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Orchestral instruments

Unfortunately, the overview is only available in German so far. Please consider the panel "Auf einen Blick" here.

The field of orchestral education forms the major part of the artistic teaching programme. Detmold University of Music offers classes in strings, woodwind and brass as well as a wide range of classes in percussion instruments. During the course of their study, students are prepared for a career as an orchestral musician in symphony, opera and radio orchestras or for work as a freelance musician. Great importance is attached to soloist training and to concert examinations. Our professors have been – or indeed still are, alongside their teaching activity – members of, or principal players with, the great European orchestras (the Vienna Philharmonic, Stuttgart Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra or Dortmund Philharmonic). In addition to its superbly equipped premises, Detmold University of Music owns a comprehensive stock of instruments. Opportunities for practice are available round the clock. Courses in musicians’ health and advice from our Career Centre further enrich the training programme. Students gain practical experience in the HfM Orchestra and the numerous chamber music ensembles. In conjunction with the three other music colleges in North Rhine-Westphalia, Detmold University of Music is a sponsor of the Orchesterzentrum|NRW in Dortmund. The centre offers focussed training as part of an Master’s degree programme in preparation for a career as an orchestral musician.

Chamber music

Chamber music is a particularly important aspect of a musical education. In ensemble playing musical relationships become noticeable, as well as key competencies such as interaction, awareness of responsibility and aural skills. Sometimes called the supreme discipline of music, ensemble playing can be a significant mainstay of a student’s later professional career. One of the opportunities afforded a student who takes part in chamber music is the formation of ensembles with different line-ups. In addition, Detmold University of Music encourages ensembles that venture outside the typical instrumental groupings by means of regular workshop concerts, in which students form their own ensembles. To give students training and experience in performing right from the start, chamber music events are routinely included in the public concert life of the college. These include the mini-festival ‘Mosaics’, which takes place each year in December, and the series ‘Chamber Music in Detmold’, now a regular feature during which tutors give chamber music concerts. As one of the few university-level colleges in Germany, Detmold University of Music has established its own Chair of String Chamber Music. The Chair is held by members of the world-famous Auryn Quartet: their experience, gained over many decades, is of enormous benefit to our students. The annual Auryn Competition for String Chamber Music aims to motivate already existing ensembles to spend an extended period of time in intensive artistic collaboration.

Unfortunately, official documents are only available in German so far. Please consider the panel "Studiengangsdokumente" here.

Winter semester

Bachelor/ Master/ Concert exam: 15.02. - 15.03.

Summer semester

Bachelor/Master/Concert exam: 01.10. - 01.11.

Please apply to the Detmold University of Music via the online platform muvac.

  • First of all, create your muvac candidate profile with as detailed information as possible.
  • Then select the degree program you are interested in amongst the vacancies directly in muvac under Institutions – Hochschule für Musik Detmold. It is important that you upload your complete application documents and your video for the pre-selection (if required for your degree program). Check beforehand that your video meets all the requirements.
  • A processing fee of 50.00 Euros will be charged for the application. Please note: a refund is not possible.

Important: Please check in your e-mails afterwards that you have received a confirmation e-mail. You will be informed about the status of your application via muvac.

The probable dates of the aptitude tests can be found here.

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Bassoon
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes. Works from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. Sight-reading may be required.
Harp
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 10-15 minutes. Works from different musical periods
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. One work composed after 1960.
Horn
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes. Free choice of programme.
AuditionA 20 minutes programme of medium difficulty, from stylistically different musical periods of the horn repertoire. (single movements are allowed)
Clarinet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes. Works from different musical periods.

Audition

 
  • A programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods.
  • Sight-reading may be required.
 
