The course provides a basis for the professional work as a music theory teacher at music schools and universities or as a freelancer. Those students who stand out through artistic excellence might either pursue their studies and apply for a Master’s course or start their career immediately.

After 8 semesters, career opportunities can usually be discussed with the principal instructor who will give appropriate advice. The Master’s course in Music Theory with the main focus on Contemporary Music provides an interesting option for those graduates who wish to enhance their studies.

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 (Music Theory), students are required to have reached level C1 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.

Please apply between 1 March and 15 April (cut-off date) for the following winter semester or between 1 October and 15 November (cut-off date) for the following summer semester via our Application Portal and upload your documents there within the deadline. 

Applicants for the Bachelor's programme in Music Theory/Composition must complete the following examination parts:

1st examination part
Compositions or style exercises must be submitted. Applicants will only be invited to the 2nd examination component if they have passed the 1st examination part. 

2nd examination part
A 40-minute oral-practical examination in the main subjects of music theory and composition with the following content:

Music Theory
a) Cadence playing prima vista according to a functional template
b) Playing a modulation with a verbal explanation of the modulation path
c) Playing a given figured bass
d) Unprepared analysis of several score excerpts
e) Discussion of music theory topics

Examination sections a) to c) are examined on the piano.

Ear Training and Aural Analysis
f) Recognising and singing intervals and chordsg) Sight-singing (tonal and atonal)
h) Speaking/tapping rhythm from sheet music
i) Hearing harmony progression/cadence progression
j) Listening analysis 

The ability to verbally describe music theory content using appropriate terminology is also an important part of the assessment of the oral-practical examination. Only if the 2nd examination component is passed will the candidate be admitted to the 3rd and 4th examination parts. 

3rd examination part
Written examination in the subjects of Music Theory and Ear Training

Music Theory
A three-hour written examination with the following content: 
k) two-part counterpoint in the Renaissance or Baroque style
l) four-part chorale or cantional setting in the Baroque style
m) analysis of an excerpt from a major-minor tonal work
n) Analysis of a contemporary score (20th/21st century) 

Ear Training 
A 90-minute written examination covering the following content: 
o) monophonic dictation (tonal and atonal, including difficult rhythmic examples)
p) three-part polyphonic dictation
q) four-part homophonic dictation. 

4th examination part
Practical examination in the instrumental/vocal major (a pop major is possible)
In the chosen instrumental or vocal major, elementary knowledge must be demonstrated in a 10-minute practical examination by performing two works from different stylistic periods. 

The aptitude test takes place in June for students starting in the winter semester and in January for students starting in the summer semester.

You can find the exact times on our website under “Bewerbung”. In addition, there will be a language test for foreign applicants. 

We look forward to receiving your applications!