Piano
Overview
The bachelor's degree in Instrumental Pedagogy is a fundamental qualification for those wishing to teach their instrument. Accordingly, the aim of the course is to impart the necessary artistic, pedagogical and academic competences for the teaching of music in diverse forms. Upon completing the study programme, students are qualified to teach the piano, as well as their second study or specialism, in Austrian music schools.
General course information
Holders of a degree in instrumental/vocal pedagogy are qualified to teach their instrument(s) in music schools, in cooperation with general education schools, as freelancers, and at universities, colleges, and other post-secondary educational institutions.
In addition, this study programme opens up many other fields of music pedagogy and music practice. These include performing as a soloist or as a member of an ensemble or orchestra, music-related research, work in the field of opera/theatre/concert pedagogy, or jobs in music management, press, publishing and media.
The Bachelor's degree in Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy is divided into the following artistic, pedagogical and academic modules:
- Principal study
- Artistic profile of the principal study; compulsory subject piano
- Practical piano skills (or practical guitar/harp skills)
- Chamber music/ensemble
- Music pedagogy/didactics of the principal study
- Physical and language training
- Music theory
- Musicology
- Ensemble music
- Elective subjects (combined to form a special study focus); free electives
- Bachelor thesis
Within the scope of the elective subjects (special study focus), various profiles are offered, of which each student must complete at least one:
- Instrumental/voice teaching in the elementary, lower and intermediate grades of music schools (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Choral and ensemble conducting (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Music theory/aural training (Salzburg)
- New Media (Salzburg)
- Early music (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Jazz/Pop (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Folk music (not available to those whose principal study is a folk music instrument) (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
- Accompaniment (only for principal study piano) (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
Upon completing the study programme, students are qualified to teach their principal study (main instrument), as well as their second study or specialism, in Austrian music schools. In addition, students who have chosen "elementary music and movement in music schools (EMP)", "music theory" or "new media" as their special study focus are also eligible to teach these subjects.
To obtain their bachelor's degree, students must submit a bachelor's thesis in addition to successfully complete all courses and examinations in all modules, some of which will be assessed by a panel. Such examinations include an artistic examination in the principal study at the end of the 4th semester and the 8th semester respectively, an artistic examination in piano (compulsory subject) at the end of the 4th semester (depending on the chosen principal study), an examination in instrumental/vocal pedagogy - usually at the end of the 8th semester, and an examination in the didactics/teaching practice of the principal study - also usually at the end of the 8th semester. If applicable, scheduled examinations in the chosen compulsory special study focus will also be held.
Documents required for online registration
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form with photo
- Letter of motivation (approx. one DIN A4 page)
- Certificates as well as transcripts of records from all previous artistic and/or pedagogical studies
- German certificate (if applicable)
Form of the documents
- The documents can be uploaded as PDF files in the application form.
- If the above documents are not available in German or English, an official translation must be submitted.
Information on the admissions process
2. Once in the MOZonline account: fill in the mandatory statistics UHstat1 (pre-registration for studies) and make a note of the application number that is sent by email upon submission of this information.
3. Create an application account in Muvac
4. Fill out your own profile in Muvac (minimum requirements: personal data, information on expertise matching the desired degree programme, in the CV: current employment and information on previous training)
6. Fill out the application form in Muvac ("Apply now"), being sure to enter your application number (see step 2) or Austrian matriculation number in the appropriate field
Please take a look at the FAQs about registration in Muvac if you get stuck at any of the steps.
BA in Instrumental Pedagogy - Entrance Examination - Piano (principal study):
- A challenging etude
- A work by J.S. Bach
- A classical sonata (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven)
- A romantic or modern work
At least two works must be performed from memory.
Applicants are required to submit a letter of motivation detailing their reasons for choosing to study instrumental and vocal pedagogy (approx. one DIN A4 page).
Applicants should prepare a short teaching task (approx. 5-10min), which they will carry out in a group with fellow applicants. The aim here is for applicants to demonstrate their own strengths in music education. The topic can be freely chosen, e.g. a warm-up, body percussion, improvisation, rehearsing a song or simple choral piece, rehearsing a simple chamber music piece.
A short interview with the examination panel will take place, in which the letter of motivation, the programme chosen for the audition in the principal study, and the practical teaching task work will be discussed.
All applicants whose first language is not German must provide proof of German language skills by the time of enrolment at the latest.
Required language level: at least B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR 2001).
Information on the recognised certificates can be found HERE
After passing Partial Examination A, candidates will be admitted to partial examinations B-D (possibly in a different order). The repetition of the partial examinations A-C in case of failure is not permitted. The audition can only be repeated in its entirety and only in the next academic year. The audition can be repeated an unlimited number of times.
- Online registration for an audition during the application period via the registration portal for applicants
(PLEASE NOTE: Registration is only possible after submission of all required documents!) - If successful in the pre-selection (video) round: invitation to on-site audition
- Participation in the on-site audition in May/June
- Upon passing the audition: invitation to enrol in the degree programme
- Enrolment during the general admission period
Please note that the Mozarteum University Salzburg offers various support options at the time of your audition and during your studies if you have a disability or a chronic illness.
If this applies to you and you would like to take advantage of counselling, please contact Claudia Haitzmann: claudia.haitzmann@moz.ac.at or +43 676 88122 337.
Any questions?
You can find more information about starting your studies here:
