Music Theory Examinations (Classical Music)
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Aural Training and General Music Theory (Classical Music)

As part of the Entrance Examination for a Bachelor’s degree programme, you will take written examinations in Aural Training and General Music Theory. These examinations assess your fundamental knowledge and skills in various areas of Music Theory. On this page, you will find information on the examination content, the duration of each examination, and tips for preparation.

This information applies to the following Major Subjects:
Recorder, Cembalo, Elementary Music Pedagogy (depending on the second Major Subject), Bassoon, Vocals (Classical), Guitar (Classical), Horn, Clarinet, Piano, Contrabass, Oboe, Trombone, Flute, Saxophone, Percussion, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Violoncello

  • Aural Training

    In this written examination (60 minutes), you will demonstrate your basic ability to listen to, identify, and notate musical structures and parameters. The examination specifically covers:

    • Identifying time signatures
    • Rhythm dictation (4/4 and 6/8 time)
    • Intervals (played simultaneously)
    • Melody dictation (major and minor keys)
    • Identifying triads in root position and inversions
    • Identifying four-note chords in root position
    • Cadence dictation

    Important Note

    All mandatory examination components must be completed. Failure to participate in any compulsory examination component will result in the Entrance Examination being considered failed overall.

  • General Music Theory

    In this written examination (45 minutes), you will demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of General Music Theory, including harmony. The examination covers, in particular, the following areas:

    • Notation: treble clef, bass clef, alto and tenor clef
    • Identifying and notating intervals (including those between different clefs)
    • Identifying triads and tetrads using a chord symbol or notating them based on a chord symbol
    • Notating diatonic triads and tetrads using scale degree symbols within the context of a key
    • Knowing and notating the accidentals of all major and minor keys
    • Determining the key of a musical example based on the scale (not just the key signature!)
    • Identify and notate church modes

    Important Note

    All mandatory examination components must be completed. Failure to participate in any compulsory examination component will result in the Entrance Examination being considered failed overall.

  • Preparation Tips

    To prepare for the examinations, we recommend that you:

    • start preparing well in advance.
    • work carefully through the sample examinations provided for Aural Training and General Music Theory.
    • attend our preparatory course “Fit for the Entrance Examination”.
    • take advantage of courses in General Music Theory and Aural Training offered at music schools or other educational institutions in your region.

    Sample Exam: Aural Training (Classical Music)
    Sample Exam: General Music Theory (Classical Music)

  • Fit for the Entrance Examination

    The University of Music Münster offers a two-day intensive course designed to prepare you specifically for the Music Theory Examinations. The course focuses on General Music Theory and Aural Training. Once you have received your invitation to the Entrance Examination, you can register for the preparatory course.

    Please make sure to register for the classical music course, which is offered either in-person or online.

    Further information and the registration link can be found in the workshop flyer:
    Fit for the Entrance Examination

  • Preparatory Tutorial

    If you do not pass the examination in Aural Skills or General Music Theory as part of the Entrance Examination, you may, under certain conditions, be admitted to the degree programme subject to the completion of a one-year Preparatory Tutorial in Aural Training or General Music Theory.

    To be eligible, you must have passed the Live Entrance Audition in the Major Subject as part of the Entrance Examination with at least 22 points.

    If you are admitted, you will begin your degree programme regularly in the winter semester. You will complete the Preparatory Tutorial alongside your studies during your first year of study in order to prepare specifically for the retake of the examination. Courses in Aural Training or General Music Theory will only begin after you have successfully passed the examination.

    You will retake the examination as part of the Entrance Examination in the following year. If you pass the examination with an overall grade of at least 4.0 (satisfactory), you may continue your studies as scheduled. Otherwise, you will not have fulfilled the condition of your admission and will lose your place in the degree programme.