Double bass
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, works from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. Sight-reading may be part of the audition.
Oboe
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, works from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. Sight-reading may be required.
Trombone
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes. Free choice of programme.
AuditionA 20 minutes programme of medium difficulty from stylistically different musical periods of the trombone repertoire. Technical exercises and sight- reading might be tested.
Flute
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, works from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. Sight-reading may be required.
Percussion 
Preliminary round

Video recording: 30 Minutes

  • An etude for snaredrum (also „ff- and pp-roll“ and Rudiments)
  • An etude for timpani (we may also check your tuning-skills and some technical exercises)
  • An etude for xylophone
  • An etude for marimba
  • Etudes for tambourine, cymbals and triangle
 
Audition

30-40 minutes of programme for the following instruments:

  • an etude for snaredrum (also ff- und pp-rolls and Rudiments)
  • An etude for timpani (tuning, some technical exercises)
  • an etude for marimba
  • an etude for tambourine
  • sight-reading
 
Trumpet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.

Audition

A 30 minutes programme of medium difficulty, from stylistically different musical periods of the trumpet repertoire. At least one work from the 20th/21st century. Only complete works. B♭ Trumpet or Perinet trumpet.

Tuba
Preliminary
round
Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.

Audition

 
  • Compulsory: Boris Grigoriev: Etude No. 50 (without piano)
  • Choose at least two movements from the following works:
    • E. Gregson - Tuba Concerto
    • P. Hindemith - Sonate für Tuba
    • R. Schumann - 3 Fantasiestücke, arranged for Tuba
    • A. Plog - Tuba Sonata
    • H. Eccles - Sonate
    • J.S. Bach - Sonate II
 
Viola
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 15-20 minutes of the audition repertoire

Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes, from at least two different musical periods, amongst which one movement/work by J.S. Bach.
Violin
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 15-20 minutes. Works from different musical periods.

Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes, with repertoire from at least two different musical periods, including one movement of a solo work or an etude. Only complete movements. A technique test and a conversation with the audition panel can be part of the audition.

Violoncello
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire

Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes with 3 completely prepared works from different musical periods, including:

  • a composition from the 20th century
  • a concerto for cello and orchestra
  • a cello solo piece
 

The compulsory subjects for the Bachelor programme Orchestral Musician are the following:

  • Compulsory subject piano: Performance of two easy piano pieces from different musical periods, e.g. J. S. Bach: Kleine Präludien; classical sonatinas; Schumann: Album für die Jugend; Bartók: Microcosmos III/IV.
  • Music Theory: Demonstration of a command of "General Music Theory", basic knowledge of harmony. Written test of 60 minutes duration: notation, beat/rhythm, intervals, scales (incl. church modes), chord structure. Continuation of a given melody; elementary 2-part linear and 4-part homophonic song setting; (supplementary oral examination if necessary). Example
  • Aural Skills: Examination of giftedness and previous education. Written test of about 60 minutes duration: time signatures, recognition of a melody, rhythmisation of a tone sequence, interval and chord dictation, simple 2-part movement, melodic memory task, recognition of rhythmic and melodic errors.Example

To prepare for the aptitude test in the subjects music theory and ear training, you can use our newly developed tutorials and exercises:

1. Register for free on detmoldmusictools.de
2. Select the course 003 aptitude test at HfM Detmold or use the following link: https://detmoldmusictools.de/index.php?cmd=courseManager&mod=course&action=show&courseId=362

The Deutsche Tonkünstlerverband offers preparatory courses in music theory and ear training for the aptitude test in Detmold.

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Percussion (Pop, World music and Folk/Jazz instruments and their interaction are tested) 
Preliminary
round

Video-recording: 30 minutes
1. Etudes for Snaredrum (also „ff- and pp-rolls“ and Rudiments)
2. Etudes for Drumset
3. Etudes for Marimba
4. Etudes for Vibraphone

Audition 
  • a solo piece for marimba
  • a solo piece for set-up
  • a solo or improvisation for baroque percussion (e.g. castagnets, bombo, darabukka, tambourine, handdrum)
  • sight-reading

Specialisation Marimba/Vibraphone (about 20 minutes):

  • A work by J.S. Bach or another composer from the baroque musical period
  • Two free choice pieces
 

 

The compulsory subjects for the Bachelor programme Freelance Musician with main instrument percussion are the following:

