Folkwang

Aptitude Test (AT)

Not only the general entrance requirements but also the artistic or study course-specific aptitude is crucial for admission for a study place at the Folkwang University of the Arts. The successfully completed Folkwang aptitude test provides evidence of such aptitude. Aptitude tests performed as other universities will not be recognised.

In several undergraduate study courses, it is possible for the lack of a university entrance qualification from school (general university entrance qualification) to be compensated by evidence of a special artistic talent, namely by a particularly good result in the aptitude test (overall grade at least 1.7).

You can view the details of the aptitude test for the individual study courses and subjects at the study course website on the "Basic info & Application" subpage and read the framework conditions in the Regulations for determining artistic or study course-specific aptitude and special artistic talent.

Structure of the procedure

The aptitude assessment procedures differ depending on the type of study courses and the Faculty in question:

In Music study courses (Faculty 1+2)...

...The aptitude test generally consists of several parts – both practical/oral and written components. In addition, in some study courses there is a digital preliminary round as the first selection stage, for which video recordings and/or own work must be created and submitted via a link in the application portal by the application deadline.

 

For artistic-musical practice study courses, the practical part of the aptitude test generally consists of the performance of works prepared in advance as well as a sight-reading performance, both for the main artistic subject and sometimes for subsidiary artistic subjects. In addition, applicants to a bachelor’s course take a 

 music theory test.

 

For study courses with a pedagogical focus, evidence of pedagogical aptitude as well as the ability to conduct musical groups shall also be provided as a general rule. For academically oriented study courses, evidence of music-related communication and presentation skills shall also be provided in most cases in a discussion.

In performing arts study courses (Faculty 3)...

...the aptitude testing procedure generally consists of several stages and various part examinations in the artistic discipline relevant for the study course in question. In addition, in some study courses there is a digital preliminary round as the first selection stage, for which video recordings and/or own work must be created and submitted via a link in the application portal by the application deadline.

In Design study courses (Faculty 4)...

...the aptitude test procedure is generally structured in two stages; in the field of communication design, however, there is only one stage. For the first stage (preselection), a portfolio containing the applicant’s artistic or creative works and – as appropriate – a home assignment shall be submitted. Each study course determines the formal requirements for the preparation and composition of the portfolio (number of works, size, technical formats, etc.) for itself. Depending on the course, the portfolio must either by submitted digitally through the online application portal, or in hard copy (i.e. by post or in person). The second stage generally consists of a personal discussion. 

 

For artistic and creative study courses with an academic/theoretical focus, evidence shall be provided of the ability for academic research and reflection in relation to artistic/creative issues, say, by means of sample texts.

Important: please note

 
 

Valid once only, can be repeated an unlimited number of times

A passed aptitude test is valid for the following semester. In the study courses School Music Teaching, Music Pedagogy and BA Musicology, it is possible to postpone the start of studies to the next admission date after passing an aptitude test. In the Faculty 4 ‘Design’, the start of studies can be postponed by up to two years. 

The aptitude test can be repeated an unlimited number of times in most study courses.

Presence at the aptitude test

In almost all the study course, applicants must come in person to the university in order to participate in (parts of) the aptitude test. It is not possible to replace this personal presence by video conferences or similar.

Aptitude test in Music Theory

The following information on the aptitude test in music theory is valid for these music-related bachelor study courses:

_B.Mus. Integrative Composition with CAS Instrumental Composition
_B.Mus. Instrumental Training
_B.A. Musicology
_B.Mus. Music Pedagogy
_B.A. Music Teaching at grammar schools and comprehensive schools
_B.Mus. Voice | Music Theatre

Music theory aptitude test preparation
The music theory department offers preparation courses for the theory exam.
> Further information

Requirements

_Knowledge of general music terminology
_Basic knowledge of harmonic and formal principles
_Proof of an adequate level of ear training
_Ability to analyse music through listening and through studying a score

Contents of the written exam

_Pitches and intervals
_Chords and keys
_ Melody
_ Elementary compositional technique

Entrance Requirements

The examination conditions and the evaluation key are basically the same for all applicants.

Sample tests to practise

Please note that the following mock test is a non-binding sample that is only intended to give you an idea of the content and form of the written theory test. You can ‘try out’ all tasks - the solutions are attached. (All tasks are also played several times in the real exam situation).

 

Online-Sample tests to practiseSample tests to practise (Download)

Literature to prepare

Recommended literature to prepare for the music theory aptitude test:

CLEMENS KÜHN_Gehörbildung im Selbststudium (dtv/Bärenreiter)
CHRISTOPH HEMPEL_Neue allgemeine Musiklehre (Schott)
LAURA KRÄMER_Allgemeine Musiklehre (Laaber Verlag, 2022)

Piano accompaniment in the aptitude test

If your aptitude test includes an instrumental or singing recital, the university can provide you with accompaniment on the piano or - for early music only - on the harpsichord. Other instruments (e.g. guitar, harp) cannot be offered. Alternatively, you may choose to bring your own accompanist or to play without accompaniment.

Our accompanists are often required to play in one recital after another during the aptitude tests, so they will unfortunately not be able to practice or warm up with you.  

Regarding the sheet music for your accompanist(s), please note:

Faculty 1 (Instrumental Training, Instrumental Specialisation, Jazz, Concert Study Course of Excellence):

In most cases, you will not need to send in sheet music in advance. If it is required in your case, the Office of Student Affairs will let you know. However, please make sure to bring sheet music for the accompanist with you on the day of the audition.

 

Changing your program after the application deadline is only possible if you are not planning to make use of our accompanists.

Faculty 2 (Music Pedagogy, Music Teaching, Musicology, Direction of Vocal Ensembles, Music of the Middle Ages):

Please indicate in the online application whether you would like the university to provide an accompanist or not (does not apply to music teaching at primary schools). The sheet music for the accompanist must be sent in by post, but only after the application deadline. Once your application has been processed, the Office Student Affairs will contact you and explain how to proceed.

 

Changing your program after the application deadline is only possible if you are not planning to make use of our accompanists.

 

Applicants for the Teacher Training in Music at Primary Schools are subject to the following deviation: If you would like to be accompanied by a Folkwang accompanist on the piano during the artistic presentation, please bring the piano sheet music with you on the examination date. You do not have to inform the university of your examination programme in advance.

Faculty 3 (Voice | Music Theatre, Musical):

Please bring the scores for the accompanist with you on the day of the audition. If you wish to change your program after submitting your application, please contact the Office of Student Affairs.