Song Interpretation entrance exam

The application period for the winter semester 2025/26 begins on 15.02.25 and ends on 01.04.25.

For a successful application to the Song Interpretation/Master of Music program and the Song Interpretation - Global Art Song/Concert Exam 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)
• Upload repertoire list as part of the online application

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

Below you will find further information on the prerequisites and content requirements.

We look forward to receiving your application!

• Bachelor's, diploma, master's or equivalent degree in piano or voice as a major subject
• Singers can only apply as a fixed duo (vocals & piano)
  Note: Please enter the name of the duo partner in the online application in the "Further details" field under "Space for own details"
• Pianists can apply individually
  Note: For individual applications, a vocal partner must be brought along

A repertoire of 30 minutes in total must be prepared for the entrance examination and documented in a repertoire list.

The following must be performed from the prepared repertoire:

• Song program from the complete repertoire: Duration 15 minutes
  • min. 1 song by Franz Schubert
  • min. 1 song composed after 1945
  • min. 2 vocal languages, including German
• There will be a short discussion
• Possibly sight-reading

Please also note

• All songs, with the exception of works composed after 1945, must be performed by heart by the singer of the fixed song duo
• The pianists may play with sheet music
• Singers who are only accompanists for the entrance examination and are not applying for a place at the university may also sing with sheet music

Song Interpretation - Global Art Song

• Completed Master's degree in Song Interpretation at a German or foreign university
• Overall grade at least 1.3 (very good)
• Expert opinion:
  • for Master's degree courses at the HfMT Hamburg:
    recommendation from the examination board of the final examination  
  • for all other German universities:
    Submission of 2 expert opinions from distinguished artistic personalities attesting to the applicant's outstanding performance (one of the two expert opinions must be written by the teacher at the university who taught the applicant)

Please note:

• Singers can only apply as a fixed duo (vocals & piano):
  Please enter the name of the duo partner in the online application in the "Further information" field under "Space for own information"
• Pianists can apply individually:
  For individual applications, a vocal partner must be brought along

A repertoire of 60 - 70 minutes in total must be prepared for the entrance examination and documented in a repertoire list.

The following must be performed from the prepared repertoire:

• Song program from the complete repertoire: duration 20 minutes
  • min. 1 song by Franz Schubert
  • min. 1 song composed after 1945
  • min. 3 vocal languages, including German
  • min. 3 stylistic periods
• There will be a short discussion
• Possibly sight-reading

Please also note:

• All songs, with the exception of works composed after 1945, must be performed from memory by the singer of the fixed song duo
• The pianists may play with sheet music
• Singers who are only accompanists for the entrance examination and are not applying for a place at the university may also sing with sheet music