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:
- evidence of the higher education entrance qualification
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Bassoon | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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. |
| Harp | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 10-15 minutes. Works from different musical periods |
| Audition | A programme of at least 20 minutes, (single movements are allowed) from different musical periods. One work composed after 1960. |
| Horn | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes. Free choice of programme. |
| Audition | A 20 minutes programme of medium difficulty, from stylistically different musical periods of the horn repertoire. (single movements are allowed) |
| Clarinet | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes. Works from different musical periods. |
Audition |
|
| Double bass | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 part of the audition. |
| Oboe | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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. |
| Trombone | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes. Free choice of programme. |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video 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. |
| Percussion | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 30 Minutes
|
| Audition | 30-40 minutes of programme for the following instruments:
|
| Trumpet | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 |
|
| Viola | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 round | Video 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 round | Video 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:
|
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:
- evidence of the higher education entrance qualification
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Percussion (Pop, World music and Folk/Jazz instruments and their interaction are tested) | |
| Preliminary round | Video-recording: 30 minutes |
| Audition |
Specialisation Marimba/Vibraphone (about 20 minutes):
|
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:
- artistic or educational Bachelor's degree or diploma, final university examination if applicable, church music if applicable
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- aptitude test for specific electives if applicable
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Bassoon | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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:
|
| Harp | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 round | Video 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 round | Video 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:
|
| Double bass | |
| 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, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. Only complete works.
|
| Oboe | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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.
|
| Trombone | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 round | Video 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.
|
| Percussion | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 30-40 minutes.
Main subject marimba (about 20 minutes):
|
| Audition | Audition:
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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
Audition | A programme of at least 45 minutes, only complete works, containing:
|
| 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.
Choose two movements from:
|
| Viola | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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.
|
| Violin | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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.
|
| Violoncello | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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.
|
The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:
- artistic or educational Bachelor's degree or diploma, final university examination if applicable, church music if applicable
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- aptitude test for specific electives if applicable
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Preliminary round | The 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:
- artistic or educational Bachelor's degree or diploma, final university examination if applicable, church music if applicable
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- aptitude test for specific electives if applicable
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Bassoon | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo. |
| Harp | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 20 minutes of the audition programme with your own chamber music partners. |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo. |
| Clarinet | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo. |
| Double bass | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: max. 20 minutes, selection from the audition programme. |
| Audition | 45 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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo. |
| Trombone | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a Duo. |
| Flute | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players) Only one work may be a Duo. |
| Percussion | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo. |
| Trumpet | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | 2-3 works chosen from different musical periods for chamber music ensemble (three or more players). Only one work may be a duo. |
| Tuba | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording of the audition programme |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video 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. |
| Violin | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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 round | Video 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. |
The following requirements must be met for the chosen study programme:
- artistic or educational Bachelor's degree or diploma, final university examination if applicable, church music if applicable
- successful completion of the aptitude test
- aptitude test for specific electives if applicable
- evidence of knowledge of German
- evidence of health insurance
- evidence of payment of the semester fee
| Bassoon | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | A programme of at least 20 minutes with demanding repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. |
| Harp | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: 20 minutes of the audition programme. |
| Audition | A programme of 30 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods. At least one work composed after 1960. |
| Horn | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | A programme of at least 20 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. |
| Double bass | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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.
|
| Oboe | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | A programme of at least 20 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods, as well as contemporary repertoire and possibly etudes. |
| Trombone | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, repertoire from different musical periods. |
| Audition | A 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.
Main subject marimba (ca. 20 minutes)
|
| Audition | Audition (45 minutes):
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 round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | A programme of at least 45 minutes with repertoire from different musical periods. Only complete works. |
| Tuba | |
| Preliminary round | Video recording: at least 20 minutes, of the audition repertoire. |
| Audition | A 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 round | Video 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:
|
| Violin | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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:
|
| Violoncello | |
| Preliminary round | Video 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:
|
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. |
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: