicants’:
    a) motivation for undertaking the programme of study
    b) artistic proficiency (corresponding to Master’s level entry)
    c) artistic and personal suitability
The admission process is split into three parts – applicants must be successful in Part 1 in order to progress to the next stage.

1. Submission of a short biography (including language skills), covering letter, repertoire list and an audition programme:
•   Short biography: applicants should provide a written overview of the qualifications they have gained so far, their (language) skills, and the areas their activities have focused on.
•   Covering letter: applicants should describe their personal expectations of the programme and what they are looking to get out of it. Applicants should also state their current artistic activities and skills and those they are aiming to acquire.
•   Audition programme for Part 2: a programme for the artistic presentation that makes up Part 2 (corresponding to Master’s level entry).

2. Artistic presentation:
In the artistic presentation, applicants should demonstrate their instrumental proficiency and level of artistry. The programme should be put together by the applicant her/himself and should give as strong an impression as possible of her/his artistic qualifications. Instrumental proficiency should be at least that needed for Master’s level entry.

3. Colloquium:
Together with the applicant, a panel will discuss and reflect on the results of Parts 1 and 2 of the admission exam and examine the applicant’s individual and artistic potential as well as her/his personal goals and suitability for the programme.