Master's degree in Piano Solo

Programme details

The Artistic Module (“Künstlerisches Kernmodul”, semesters 1–4) provides the core of the Master’s course comprising the main subject (piano), accompaniment and coaching as well as the open class, the latter allowing students to study with different piano teachers.

The Career Planning Module (“Karriereplanung”, semesters 1–2) supports the Artistic Module with lectures Career Planning (combines music management, application training and contract law) as well as practical exercises in concentration techniques.

The Module Applied Music Theory and Musicology (“Angewandte Musiktheorie und Musikwissenschaft”, semesters 1–2) emphasizes the scientific elements of the study course covering musical analysis and interpretation as well as musicology.

During the 3rd and the 4th semester, students choose one module out of a module catalogue according to their own preference.

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
Career perspectives

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 as soloists on the national and international stage. The Master’s programme has been based on the Bachelor’s course and builds on the competence students have gained from the modules of the first cycle. Students both expand and refine their individual repertoire and perform regularly in front of an audience.

Master’s graduates are able to critically and confidently evaluate the demands of the professional market. They play piano 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.

Language requirements

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 Solo), 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.

Aptitude test requirements

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 three videos.

Please submit three videos recording (one take, uncut, no post-editing) comprising

  • a polyphonic work of the Baroque era (approx. 5 -20 min.)
  • a classical work (approx. 10-20 min.)
  • a freely-chosen work (approx 10-20 min.)

Single movements are also possible.

Examples of the level of difficulty of the works:

  • J. S. Bach: Präludien und Fugen, eine der Partiten
  • L. van Beethoven: Sonate C-Dur op.2/3
  • W. A. Mozart: Sonate D-Dur KV 576
  • R. Schumann: Faschingsschwank aus Wien op.26
  • F. Chopin: Ballade g-Moll op. 23, Fantasie f-Moll op.49
  • J. Brahms: Klavierstücke op.76
  • S. Prokofjew: Sonate Nr. 3
  • C. Debussy: Images I
  • K. Stockhausen: Klavierstück Nr. IX

Solo works must usually be performed from memory. Exceptions must be agreed with the examination board.

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. It has to show your face and your hands. The quality of the recording needs be good enough to judge the sound design. 

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 50-60 minutes.
They are required to perform three or four works of different characters and eras requiring an advanced level of pianistic/artistic competence. You may perform the works from the aptitude test part 1 again.
The following are compulsory: one Baroque work, one work from the Viennese classical period and one 19th century virtuoso work.
The candidate is free to choose the first piece.

Additionally, foreign students have to pass a German proficiency test.

We look forward to 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.peters@hmt-rostock.de

Prof. Bernd Zack, Head of Piano
bernd.zackhmt-rostockde

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