  • Compulsory subject piano: Performance of two easy piano pieces from different musical periods, e.g. J. S. Bach: Kleine Präludien; classical sonatinas; Schumann: Album für die Jugend; Bartók: Microcosmos III/IV.
  • Music Theory Demonstration of a command of "General Music Theory", basic knowledge of harmony. Written test of 60 minutes duration: notation, beat/rhythm, intervals, scales (incl. church modes), chord structure. Continuation of a given melody; elementary 2-part linear and 4-part homophonic song setting; (supplementary oral examination if necessary).Example
  • Aural Skills: Examination of giftedness and previous education. Written test of about 60 minutes duration: time signatures, recognition of a melody, rhythmisation of a tone sequence, interval and chord dictation, simple 2-part movement, melodic memory task, recognition of rhythmic and melodic errors.Example

To prepare for the aptitude test in the subjects music theory and ear training, you can use our newly developed tutorials and exercises:

1. Register for free on detmoldmusictools.de
2. Select the course 003 aptitude test at HfM Detmold or use the following link: https://detmoldmusictools.de/index.php?cmd=courseManager&mod=course&action=show&courseId=362

The Deutsche Tonkünstlerverband offers preparatory courses in music theory and ear training for the aptitude test in Detmold.

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Bassoon
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods.

Compuslory work:

  • First movement of the Mozart concerto.
Sight reading is eventually required.
Harp
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods. At least one work composed after 1960. Only complete works.

Horn
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.

Clarinet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods. Compuslory work:

  • First movement of the Mozart concerto.
Sight reading is eventually required.
Double bass
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition programme.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Oboe
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods.
ompuslory works:

  • First movement of the Mozart concerto.
  • A solo work from the 20th century
Sight reading is eventually required.
Trombone
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.

Flute
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods.
Compulsory works:

  • First movement of a Mozart concerto, or Rondo D-Dur KVAnh. 184
  • Free choice of a solo work
Sight-reading may be part of the audition
Percussion 
Preliminary round

Video recording: 30-40 minutes.

  • Two solos or performance pieces for marimba
  • Two Etudes for marimba
  • A performance piece for set-up

Main subject marimba (about 20 minutes):

  • A work by J.S. Bach or another composer from the baroque musical period
  • Two free choice pieces
 
Audition

Audition:

  • Two solos or concert pieces for marimba
  • A solo for set-up
  • Sight-reading
  • Technical exercises

Main subject marimba: 45 minutes of programme from different musical periods. An obligatory piece will be sent to you after passing the video preliminary round..

Trumpet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes, only complete works, containing:

  • a work from the classical musical period (e.g. Haydn, Hummel, Neruda)
  • at least one work for piccolo trumpet from the baroque musical period
  • a work for solo trumpet from the 20th/21st century
 
Tuba
Preliminary
round
Video recording: at least 20 minutes, of the audition programme.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods.
Compulsory:
Choose one from:

  • R.V. Williams - Concerto for Tuba, or
  •  J. Koetsier - Tuba-Concerto, or
  • Plog - 3 Miniaturen

Choose two movements from:

  • E.von Koch - Tuba Concerto
  • E. Ewazen - Tuba Concerto
  • E. Gregson - Alarum
  • R. Schumann - Adagio und Allegro für Tuba bearbeitet
  • E. Bozza - Concerto
 
Viola
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition programme.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from differing musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Violin
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition programme.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from differing musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Violoncello
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition programme.

