Violoncello 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 Violoncello 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 video

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 video 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:

• Suite by J. S. Bach 2 movements slow - fast
• First movement of a cello concerto with cadenza
• One optional piece

All works must be performed from memory (except duo sonatas and contemporary works). Complete works must be prepared. It is not sufficient to offer only individual movements, unless this is explicitly required. In the examination, the commission will select parts taking into account the respective time frame.

For the video recording exam, 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 from a cello suite, slow/fast, each without repetitions
• First movement of a cello concerto, including at least the exposition and the cadenza (if available). Total duration 5-7 minutes
• Optional piece: duration 3-5 minutes

Attention - special feature:

For applications for the 5th and 7th semester, the following works must be recorded and uploaded in accordance with the examination regulations:

• J. S. Bach: two movements from a cello suite, slow/fast, each without repetitions
• First movement and slow movement of a cello concerto, at least the exposition and cadenza (if available). Total duration 8-10 minutes
• Optional piece: duration 3-5 minutes

The following also applies in the video: All works must be performed from memory (except duo sonatas and contemporary works).

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:

• Suite by J. S. Bach IV, V or VI
• A sonata of your choice (duo)
• One concerto

All works must be performed from memory (except duo sonatas and contemporary works). Complete works must be prepared. It is not sufficient to offer only individual movements, unless this is explicitly required. In the examination, the commission will select parts taking into account the respective time frame.

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 from Suite 4, 5 or 6, slow/fast, each without repetitions
• 1st and 2nd movement of one of the great cello concertos, at least the expositions from each (cadenza, if available). Total duration 8-10 minutes
• Optional piece: duration 3-5 minutes

The following also applies in the video: All works must be performed from memory (except duo sonatas and contemporary works).

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 program have been received.

Attention: The entrance exam takes place exclusively in presence, a video is not necessary!

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

A stylistically diverse concert program of at least 70 minutes duration should be prepared for the entrance examination. In addition, candidates should be able to perform a complete concerto with orchestra (the orchestral part will be performed by the piano).

Please note during preparation:

• varied concert program
• 70 minutes duration
• additional concerto with orchestra (orchestral part piano)
• No individual movements

All works must be performed from memory.

Any chamber music partners required must be organized and provided by the applicants themselves.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact us directly: 

programme-streicher-ke@hfmt-hamburg.de

The programs must be submitted by the application deadline:

The programs must be submitted within the application deadline for the winter semester 2024/25 by 01.04.2024 at the latest using the form under this upload link.

(Please name the files: "Name.Firstname.Instrument.doc")