Bachelor and Master of Arts in Violoncello Performance

The 8-semester Bachelor of Arts in Violoncello Performance at the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna provides practice-oriented and scientifically based vocational training and education that introduces students to the broad professional field in which classical musicians work in the 21st century and, according to current knowledge, will work, and teaches the development of corresponding skills, also in the context of Viennese music tradition.

The main artistic subject is at the centre of the programme, which, in conjunction with all other courses, promotes the development of an individual artistic personality and thus creates the basis for artistic maturity, independence and critical reflection.

 

The 4-semester Master of Arts in Violoncello Performance is a professional training programme at the highest artistic and instrumental level, based on the skills acquired in a Bachelor's Programme in Violincello Performance or an equivalent programme at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution.

The focus of the programme, in the context of Viennese musical tradition, is on instruction in the major artistic subject and thus on the development of artistic excellence, which forms the basis for successfully positioning oneself in a challenging and diverse professional field.

 

Admission to the Master of Arts in Violoncello Performance requires a Bachelor's Degree in Violoncello or a Bachelor's Degree from a university of applied sciences or another equivalent degree from a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution.

 

Registration periods for the entrance exams:

BA programme (study begin winter semester 2026/27): 2 February 2026 – 15 April 2026

MA programme (study begin summer semester 2026): 15 September 2025 – 26 November 2025

The date of the entrance exam can be found on the website of the Fritz Kreisler Institute for String Instruments, Guitar and Harp. 

Curriculum: BA Violoncello 25W [de]
Information about the entrance exam: PDF [en]

Curriculum: MA Violoncello 25W [de]
Information about the entrance exam: PDF [en]

Upcoming Events

You’re cordially invited to attend our student recitals. They’re a good opportunity to speak with students and teaching staff members in person! Admission is free. You’ll find our event schedule under Events.

Applying for this Programme of Study

  1. The document “Information on Entrance Examinations” (download link above) informs you about what you need to prepare for this examination. Some documents (such as your exam programme) need to be uploaded as part of the online registration process.
  2. Please set up an applicant account in mdwOnline if you don’t already have an mdwOnline account from another mdw programme of study.
  3. Log into your account, click on “Entrance Exam Registration”, and then on the link “Enter new application” at the upper right. Follow the instructions that appear. If you can’t find a particular programme of study in the online registration system, it means either that the registration deadline has passed or that registration is not yet possible!
  4. If German is not your first language, please submit documentation of your German skills. You’ll find more detailed information on this in the document “Information on Entrance Examinations”.
  5. Important: If you are a citizen of a “third country” (from a country not belonging to the EU/EEA; exceptions: Switzerland and Liechtenstein), please inform yourself in a timely manner concerning the applicable requirements for entering and staying in Austria.
  6. Once you’ve registered to take the entrance exam, you’ll receive an E-mail that informs you of your assigned exam date.
  7. Take the entrance examination. Remember to bring along a photo ID.

After the Entrance Examination

  1. You’ll receive the results of your entrance exam by E-mail.
  2. If you have passed the entrance exam, you’ll still need to register in order to be enrolled and commence your studies at the mdw. You can do so by visiting the Studies Center within the admissions period; please bring along your passport or personal ID.
  3. You can find out about the further steps you need to take in the brochure “New at the mdw?”.