Musical recordings/work samples as well as an overview of the pieces performed must be submitted via the DAAD media database together with the "Cover sheet to application" of the "Application Summary" generated in the DAAD portal.

Up to two weeks after submitting your application documents via the DAAD portal, you will receive the relevant link to the DAAD media database.

In the events of technical difficulties uploading the required audio/video files via the link provided, please contact the DAAD at musikauswahl at daad.de; for all other enquiries, please use the messaging system in the DAAD portal. 

Sound recordings must meet the following requirements:

1. Each uploaded file must contain a musical work performed by the applicant and must be of a high degree of difficulty.
2. At the time of application, all recordings should be no more than one year old. In the case of reapplications, new recordings must be submitted. 
3. All recordings must be of excellent audio and video quality. If you are using recording devices with automatic gain control/automatic volume control (e.g. digital cameras, Zoom recorders, etc.), please ensure that this function is switched off. If the artistic quality of the performance cannot be properly assessed due to insufficient audio quality, the application may not be considered.
4. Please upload video files only (MP4 format, maximum resolution 1080p). Exceptions apply to the subject area of Composition and to disciplines such as Sound Engineering, Sound Studies and related fields, for which audio files (MP3, WAV) may also be submitted. Please note that MIDI realisations or mock-ups are not permitted. Technically manipulated files will result in marks being deducted.
5. Please ensure that each individual movement is saved and labelled as a separate file. 
6. Each file must be named as follows:
   Surname_Personal ID number_Instrument_Composer_Work_Movement number (followed by the file extension), for example: “Ramos_98765432_Piano_Mozart_KV595_Mov.3”
7. All uploaded work samples must be listed in a form ("Information about the audio/video files"), which must be uploaded as a PDF document both with the application documents in the DAAD Portal and together with the work samples in the media database.

Please note that your application can only be processed if the mentioned formal requirements regarding the completeness and length of the sound recordings are met.

The following requirements apply to the work samples to be uploaded:

Instrumentalists from the field of Serious Music are required to submit complete works (not just individual movements) from at least 3 different stylistic periods of essential relevance to the respective discipline and study plan. One of the works should be from the field of New Music (after 1950) (this does not apply to instrumentalists from the field of Early Music). The total recording duration must be at least 30 minutes.

Instrumentalists from the field of Jazz are required to submit at least three pieces of different character or tempi (e.g. a ballad or a quick piece). The exact times of solo performances by applicants should be specified. Larger bands are advised to submit one track with a smaller line-up (duo, trio). The total recording duration must be between 10 and 15 minutes.

Applicants for the subjects of Chamber Music or Song Accompaniment are required to submit at least one work for their solo instrument in addition to the three required works in the subjects of Chamber Music or Song Accompaniment. The total recording duration must be at least 30 minutes.

Members of ensembles or duos are required to submit at least one solo work in addition to the three required ensemble works. The total recording duration must be at least 30 minutes.

Percussionists are required to submit a programme demonstrating the widest possible range of styles and instrumental settings. The repertoire must include works for different categories of percussion (e.g. mallet instruments, multi-percussion, and square drum) by different composers. One work from the duo chamber music repertoire may be included. The total duration of the recordings must be at least 30 minutes.

Singers are required to submit a varied programme representing three different stylistic periods and demonstrating proficiency across the fields of opera, art song, and oratorio/concert repertoire. The total duration of the recordings must be at least 20 minutes.

Jazz singers are required to submit recordings of at least three pieces of contrasting character. The total duration of the recording must be between 10 and 15 minutes.

Composition: Applicants are required to submit a maximum of three original compositions in the form of scores (PDF) and audio or video recordings. The works submitted should, preferably, feature different instrumentations. All compositions must have been completed within the past three years, with each score clearly indicating its date of completion. A catalogue of works must also be provided. Video recordings must not exceed a resolution of 1080 pixels.

Conducting and Choral Conducting: Applicants are required to submit a recent recording of their own conducting. The recording should include both a rehearsal, demonstrating rehearsal technique, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills, and a performance, preferably filmed with the applicant facing the camera. The conducted works should represent different stylistic periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Opera, Contemporary) and be relevant to the intended course of study. The repertoire must be appropriate to the chosen specialisation (choral or orchestral conducting). In addition, a recording of the applicant’s own instrumental performance is required. The total duration of the submitted recordings must be at least 15 minutes.

Sound engineers are asked to present three recordings from different production projects.