We have collected some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to the application process and the aptitude test. If you have other questions not answered here or would prefer to receive advice personally, then please contact our student advising office. We are there to help you!
Guest auditors may temporarily take part in our group lessons at any time. Many intending to study music use this opportunity to find out what will be required of them.
However, if you wish to regularly take part in continuing education courses at Mainz School of Music, you will need a guest auditor ID card for which a fee is charged.
The guest auditor system at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has been designed to provide general continuing education in individual areas to those who are not intending to acquire formal qualifications (certificate, grade, etc.).
In principle, guest auditors may attend all lectures at Mainz School of Music. Attendance at other courses at the school will require the prior approval of the instructor, and this will be noted on the ID card. Guest auditors are not generally entitled to individual instruction at the School of Music nor may they acquire course certificates or sit exams. Guest auditors may attend one or more courses; authorization for this is provided by individual semester. Guest auditors will not usually require formal qualifications, such as a university entrance qualification. However, they will need to apply for a guest auditor ID card that will only be valid for the semester in question. Guest auditors will need to renew their application every year.
Information on fees and registration can be found on the homepage of the Center for Continuing Academic Education of the university (only in German).
Under certain circumstances, you can begin selected programs of study in Music even if you do not have a general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification. The following are the options available in such cases:
Examination for outstanding students
A school leaving certificate, category I, is sufficient for enrollment into the following programs of study:
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- Bachelor's in Opera and Concert Music
- Bachelor's in Orchestral Instruments
- Bachelor's in Piano
- Bachelor's in Jazz and Pop Music
if the applicant has achieved at least the grade of "Good" in the chosen instrumental major subject or in the major subject of Voice and has passed the aptitude test as a whole.
The deadline for applications is the same as that for freshmen. Instead of the higher education entrance qualification, please enclose a your school leaving certificate with your application.
The B.Ed. Music (Teaching Music in Secondary Schools) as well as the Bachelor's degree in Elementary Music Teaching are exceptions to this. For these courses, applicants must have the general higher education entrance qualification or an equivalent university entrance qualification in order to be considered for admission to the aptitude test.
Study options for professionally qualified applicants without the higher education entrance qualification
Persons who are qualified based on their professional experience or who are deemed particularly capable can, regardless of the subject, enroll in university provided they meet certain criteria. The details are specified by way of a State Directive (BUStudVO). In order to study Music, applicants must also pass an aptitude test.
No. We recommend that you talk with an advisor before applying for admission to the aptitude test.
Yes. Please be certain to submit your application in a timely manner and add a formless confirmation from your school that you are currently taking your 'Abitur' exams. Submit your 'Abitur' diploma as soon as you receive it.
Unfortunately no — try again at the next available deadline. Closing deadlines for admission to the aptitude test are posted on our main page for applications
You can apply for only one degree program at the Mainz School of Music at any one time.
The aptitude test remains valid for the two semesters following the exam date, i.e. for about one year. With the result of the aptitude test, you can be considered for a study place during this period without a new aptitude test. A renewed application to the School of Music is not necessary, but please don't forget your renewed application to the Johannes Gutenberg University!
For the same degree program: twice. This is the rule specified in the examination regulations and the aptitude test regulations.
Yes, we offer preparatory courses. The courses cover harmony & counterpoint and ear training and are offered with two specializations: Classical music and Jazz and Pop Music. Students interested in a degree program in school music (Teaching certification for college preparatory secondary schools) can also take an additional course on school-relevant piano practice ('Schupra'). The course is held during the semester at the Mainz School of Music. There is a course fee. The course dates will be published at the start of the lecture period.
Sample written examinations are available for download from the web page 'Tips for preparation for the aptitude test' (Tipps für die Eignungsprüfung, in German).
The examination program is a list of the pieces that you will sing/play during the aptitude test. It is required for all instrumental/vocal examinations and can be modified up to two weeks before the examination.
The repertoire list encompasses the essential musical works that you have worked on to date. It is only required for the respective major subject and is purely informative in nature; it will not be used for questioning or review during the aptitude test.
No, this is not allowed. You will be playing or singing together with students from the Mainz School of Music. An exception is made for singers; they are permitted one accompanist.
External guests are not permitted. Aptitude tests are restricted to the university community, i.e., only members of the Mainz School of Music, its instructors, staff, and already enrolled students can attend.
Documented qualifications that have been acquired elsewhere are credited when they are relevant for the selected degree program at the Mainz School of Music. The accreditation process will be initiated after you have successfully completed the aptitude test. We recommend that you talk with an advisor in the student advising office in a timely manner.
You can cancel your registration at least one day before the test by sending an email to studienbuero-hfm@uni-mainz.de. If you do not take the exam without prior written cancellation, the exam is regarded as a failed attempt.