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Applying to the Barenboim-Said Akademie
The Barenboim-Said Akademie welcomes applications from talented young musicians of all backgrounds. Our mission is to build a diverse and dynamic community of musician-scholars dedicated to artistic excellence and intellectual growth.
We offer the following programs of study in piano, orchestral instruments, and composition:
Admissions
The Barenboim-Said Akademie has two main stages: submission of an application and, for shortlisted candidates, an audition.
The application period opens each fall for admission to the Winter Semester of the following academic year.
Dates for the upcoming 2026-27 admissions cycle will be announced in Fall 2025.
Find the program that is the best fit for you. Learn more about pre-screening and audition requirements and consult our Frequently Asked Questions on the Admissions page.
Update 02 October 2024
For the 2025-26 academic year, the Barenboim-Said Akademie will be accepting applications for the Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Preparatory Program and Artist Diploma program in all studios. For a complete overview of which studios are open for applications for the 2025-26 academic year, please see our Admissions Process page.
Applications for the 2026-27 academic year will open November 2025. Information about which studios and programs will be accepting applications will be available on our website by October 2025.
Applications for all programs and instruments are submitted through SlideRoom. After creating an account, you can return at any time to continue working on your application until the deadline. No application fees are required.
Required information and documents:
- Personal information (full name, contact details, citizenship(s), address, emergency contact)
- Education history (schools and universities attended, with dates)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, Academic IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, LanguageCert LTE, or Linguaskill General). See FAQ and Resources pages for details.
- Responses to short essay questions
- PDF scans of recent academic transcripts and certificates (with certified English or German translations if not originally in those languages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copy of passport
- Biometric photo (51 x 51 mm / 2 x 2 inches)
- Pre-screening materials
- Letter of recommendation
Please note: requirements may differ by program. Always check the SlideRoom application portal for the program-specific list.
Visit the Resources page for downloadable guides and tips on preparing your application and pre-screening materials.
After the review of applications and pre-screening materials, selected candidates are invited to audition and interview with our faculty in Berlin. Auditions may be recorded for internal panel review only.
Instrumental applicants audition before a jury and take part in an interview. Composition applicants additionally complete a Music Theory and Ear Training test. Candidates who have not submitted proof of English proficiency may, in certain cases, be required to take an English language test provided by the Akademie. Eligible applicants will be informed of the details well in advance.
Candidates selected for audition will receive an individual invitation with their specific date. General audition dates are not published in advance.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for a travel bursary. The Admissions team can also provide support with visas where necessary.
Visit the Audition & Pre-Screening Repertoire page.
Reasons to Apply
Arabic: Nardin Ballan, Bachelor of Music (Flute)
Hebrew: Assif Binness, Bachelor of Music (Cello)
Life at the Akademie
Do you have questions?
If you have further questions about applying, auditions, or studying at the Akademie, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. If your question is not answered there, you may contact the Admissions Office directly or schedule an online appointment with a member of our Admissions Team.