Master's degree in piano duo
Programme details
The Major Specialism module (“Künstlerisches Kernmodul”, semesters 1–4) provides the core of the Master’s course comprising the Major (piano duo), Solo Piano lessons and the Open Class which allows students to study with different piano teachers.
The Key Module (“Schwerpunktmodul”, semester 3) comprises Career Planning, Performance Skills and preparation for Competitions.
The Applied Music Theory and Musicology module (“Angewandte Musiktheorie und Musikwissenschaft”, semesters 1–2) emphasises the scientific elements of the study course covering Musical Literature Studies, Repertoire Analysis and Interpretation as well as Musicology.
During the 3rd and the 4th semesters, students choose one module out of a module catalogue according to their own preference.
Piano duos who apply for the Master course have usually already reached a high level of specialisation. The partners aim at a career as a piano duo, having performed actively for some time and prepare systematically for national and international competitions. However, individualised training is still required. Duo lessons mainly focus on the refinement of interpretational skills while solo lessons aim to minimise technical deficiencies of the pianist.
In order to support students to study for their Master’s degree while playing concerts at the same time, the programme has been designed in such a way that students have to be present at the university at the first academic year while the second year is a more open study period. Accordingly, modules that have to be taken by all Master of Music students have to be attended during the first two semesters. During the 3rd and 4th semester, the university offers special teaching forms (e. g. compact courses) for piano duo students.
Course Profile
- Official Length of the programme: two years, 120 ECTS-credits
- Start of the course: winter semester as well as summer semester
- Application period: 1 October to 15 November for the summer semester. 1 March to 15 April for the winter semester.
- University Degree: Master of Music
- Teachers
The study programme has been designed for Bachelor’s graduates (or equivalent degree) who stand out through artistic excellence in the field of piano playing and wish to specialize with a partner as a piano duo on the national and international stage. The Master’s programme in Piano Duo Playing has been based on the Bachelor’s course in Piano Playing and builds on the competence students have gained from previous Bachelor modules. Students both expand and refine their individual repertoire and perform regularly in front of an audience.
Master graduates are able to critically and confidently evaluate the demands of the professional market. They play piano duo works professionally, with artistic conviction and they are able to captivate an audience.
Graduates perform on an international level and they have learned to adjust to the requirements of the market.
Foreign students whose native language is not German must provide evidence that their knowledge of German is sufficient for their chosen course.
For the Master’s degree (Piano Duo), students are required to have reached level B2 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 apply via our application website by uploading the required documents and application video by 15th of April for the next winter semester and 15th of November for the next summer semester.
In order to take part in the aptitude test part 1, you need to submit your application as well as one or several videos according to the regulations of the study course you are applying for.
In order to take part in the aptitude test, you need to submit 3 application videos for the 1st round
- The 3 videos show the duo performing works from 3 different style epochs for piano four-hands or for 2 pianos (play time per video: 15 minutes max., single movements are possible)
Each video has to start with a short introduction (your name, your application number, the title of the piece you are about to present). The video has to be filmed in one take and live, which means the material must not be cut or post-edited. There is no need for professional video production. Videos taken with your mobile phone are absolutely fine. However, you should be clearly visible and audible whilst playing your instrument, your hands should be seen from the side.
You will receive an e-mail with the results of part 1 of the aptitude test. If you have passed part 1 of the aptitude test, you will be invited to part 2 which 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.
Requirements for the aptitude test part 2:
- Applicants must prepare a recital programme lasting approximately 50 minutes with duo performing works from 3 different style epochs for piano four-hands or for 2 pianos
- each duo player has to prepare a solo piece (10 minutes) additionally, for instance a polyphonic work by Bach, a classical sonata form, a virtuoso work from the romantic era etc.).
There will also be a German proficiency test for foreign applicants.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Application
Click here for the ONLINE APPLICATION and the dates of the APTITUDE TEST.
A fee of 50 Euro is charged for processing your application for admission. Please transfer this amount when you submit your application.
We will gladly advise you personally!
Mrs Dörtje Peters
Study Office for Music
fon +49 381 5108 220
fax +49 381 5108 201
doertje.petershmt-rostockde
Prof. Hans-Peter Stenzl, Head of Piano Duo
hans-peter.stenzlhmt-rostockde
Prof. Volker Stenzl, CoHead of Piano Duo
volker.stenzlhmt-rostockde
Visit our university information day in April!
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