M.Mus. Orchestral Instruments, Major Strings

Programme details

The study programme offers students to choose a profile: either orchestra playing or chamber music. Orchestra and chamber musicians have to meet both particular and complex demands regarding genre (sinfonia, opera, operetta, musical, sonata, cantata etc.), cast and style of the works which will be performed (knowledge of interpretational characteristics ranging from Early Music to vanguard playing techniques of the newest compositions is expected). Therefore, it is necessary for the musician to possess great artistic potential as well as the ability to work as part of an ensemble and to take up a subordinate role in a group (following a concertmaster, principal, conductor).

Instrumental excellence regarding playing techniques and interpretational skills is the fundamental prerequisite for a successful orchestra or chamber musician. Therefore, the Major Specialism modules (“Künstlerisches Kernmodul I+II”, semesters 1–4) is the essential part of each semester. Ensemble playing from chamber music to orchestra playing in different contexts (university orchestra and by choice practical period with a professional orchestra or playing in/leading a chamber music ensemble) is the pillar of the Key Modules (“Schwerpunktmodul I+II”, semesters 1–4). The core segment is supported by study fields such as audition training and performance skills. The Master’s course is characterised by its highly practical component.

The module Applied Music Theory and Musicology (“Angewandte Musiktheorie und Musikwissenschaft”, semesters 1–2) has been aligned with the core area of the course.

During the 3rd and the 4th semester, students choose one additional module out of a module catalogue to either refine their artistic skills or to further specialise.

Please note that the title of the degree course has been changed from M.Mus. Orchestra to M.Mus. Orchestral Instruments in the summer semester 2021. You find the study documents for the expiring degree course M.Mus. Orchestra on the German website. 

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

Study documents

Please visit the German website.

Career perspectives

The Master’s course aims towards educating artists who are able to work as soloists, orchestra or chamber musicians and meet the various expectations of the professional market. The programme has been designed in such a way as to include all essential fields of study while providing sufficient space for the qualification in the main instrument.

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 (Orchestral Instruments), 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 note: There will be no aptitude test for Double Bass for the summer semester 2025. Applications will be accepted again from 1.3.2025 - 15.04.2025. 

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 according to the regulations of the study course you are applying for.

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: (approximately 15 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)

  • a first movement from a viola concerto by F. A. Hoffmeister or C. Stamitz (exposition and cadenza only)
  • one solo piece of your own choice (it can be a movement of a sonata or suite)
  • one piece of your own choice that is stylistically different from the other pieces (it can be a movement of a sonata, suite or concerto)

Violoncello: (approximately 10 min)

  • two contrasting pieces

Double bass: (approximately 10 min) no aptitude test for the summer semester 2025.

  • Two movements from different eras, including a first movement (with cadenza) from a classical concerto.

The works can be performed with or without a répétiteur.

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. All requirements for the aptitude test part 2 are listed in the description of part 1!

 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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