Interpretation and Interpretation Theory (P0215D310008)

Programme objectives

The goal of the doctoral programme is to develop the student’s interpretive skills and to enhance his or her means of expression and communication. Emphasis is placed on cultivating the student’s personal outlook as a mature artist in the area of musical interpretation, which can also be viewed from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition, the student will acquire knowledge of research methodology, particularly in the area of artistic research, enhance the ability to interconnect this knowledge with his or her own artistic practice, and become well oriented in current publishing methods. Students will master the ability to reflect theoretically on their own field, and hone the skills of integrating their theoretical results into the broader scholarly discourse. They will gain experience implementing creative and research grants, presenting musical projects, and organising artistic life, in particular musical life. They will be prepared for a future pedagogical career in highly specialised fields of the selected educational spectrum.

Profile of a programme graduate

The graduate possesses deep general knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts. He or she has an overview of developments hitherto as well as the current state of research in music interpretation on the issues of his or her specialisation at the international level. The graduate has mastered scientific research methods and demonstrates the ability to apply them to the principles of his or her own interpretive practice. The graduate is an independent creative personality with his or her own views on the interpretation of individual historical periods, concert techniques and styles. The graduate is able to defend his or her acquired knowledge in the scholarly discourse on the basis of acquired education and experience.

Expert knowledge

The graduate possesses deep knowledge of interpretive contexts in theory and practice.

The graduate is familiar with current interpretive practice in his or her specialisation both domestically and internationally. He or she is well oriented in current aesthetic and developmental trends and innovations, and holds scholarly opinions on them.

Specialist skills

The graduate has mastered the interpretive methods connected to artistic research and trends, and is able to react flexibly to them. The graduate is able to publish in the scholarly press. He or she is able to lead interpretive seminars domestically and abroad. The graduate is able to work as a highly erudite teacher in secondary and higher education.

General competencies

The graduate is able to communicate fluently about highly specialist issues in a foreign language, both orally and in writing. He or she demonstrates a high level of skill in critical thinking and critical awareness. The graduate is able to identify suitable grant opportunities and implement scholarly projects, both as an individual investigator and as the leader of an investigative or artistic team.

Rules and requirements for creating study plans

General information about admission process

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The doctoral programme of study in Interpretation and Interpretation Theory is intended for graduates of a Master’s programme in one the individual interpretative arts (specialisations), who meet the demanding requirements of the entrance examination.

The doctoral programme in Interpretation and Interpretation Theory offers the following specialisations: Conducting, Bassoon, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Voice, Harpsichord, Piano, Organ, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp, Guitar, Percussion Instruments and Jazz Music.

The Dean of the faculty sets out the admission requirements each year in the form of a Decree of the Dean. These include the admissions quote (target) for the doctoral programme of study in Interpretation and Interpretation Theory for each specialisation separately.

The entrance requirements include commensurate knowledge of English and another world language, which the applicant will demonstrate in the form of an examination prior to the start of the admissions interview. The required level and group of languages from which it is possible to pass an examination are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean.

The ENTRANCE EXAMINATION shall take place in person before the committee for the entrance examination (admissions committee).

As part of the entrance examination, the applicant shall submit in writing his or her own proposal and topic for the intended doctoral dissertation (see the required annexes to the application) and the programme of a representative recital of 80 to 90 minutes in total duration. At least one of the compositions in the programme must be related to the thematic focus of the proposed dissertation. The applicant shall perform part of the submitted repertoire, as selected by the admissions committee. The entrance examination will then continue with a discussion on the topic of the proposed dissertation. The admissions committee will assess the relevance of the applicant’s proposal, and may elect to supplement, expand or otherwise modify or change the topic.

The admissions committee shall evaluate applicants using a point system based on these criteria:

• the applicant’s aptitude for the doctoral programme in this field;
• documented successes in the relevant specialisation;
• the quality of and need for the proposed dissertation topic;
• the results of a practical examination in the relevant specialisation;
• the scholarly level of the discussion with the applicant;
• the applicant’s level of familiarity with related theoretical disciplines.

After the completion of the entrance examination, the admissions committee shall rank individual applicants according to their average scores and shall recommend for admission those applicants who ranked within the admissions target and who earned the minimum score for the programme of study in Interpretation and Interpretation Theory.

The requirements of the admissions proceeding, including a designation of the method by which points are awarded, their range and the admissions target, are defined for each academic year by a relevant Decree of the Dean, which is subject to approval by the academic senate of the faculty.

If not enough applicants receive the required number of points, the admissions target will not be met.

Applicability to other types of academic programmes

Parts of the state final examination and their contents

Other academic duties

Characterisation of professional practice

Anticipated job placement for graduates (typical employment)