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Audition at the Barenboim-Said Akademie
On behalf of the Admissions Committee, we are pleased to invite you to audition for the Barenboim-Said Akademie for the 2026–27 academic year.
This page contains essential information for candidates invited to live auditions in Berlin, including binding deadlines and requirements. Please read all sections carefully.
Auditions for the 2026–27 academic year form part of the Akademie‘s entrance examinations. Participation in all required components applicable to your program is mandatory to be considered for admission.
- The entrance examinations include:
- a live, in-person instrumental audition at the Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin, and
- an online interview with members of the Humanities faculty, conducted via Zoom.
- Live instrumental auditions in Berlin will take place between 12 May and 3 June 2026.
- Each candidate will be assigned an individual audition date and time, which will be communicated separately. Audition times are not selectable.
- Instrumental auditions typically last approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Practice facilities at the Barenboim-Said Akademie are not available to candidates outside of their scheduled warm-up time on the day of the audition.
- Accompanist
- An accompanist will be provided by the Akademie.
- Rehearsals with the accompanist prior to the audition are not possible.
- Candidates are expected to bring all required audition materials, including printed and clearly legible scores for the accompanist.
- Music Theory and Ear Training
- Composition applicants: This assessment is a mandatory part of the entrance examinations for Preparatory Program and Bachelor applicants.
- Instrumental applicants: This assessment is conducted as a placement test after admission and does not form part of the audition process.
- Program-specific notes: Composition applicants follow a separate audition format, consisting of scheduled assessment components and an interview with composition faculty. Further details are provided below.
Please note that participation in all required components of the entrance examinations and adherence to the deadlines below are mandatory in order to be considered for admission to the 2026–27 academic year.
Confirmation of Audition Participation
Deadline: 12 March 2026
Candidates must confirm their participation by the stated deadline. If you do not confirm by this date, your audition invitation will lapse and your slot may be offered to a waitlisted candidate.
English Language Test Results (if applicable)
Deadline: 14 April 2026
This deadline applies only if you have not already submitted a valid English test result. Applicants eligible for a BSA-sponsored English test will be contacted separately. For further details, please refer to the English Proficiency Exam information on our Resources page.
Online Humanities Interview
20 April – 8 May 2026
Interviews will be conducted via Zoom. You will receive your individually assigned interview date, time, and access details by email in advance.
Live Instrumental Auditions in Berlin
12 May – 3 June 2026
Your assigned audition date will be communicated in your invitation letter. Audition times will be communicated separately.
Composition Exams (Composition program applicants only)
24 – 25 May 2026
Composition entrance examinations include a Music Theory and Ear Training assessment for Preparatory Program and Bachelor applicants and an interview with composition faculty for all applicants. Specific details will be communicated individually.
You may submit one new piece and/or revised version of your pre-screening pieces. This is entirely optional; the jury does not expect you to present new or additional work. If you wish to submit revised or new material, please do so by 3 May 2026 via email admissions@barenboimsaid.de.
- Your assigned audition date has been communicated in your invitation letter.
- Your individual audition time will be communicated separately.
- This page provides general information only and does not replace the official audition documents sent to you individually.
- In the event of any discrepancy, the information provided in your official audition documents is binding.
- This section applies only to applicants who require a visa to enter Germany for their audition.
- If you require a visa, you will generally need to apply for a short-term Schengen visa for the purpose of attending your audition at the Barenboim-Said Akademie. Visa requirements and procedures vary depending on your country of residence and the German embassy or consulate responsible for your application.
- Applicants who require a visa are responsible for checking the applicable requirements and submitting their visa application to the appropriate German embassy or consulate in good time. We strongly recommend beginning this process as early as possible.
- If you require a visa, please inform the Admissions Office of your visa appointment details (appointment ID, appointment date, and embassy/consulate location) at: admissions@barenboimsaid.de
Support provided by the Barenboim-Said Akademie
- After you have confirmed your audition participation, the Barenboim-Said Akademie will provide you with an official invitation letter in German and English confirming your audition in Berlin.
- This document is intended to support your visa application and should be presented to the embassy or consulate if required.
- Visa requirements and decisions are the responsibility of the relevant German embassy or consulate. The Barenboim-Said Akademie is not involved in the decision-making process.
Important reminders
- The short-term Schengen visa is valid only for the purpose of attending your audition.
- If you are offered admission to a study program, you will be required to apply separately for a German national (D) visa in your country of residence.
- A Schengen visa cannot be extended or converted into a residence permit.
- An official list of required documents is available on the website of the relevant German embassy or consulate and may vary by location. Please always check the specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
Our Address:
Barenboim-Said Akademie
Französische Straße 33-D
10117 Berlin, Germany
Getting to the Akademie by public transportation
U-Bahn (Metro)
- Hausvogteiplatz (U2 line, exit for Oberwallstrasse)
- Unter den Linden (U6 / U5 line)
- Museumsinsel (U5 line)
S-Bahn (Train)
- Friedrichstraße – (regional and S-Bahn connections)
From Friedrichstraße, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Akademie.
Bus and tram
- Bus 147 – stop: Werderscher Markt
- Bus 100, 300, or N5 – stop: Staatsoper
- Tram M1 or M12 – stop: Am Kupfergraben
Arrival on the day of your audition
- Please arrive approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled warm-up time.
- Upon arrival, please check in at reception.
- Practice rooms are available only during your scheduled warm-up time.
- Follow the instructions provided on site regarding waiting areas and audition rooms.
Berlin offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals.
You may wish to use general accommodation search platforms such as:
Short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, may also offer rooms or apartments near the Akademie. Please note that the Barenboim-Said Akademie does not recommend or endorse specific accommodation providers. Applicants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements.
This section provides general orientation for travel within Berlin.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the only airport serving Berlin and is well connected to the city center by public transportation.
Public transportation in Berlin is operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and Deutsche Bahn (DB). The BVG operates underground trains (U-Bahn), trams, and buses, while DB operates suburban trains (S-Bahn) and regional rail services (Regionalbahn).
The public transport system is divided into three fare zones: A (city center), B (outer city) and C (surrounding area). Most destinations within Berlin are located in zones A or B and require an AB ticket. The BER Airport is located in zone C.
Tickets can be purchased from machines at S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations or via official mobile applications, such as BVG Ticket-App, Fahrinfo-App, or Jelbi-App. For further information about public transport in Berlin, including route planning and ticket options, please consult the BVG website: www.bvg.de/en
If you have questions regarding your audition invitation or the information on this page, please contact the Admissions Office.
Email: admissions@barenboimsaid.de
Phone: +49 30 2096717 00
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, responses may take some time. We appreciate your understanding.
Last updated: February 2026
Responsible office: Admissions Office