Bachelor's Course Stings

Entrance Requirement

Are you interested in studying one of the sting instruments - violin, viola, violoncello or doublebass? Then this course is exactly what you are looking for.

Applicants who wish to enrol at the University of Music and Drama have to provide proof of entitlement (normally: “Abitur”– general/specialized higher education entrance qualification or foreign equivalent). As an exception for music studies and on request, this document might be complemented or replaced by a certificate verifying the passed entrance examination to the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock. Applicants also need to have completed their compulsory education or will presumably have done so before they start their studies.

Course Profile

  • Official Length of the programme: four years, 240 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: Bachelor of Music
  • Teachers

Programme Details

The Artistic Modules (“Künstlerisches Kernmodul” and “Obligatorische Vertiefung Kernmodul”, semesters 1 – 8) provide the core of the Bachelor’s course. At the beginning of their studies, students learn to develop and adjust their individual playing technique and build up a repertoire for their respective string instrument. Furthermore, they study with a répétiteur which is essential for intonation, harmonic interplaying, adaptability as well as artistic projection and assertiveness.

Music Comprehension I, II, and III (“Musikerschließung I, II, III”, semesters 1 – 6) are basic modules during which students learn to approach music as a whole. The module Music Education (“Musikpädagogik”, semesters 1 – 2) comprises lectures providing basic pedagogical knowledge and the Didactics Module (“Obligatorisches Vertiefungsmodul Didaktik”, semesters 5 – 6) builds on it. During the latter, practical school work with learners becomes part of the study. Those students who wish to work as teachers at music schools after graduating can further develop their pedagogical skills by choosing an optional pedagogical module (such as Elementary Music Education “Elementare Musikpädagogik”, semesters 5 – 6).

Beside the pedagogical area, there are several other optional modules that can be chosen from a module catalogue in order to either aim towards the refinement of artistic skills (for instance Chamber Music) or a specialisation (for instance Contemporary Music, Ensemble Leading). One optional module has to be completed.

The advanced mandatory modules in semesters 5 – 8 allow students to expand the knowledge they acquired during the first study period and develop a solid competence. That means with regard to the main instrumental subject: Students expand and consolidate interpretation skills. The knowledge of literature is backed through the Ensemble module (semesters 1 – 8, comprises Orchestra Playing, Orchestral Studies and Chamber Music).

Parts of the final artistic exam in the main instrument may be performed in a public concert that is organized through the university.

Career perspectives

The course provides a basis for professional work in orchestras or ensembles. Some graduates will also teach at music schools. Those students who stand out through artistic excellence might either pursue their studies and apply for an instrumental Master’s course (and maybe also qualify for the 3rd cycle, “Konzertexamen”) or start their career immediately. The Master’s course in Music Education is of interest for those graduates who wish to enlarge their expertise for teaching at music schools or free lanced.

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 Bachelor’s degree (Strings), 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 one video.

Please submit one single video recording (one take, uncut, no post-editing) comprising the works given below. Due to the given maximum length of the video, you will only be able to play the works in part. You are free to choose which part of each work you present in your video.

Violin: (approx. 10 min, concert: exposition only)

  • two contrasting movements from a Bach Sonata or Partita
  • a first movement from a violin concerto by W. A. Mozart (with cadenza)
  • a movement of a great violin concerto of Romanticism or classical modernism
  • a Caprice/Etude with a virtuoso level of difficulty

Viola: (approx. 15 minutes)

  • one Caprice/Etude
  • one solo piece of your own choice (it can be a movement of a sonata or suite)
  • one piece of your own choice (it can be a movement of a sonata or suite)

Violoncello: (approx. 10 min)

  • one movement (prelude or any other movement) from a Bach suite
  • one or two contrasting pieces

Double bass:  (approx. 10 min)

  • One slow and one fast movement from different eras. 

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. The video should be framed to show the whole person.

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:

  • Pieces from Part 1 can be performed, but also other pieces that meet the criteria of the programme selection.

You will also have to take tests in your respective compulsory subjects (Piano and Music theory). 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. Piotr Szumiel, Head of Strings
Piotr.Szumielhmt-rostockde

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