Orchestral Conducting

The course includes 1 academic hour per week of instruction in the principal study. In addition, electives and free electives can be taken. Performance opportunities at university concerts and events in Salzburg and further afield are part of the course.

The duration of the course is 2 semesters. With the approval of the principal study teacher and the Director of Studies, it is possible to extend the course by one or two semesters.

Successful completion of the course is based upon passing grades in classes relating to the principal study. A certificate of completion can be issued upon request.

The curriculum provides an overview of the courses offered. In addition to the lessons in the principal study, (free) elective subjects can be taken. These are listed in the curriculum under “no semester recommended”.

Link to the curriculum

A course fee and the ÖH contribution (Students' Union fees) must be paid per semester for participation in the course.

Information on the current fees can be found HERE.

Admission to a postgraduate university course (PGL) requires the successful completion of a subject-related master's degree or diploma at a recognised Austrian or foreign post-secondary educational institution in the respective principal study. Admission with a teaching degree, such as music education or instrumental & vocal pedagogy, is NOT possible.

A prerequisite for starting the course is also passing an audition. Auditions take place once a year. All information about the audition can be found under “Information on the Admissions Process” further down on the page.

Admission to a postgraduate university course (PGL) requires the successful completion of a subject-related master's or diploma degree at a recognised Austrian or foreign post-secondary educational institution in the respective principal study. Admission with a teaching degree, such as music education or instrumental & vocal pedagogy, is NOT possible.

A prerequisite for admission to this university course is also the successful completion of an audition. Registration for an audition is completed online and requires candidates to upload documents proving their eligibility for the course. An invitation to audition will only be issued after the necessary documents have been submitted in full and approved by the admissions office.

PLEASE NOTE: Document checks can take up to 6 weeks! Early registration is therefore recommended.

The following documents must be uploaded in the online application form:

• BA certificate and MA certificate or final certificate of an equivalent degree programme, if the degree programme has already been completed.
• Confirmation of current enrolment in a Master's programme, if the study programme has not yet been completed (the transcript must be submitted prior to enrolment!)
• Overview of subjects and grades from your BA and MA degree programmes (Transcript of Records)
• Official confirmation of the principal study, if this is not evident from the other documents (e.g. "Bachelor of Music" is not sufficient!)

Format of documents

• The documents can be uploaded as PDF in the application form.
• If the documents are not available in German or English, an official translation must be submitted.

Please note:

Applicants who pass the audition and are offered a university place must ensure that their documents meet the certification requirements by the time of their enrolment at the latest.

The application video does not need to be uploaded with the application. Applicants will only be invited to upload a video once their documents have been verified and their personal details processed.

• Online registration during the application period via the application portal Muvac (Please note: Registration is only possible if all required information and documents have been submitted!)
• Once the online application has been processed: invitation to the video pre-selection in Muvac; the application video must be uploaded there by the deadline specified.
• If successful in the pre-selection (video) round: invitation to an online interview. The invitation will be issued via Muvac, where it must be accepted or rejected.
• If succesful in the online interview: invitation to the on-site audition (the invitation is sent via Muvac)
• The invitation to audition on-site must be accepted or rejected in Muvac; information on the audition programme in the principal study must be provided if required by the instrument/degree programme in question
• participation in the on-site audition
• Upon passing the audition and being offered a place: invitation to enrol in the degree programme
• Enrolment (in person) during the general admission period

A pre-selection of applicants will be made by the audition panel based on the videos submitted.

• Applicants should upload a video of themselves conducting an ensemble of at least 5 members in a work of the applicant's choice

Applicants are requested to ensure in advance that the musicians capture on video and audio have given their consent for the recordings to be submitted as part of the university application. The Mozarteum University Salzburg accepts no responsibility in cases of dispute. 

The duration of the video should be approx. 15 min.

General information on the application video is listed below. Applicants are kindly requested to adhere to the guidelines given here!

• Both the face and body of the applicant must be visible in the video.
• The picture and sound quality of the video should be as good as possible. If the sound and/or image quality is insufficient, the video will not be considered.
• The sound recording in the video must not be electronically amplified or altered.
• Video editing is not permitted* - the recording must not be edited/cut and must run from beginning to end. Exactly one video must be submitted per application.
• Information on the content and duration of the video is given on the web page of the relevant degree programme.
• If possible, the names of the pieces should be given in the video description (title of the video in Muvac).

• String instruments (except for solo pieces).
• Wind instruments (exception for recorder: harpsichord accompaniment; for oboe and bassoon: piano or harpsichord accompaniment)

The online interview with the audition panel will cover motivation, background and expectations, and the candidate's video submission. Candidates will receive an appointment and a link to a video conference tool in advance, and are advised that a stable internet connection is required at the specified time (probably mid-April), as well as a PC/laptop with a camera and microphone.

The interview will take place via ZOOM and will last approximately 10min.

After passing part A, candidates will be admitted to part B.

Conducting (15-20 minutes):

Conducting an ensemble in rehearsal of:

• Two demanding symphonic works (e.g. a symphony by Beethoven or Brahms).
• Applicants will be informed of the works to be prepared when they register for the audition.
  Works for the auditions orchestral conducting 2025:
  Brahms, Sinfonie Nr. 1, op. 68, 1., 2. and 4. movement;
  Mozart, Le nozze di Figaro, Nr. 27, Rezitativ and Arie Figaro; Nr. 18,  Rezitativ and Arie Graf; Nr. 20, Rezitativ and Arie Gräfin
• The audition will last approx. 10min.

Application video: upload in Muvac possible until 20.3.2025
Exam A - Online interview to determine artistic aptitude: 4.4.2025
Exam B - Orchestral Conducting: 15.5.-16.5.2025

overview of all current entrance exam dates

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.