This Bachelor's programme prepares musically gifted students for an international career as a solo artist for the instruments violin, viola or cello.

Students receive instruction from internationally renowned artists, enabling them to achieve the highest level of technical and artistic proficiency. They develop an interpretative, creative and broadly educated form of expression, are trained in the understanding of theoretical, historical and cultural aspects of music, make music alone or with others and move in an environment in which artistic, intellectual and social skills can be fostered and developed.

The students receive instruction from internationally renowned artists, enabling them to achieve the highest level of technical and artistic proficiency.

Those who successfully complete two years of study (BA phase) graduate with a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)

Sufficient knowledge of the German language is required for admission to the course (TestDaF level 3, Zertifikat B1 (GER), DSH examination level 1 or German language diploma of the KMK 1st level).

The prerequisite for admission to the aptitude test is normally previous participation in international competitions, master classes or chamber music projects organized by or associated with the Kronberg Academy.

Admission to the BA phase of the programme is conditional upon successful completion of an aptitude test in accordance with § 3.

The aptitude test for the Kronberg Academy Bachelor consists of the parts instrumental main subject, music theory and listening skills.

Instrumental major

The following pieces are expected to be performed:

• An etude
• An unaccompanied suite, sonata, or partita by J.S. Bach
• A sonata from the late 18th, 19th, or 20th century
• A concerto from the late 18th, 19th, or 20th century
• A character piece
• A work by a composer born within the last seventy years
• Sight reading performance

In addition, the candidate must provide the examining committee with a list of the repertoire he or she has already performed.

With the exception of the sonata and the contemporary piece, all prepared works are expected to be performed from memory. The committee reserves the right to discontinue the recital. An accompanist will be provided if needed, but applicants are advised to bring their own.

Music Theory

In a written examination (lasting approximately 90 minutes), the following tasks are to be completed:

• Determining and forming intervals and scales (including church scales)
• Determining and forming chords and chord progressions
• Arranging a given melody in two, three or four part harmony
• Commenting on a given score excerpt, taking into account instrumentation, timbre, stylistic-historical classification, form, compositional technique, character

Aural test

In a written test of about 60 minutes duration, the applicant has to demonstrate the ability to recognize elementary rhythmic, melodic, harmonic, tonal and formal relationships by hearing.

If the theoretical parts of the examination are not passed, the course of study can still be taken up if the aptitude test in the instrumental main subject is passed; the examination results will then determine the amount of time the student has to attend additional courses in the area of "music theory" or "aural training". If the student fails the exam, he/she has to repeat it within one year.