Non-degree programmes

The Non-Degree Programme is offered for two types of applicants: it could either be a preparatory course or a specialisation course.

This programme does not lead to a degree; participants get a certificate of studies completed and time spent at the Academy. Non-degree students (except for preparatory SPCYP scholarship students) are not entitled to a student card and therefore are not eligible for student discounts outside the Liszt Academy, but they are entitled to student tickets for concerts of the Liszt Academy Concert Centre.

As a preparatory course, it is targeted for would-be full-time university students, who have completed their secondary school studies. It is designed with the aim of providing potential applicants with the necessary instrumental and theoretical background prior to the highly demanding entrance examinations of the Liszt Academy.

Participants will have an opportunity to explore the Hungarian way of music education, to immense themselves in the complex theoretical subjects, to get introduced to European cultures and traditions, and to get to know the capital city of Budapest.

As a specialisation course, it is aimed for applicants who already have a music degree, and who wish to further develop their musical skills or acquire in-depth knowledge of certain genres, or composers (especially Hungarian ones, e.g. Liszt, Bartók, Dohnányi, Kurtág, Ligeti. etc.), thus having the opportunity to prepare for higher level studies such as master's or doctoral studies.

This course is not to be confused with the Liszt Academy's post-graduate degree programmes (DLA, PhD, or the One-Year Soloist Programme for Pianists).

STUDY PLAN OPTIONS

Participants of this programme can compile a study plan that best suits their interest and aims, by selecting from the optional modules listed below. The combination chosen applies for one semester. Participants are strongly advised to complete a minimum of two semesters (one academic year) in order to fully benefit from the classes taken. The maximum duration of the programme is 4 semesters, and the duration depends on the speed of professional development.

MODULES

Instrumental main subject lesson: Intensive one-to-one lessons with a main subject professor; one or two* 60-minute lesson(s) per week. Taking main subject lessons is compulsory for all participants of the non-degree programme. You can see the list of the main subjects below.

*depends on availability of teaching staff

Chamber music main subject class (NEW, 2016): Responding to the intensifying needs and owing to the remarkably rich tradition of chamber music at the Liszt Academy, a new programme has been introduced. The programme offers intensive chamber music classes for ensembles as a main subject, held by a renowned member of the widely recognised faculty of the Chamber Music Department.
The chamber music main subject non-degree programme is available as a 1 or 2 semester(s) programme, as well as a 1-month programme. In the semester programme there are one or two 60-minute class(es) per week. In the 1-month intensive programme, there are two 60-minute chamber music classes per week (8 classes altogether), with optional participation in any group lessons (lectures or theoretical classes) free of charge. For students of the 1 or 2-semester programmes these group lesson are available as extra modules only.

Composition main subject class: Preparatory or specialisation classes in music composition including harmony, theory, and orchestration.

Chamber music class (extra module for participants with instrumental main subject): this is an additional, though vitally important module for instrumental majors. Various chamber music ensembles are formed at the beginning of each semester; availability depends on the number and instruments of participants. Non-degree students do not have exams, but they are required to participate in the end-of-term chamber music exam in case there are full-time members of their chamber music ensemble (see examination rules and requirements)

Solfége and music theory classes: solfége and music theory classes at the Liszt Academy are quite demanding due to the highly structured, state-run music education system in Hungary starting from early childhood. International students of music usually have a different, and less structured educational background – these classes (available in 4 levels from beginner to advanced) serve to level out the differences for students who plan to continue their studies in full-time programmes or are interested in solfége and music theory education in Hungary.

Main subject class with piano accompaniment/coaching: Working with a piano accompanist can contribute significantly to the professional development of an artist; this option is highly recommended for singers, woodwind, brass and string instrumentalists.

English class for musicians: Familiarity with music terminology and vocabulary necessary in academic situations in English is crucial for pursuing music studies at a professional level, therefore this module held by a native speaker is recommended for participants with non-English language music education background.

Secondary piano lesson: 30-minute one-to-one piano lessons for non-degree students of composition.

Rehearsals with a professional orchestra: For non-degree students of orchestra, two rehearsals per semester with a professional orchestra are available for an extra fee.

Additional non-degree modules for Weingarten Scholarship recipients only (free of charge): 1 analysis class per week (MA level); performance practice (performing at department concerts); master class; orchestra (for violinists); choir; 1 Hungarian language class per week

Conditions of acceptance

For instrumental and composition main subject applicants: Successful entrance examination in the main subject of the applicant's choice. The audition requirements are the same as for the BA programmes for most majors (please check requirements for specifics), however, the entrance examination committee will evaluate the applicants based on their musical background and the objective of their studies.

For chamber music main subject applicants: Submission of a min. 20 minutes long chamber music video audition material (DVD or online video, any chamber music pieces). The audition material is to be of HD video and sound quality, to be recorded with a fixed camera stand, and all members of the ensemble have to be clearly recognisable to be playing their instruments. Applications for the chamber music main subject programmes are only accepted if complete chamber music ensembles apply together. Individual applicants are not accepted for this programme.

Studies may be extended without taking the entrance examination again, but the main subject teacher's consent is necessary for the extension.

There are no compulsory examinations throughout the study period.

Candidates are required to submit the duly completed Application Form with all further documents requested (listed on the last page of the application form).

Application deadlines

31 March (every year) for instrumental and composition main subjects
31 March and 31 October (every year) for chamber music main subject
60 days before the start of studies in case of the 1-month chamber music programme (applicants are notified 30 days before start of studies about acceptance)

Please note that this programme does not lead to a degree; participants do not receive grades and credits for the completion of subjects, however, they get a certificate of studies completed and time spent at the Academy*.

Program description (see the list at the Full-time programmes)

Tuition fees

Admission requirements

If you wish to receive grades and/or earn credits to be recognised at your home institution, please see Guest student studies.

Keyboards

Accordion
Harpsichord
Organ
Piano
Piano Accompaniment and Repetition

Strings

Violin
Viola
Cello
Double bass

Vocal and Opera Studies

Classical Singing
Oratorio and Song
Opera

Woodwind and Brass

Bassoon
Clarinet
Flute
French Horn
Oboe
Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet
Tuba

Others

Cimbalom
Guitar
Harp
Percussion

Jazz

Jazz bass
Jazz double bass
Jazz drums
Jazz guitar
Jazz piano
Jazz saxophone
Jazz singing
Jazz trombone
Jazz trumpet

Folk Music

please enquire

Non-instrumental majors

Composition
Orchestral and Choral Conducting (BA, MA)