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

An aptitude test that has been passed is only ever valid for the following semester and may not be "kept" for a later semester. Notwithstanding this, it is possible to repeat the aptitude test an unlimited number of times.

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
_B.Mus. Voice | Music Theatre

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
_rhythms
_aspects of musical form

Entrance Requirements

While the tested material is identical for all candidates, the minimum entrance requirements vary from one degree programme to another. Higher test results are required e.g. for music education (Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen).

Sample tests to practise

Please note that the following sample test serves solely as an orientation as to content and form of the written exam. You can test yourself by comparing your answers in sections 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 with the correct answers listed at the end of this test.

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

Literature to prepare

Empfohlene Literatur zur Vorbereitung auf die Eignungsprüfung Musiktheorie:

_STEVEN LAITZ, The Complete Musician (english)
_CLEMENS KÜHN: Musiklehre: Grundlagen und Erscheinungsformen der abendländischen Musik (Laaber-Verlag)
_CHRISTOPH HEMPEL: Neue allgemeine Musiklehre (Schott)
_CLEMENS KÜHN: Gehörbildung im Selbststudium (dtv/Bärenreiter)