The course provides a basis for the professional work as a music theory teacher at music schools and universities or as a freelancer. Those students who stand out through artistic excellence might either pursue their studies and apply for a Master’s course or start their career immediately.

After 8 semesters, career opportunities can usually be discussed with the principal instructor who will give appropriate advice. The Master’s course in Music Theory with the main focus on Contemporary Music provides an interesting option for those graduates who wish to enhance their studies.

Foreign students whose native language is not German must provide evidence that their knowledge of German is sufficient for their chosen course. 
For the Bachelor’s degree (Music Theory), students are required to have reached level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 
Applicants’ linguistic competence will be established during the aptitude test. 

You will find further information in the Aptitude Test Regulations and Matriculation Regulations (only in German) of Rostock University of Music and Drama.

Please note: There will be no aptitude test for the summer semester 2025. Applications will be accepted again from 1.3.2025 - 15.04.2025. 

Please apply via our application website by uploading the required documents by 15^th of April for the next winter semester and 15^th of November for the next summer semester.

Study applicants for the bachelor's degree course in Music Theory must complete the following examination components:

Examination Part 1
a 40-minute oral and practical examination with the following contents: 

Major Music Theory

Keyboard Skills

a) play a four-part cadence/chord progression at sight following functional symbols or roman numerals,
b) play a modulation with verbal explanation of the course of modulation, 
c) play a figured bass,
d) spontaneous analysis of several excerpts from musical scores,
e) discussion about topics related to music theory.

Parts a) to c) with be carried out at the piano.

Major Ear Training and Aural Analysis
f) Identifying and singing intervals and chords, 
g) Sight-singing (tonal and atonal),
h) Speaking/tapping rhythm on sight,
i) Identifying a chord progression/cadence,
j) Aural analysis

The ability to suitably depict musical theory contents in a verbal form with suitable terminology is also an important component for the evaluation of the oral-practical examination.

A second part of the examination will only follow if the first part has been passed successfully.

Examination Part 2:

Major Music Theory
three-hour written examination with the following contents:
k) Two-part counterpoint in Renaissance or Baroque style, 
l) Four-part chorale in Baroque style,
m) Analysis of an excerpt of a musical score from a tonal composition,
n) Analysis of a contemporary musical score (20^th/21^st century)

Major Ear Training
90-minute written examination with the following contents:
o) one-part dictations (tonal and atonal incl. difficult rhythmic examples)
p) three-part polyphonic dictation
q) four-part homophonic dictation

Instrumental/Vocal Major
In a 10-minute practical examination for the chosen instrumental or vocal major, applicants must prove elementary knowledge by performing two pieces from various epochs.

The aptitude test takes place will take place in June for the winter semester and in January for the summer semester. The exact dates will be published under apply for studies. You will also have to take tests in your respective compulsory subject Piano. Additionally, foreign students have to pass a German proficiency test.