Audition

A programme of at least 45 minutes with demanding repertoire from differing musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Preliminary roundThe audition programme should be sent in advance by video for a pre-selection of applicants.
Audition

For the audition, two audition pieces typical for the instrument (one movement from each) and certain sections of orchestral parts are to be prepared. The works to be prepared can be found on the homepage of the Orchesterzentrum: https://www.orchesterzentrum.de/bewerbung.html

 

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Bassoon
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo.
Harp
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 20 minutes of the audition programme with your own chamber music partners.
AuditionA programme of at least 40 minutes with your own chamber music partners. 2-3 demanding works, including at least one work for trio or more.
Horn
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo.
Clarinet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo.
Double bass
Preliminary roundVideo recording: max. 20 minutes, selection from the audition programme.
Audition45 minutes programme; 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (3 or more players). Only one work may be a duo. Only complete movements.
Oboe
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo.
Trombone
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo.
Flute
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players) Only one work may be a Duo.
Percussion 
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo.
Trumpet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
Audition2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo.
Tuba
Preliminary roundVideo recording of the audition programme
AuditionA programme of at least 45 minutes, with 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo.
Viola
Preliminary roundVideo recording: max. 20 minutes, selection from the audition programme.
Audition45 minutes of programme; 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (3 or more players). Only one work may be a duo. Only complete movements.
Violin
Preliminary roundVideo recording: max. 20 minutes, selection from the audition programme.

Audition

45 minutes of programme; 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (3 or more players). Only one work may be a duo. Only complete movements.
Violoncello
Preliminary roundVideo recording: max. 20 minutes, selection from the audition programme.
Audition45 minutes of programme; 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (3 or more players). Only one work may be a duo. Only complete movements.

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

Bassoon
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes.
Harp
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 20 minutes of the audition programme.
AuditionA programme of 30 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods. At least one work composed after 1960.
Horn
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
AuditionA programme of at least 30 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Clarinet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes.
Double bass
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 10-15 minutes of the audition programme.
Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Oboe
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes.
Trombone
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
AuditionA programme of at least 30 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Flute
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods.
AuditionA programme of at least 20 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes.
Percussion 
Preliminary round

Video recording: 30-40 minutes.

  • Transcriptions for drumset
  • Concert piece for snaredrum
  • Concert piece for vibraphone
  • Concert piece for drumset or vibraphone with band

Main subject marimba (ca. 20 minutes)

  • a piece or movement by J.S. Bach, or a composer from the baroque musical period
  • two pieces (free choice)
 
Audition

Audition (45 minutes):

  • A solo for drumset with playalong
  • A solo for marimba
  • A solo for an instrument played with hands (djembé, conga etc.)

Main subject marimba:

45 minutes of programme from different musical periods. An obligatory piece will be sent to you after passing the video audition.
Trumpet
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire.
AuditionA programme of at least 45 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods. Only complete works.
Tuba
Preliminary roundVideo recording: at least 20 minutes, of the audition repertoire.
AuditionA programme of at least 45 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
Viola
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 10-15 minutes of the audition programme.
Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes with demanding repertoire from differient musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works. Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Violin
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 10-15 minutes of the audition repertoire.

Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works. Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 
Violoncello
Preliminary roundVideo recording: 10-15 minutes of the audition programme.
Audition

A programme of at least 30 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works. Assessment criteria:

  • musical expression
  • artistic imagination
  • correct treatment of the score
  • stylistic correctness
  • technical skills
  • choice of repertoire
 

The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:

  • successful completion of a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in artistic instrumental studies or singing or an equivalent diploma
  • successful completion of the aptitude test
  • evidence of health insurance
  • evidence of payment of the semester fee
Preliminary round

A video programme of minimum 30 minutes should be sent in advance for a pre-selection of applicants.

Audition

The 1st audition round consists of an artistic presentation by the applicant or the string quartet or piano trio in front of an expert commission. For this presentation, the expert commission selects circa 20 minutes from the 60-minute programme proposal. The expert commission decides on whether the applicant proceeds to the 2nd round.
The 2nd audition round consists of an artistic presentation by the applicant or the string quartet or piano trio in front of a large, interdisciplinary commission. For this presentation, the commission selects circa 20 minutes from the 60-minute programme proposal.
If an applicant is admitted to the audition according to § 2 Para. 2, the large, interdisciplinary commission may conduct a colloquium, the form and content of which are to be determined by the commission.
In the subject Piano (Lied interpretation), the applicant brings his/her own singing partner to the audition.

 

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please visit us during our opening hours or write a mail to the following address:

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