Viola entrance exam

The application period for the summer semester 2025 begins on 01.12.24 and ends on 10.01.25 (Master's and Konzertexamen only). For the winter semester 2025/26, the application period begins on 15.02.25 and ends on 01.04.25

For a successful application to the Instrumental Music Viola program, the following steps are required within the application deadline:

• Receipt of online application incl. upload of supporting documents
• Receipt of application fee (payment information at the end of the completed online application)
• Receipt of form with video link (to be submitted as an unlisted YouTube video)

Your application will only be considered if all the steps described have been completed in full by the application deadline and the online application and application fee have been received.

We look forward to receiving your application!

After the application deadline, a pre-selection will be made from the applications received on the basis of the videos and this selection will be invited to a 2nd selection round (probably on site).

Below you will find further information on the requirements for the entrance exam.

The following works must be prepared as repertoire for the entrance examination:

• Solo Sonata/Partita or Cello Suite by J. S. Bach - 2 movements slow - fast
• First movement of a viola concerto with cadenza e.g. by Hoffmeister / Vanhall / Stamitz
• An optional piece

For the video recording test, the following works from the above-mentioned repertoire must be recorded and uploaded as a video within the application deadline:

• J. S. Bach: two movements of a solo sonata/partita or cello suite, slow/fast, each without repetition
• First movement of a viola concerto with cadenza, e.g. by Hoffmeister/ Stamitz

To help you prepare for the exams in the subsidiary subjects of general music theory and aural training, we offer you some sample exams as examples

After the application deadline, a pre-selection will be made from the applications received on the basis of the videos and this selection will be invited to a 2nd selection round on site.

Below you will find further information on the requirements for the entrance exam.

The following works must be prepared as repertoire for the entrance examination:

• J.S. Bach: three contrasting movements from a suite, partita or solo sonata
• first movement from a classical concerto (Hoffmeister/Stamitz)
• one movement from another solo concerto (not baroque or classical)
• a work of your own choice (individual movements are possible)

All works except duo sonatas or works of new music must be performed from memory.

For the video recording test, the following works from the above-mentioned repertoire must be recorded and the video link uploaded within the application deadline:

• J.S. Bach: at least one movement
• First movement from a classical concerto, at least up to the recapitulation and cadenza
• a work of your own choice

Duration of the recording: min. 15 minutes

The following also applies to the video: All works except for duo sonatas or works of new music must be performed from memory.

Please note the requirements for video submissions further down the page.

We are looking for young musicians who, due to their special artistic personality, show an aptitude for a career as a soloist or chamber musician or who are suitable for leading positions in the orchestra. We particularly want to support artists with their own initiative who want to help shape the future in a musically creative and ambitious way.

After the application deadline, a pre-selection will be made from the applications received on the basis of the videos and this selection will be invited to a second selection round on site.

Your application will only be considered if all the steps described have been completed in full by the application deadline and the online application, application fee and video link have been received.

Below you will find further information on the requirements for the entrance exam.

Attention: There will be a first round in video form!

For the entrance examination, a recital program of at least 60 minutes duration including a composition in a clearly modern tonal language, as well as a complete solo concert should be prepared.

Please note during preparation:

• Recital program (60 minutes duration)
• complete solo concerto
• Inclusion of clearly modern musical language

All works except duo sonatas or works of new music must be performed from memory.

It is permitted to bring your own chamber music or duo partners if desired.

For the video recording exam, the following works must be recorded and the video link uploaded within the application deadline:

• a classical concerto: first movement with cadenza
• J.S.Bach: at least one movement
• a contrasting work

Duration of the recording: min. 15 minutes

The following also applies to the video: all works except for duo sonatas or works of new music must be performed from memory.

If you have any questions about the content of the programs, please contact us directly at: programme-streicher-ke@hfmt-hamburg.de

Please note the requirements for video submissions further down the page.

The video must be submitted as an unlisted YouTube video.

The required repertoire must be submitted in one video. A compilation of the individual parts of the examination is permitted.

Please name the video as follows:
Last name_first name_application number