Application & Aptitude Test
General Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy degree programme, you must have the following certificates:
- Successfully completed the aptitude test
University entrance qualifications, such as A-levels, specialized A-levels, or other recognized university entrance qualifications
Proof of German language proficiency (such as the DSH - Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is required for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification.
Aptitude Test
The purpose of the aptitude test is to assess whether the applicant has the necessary artistic skills for the intended degree programme, as well as a teachable pedagogical ability, a trained ear, and a solid foundation in music theory.
Applicants who submit all required documents by the deadline will be admitted to the aptitude test. It is important to note that subjective evaluations will not be considered in the admission process. Instructions on the required documents and deadlines can be found below.
A passed aptitude test remains valid for 18 months.
Passing the aptitude test does not guarantee a place on the programme. Successful completion of the BTU's standardized application process is required to secure a place at the university.
Dates and Deadlines
Enrolment for the winter semester is only possible.
There are two dates available for the aptitude tests for the winter semester 2024/25:
Aptitude test I on 14/06/2024
(The deadline for submission of all documents is 31.05.24)
and
Aptitude test II on 06/09/2024
(The submission deadline for all documents is from 14.06.24 until 23.08.24)
Instructions: Registration for the aptitude test and application
The application process for the Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy degree programme consists of two steps:
1. Registration for the aptitude test
To register for the aptitude test, send the required documents in duplicate to the provided addresses within the given timeframe. Once your documents have been verified, you will receive an invitation to take the aptitude test.
The required documents for submission are:
Registration for the aptitude testDownload
Vitae in tabular form that includes a description of your musical career.
Phoniatric certificate (only if you are applying for the vocal major)
Declaration of consent from parents or guardians (only for applications from minors)
The documents must be sent to the following addresses:
1x on paper by post to
Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg
Fakultät 4 Fakultät für Humanwissenschaften
Institut für Instrumental- und Gesangspädagogik
Lipezker Str. 47
03048 Cottbus
1x digitally as PDF
(one bundled file, max. 5 MB) to
Please note the submission deadlines, as outlined in the 'Dates and deadlines' section above.
2. Applying for a place
Once you have successfully passed the aptitude test, you will go through the standard BTU online application process.
All information about the procedure, the required documents and tutorials for the application can be found here.
Please note: The application procedure for the Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy programme has been revised and is subject to approval by the Brandenburg Ministry of Science, Research and Culture. All prospective students are advised to follow the procedure as described above.
Aptitude test procedure
Major in Classical Music
- Main subject: Presentation of at least 2 works from different styles/periods (approx. 10-15 min) followed by a motivational talk on music education (approx. 5 min).
- Minor subject: Presentation of two shorter works of own choice (approx. 5-10 min) (Information on the possibility of combining a major and a minor subject: Download)
- Aural Training/Music Theory: Oral examination (15 min)
Popular Music Major (Jazz/Rock/Pop)
- Main subject: Presentation of at least two different pieces (including original compositions) from the field of jazz/rock/pop, demonstrating ability to improvise and possibly compose (approx. 10-15 min), followed by a motivational talk on music education (approx. 5 min)
- Minor subject: Presentation of two different pieces (including original compositions) from jazz/rock/pop (approx. 5-10 min) (Information on the possibility of combining a major and a minor subject: Download)
- Aural Training/Music Theory: Oral examination (15 min)
Information on the Artistic Training KA postgraduate course
If you are interested in the aptitude test for the fee-based certificate programme "Artistic Education (KA)" please click here.