Interviews, portfolio reviews and auditions

A guide to success: your interview at BIMM University Berlin

As part of the application process to study at BIMM University Berlin, you will be invited for an interview.

This is an opportunity for you to show off your knowledge and skills while getting to know more about your course. A lecturer from your chosen course will lead your interview and give you valuable feedback on taking your craft to the next level.

1. We hold all our interviews and auditions online via Zoom. Once you have submitted an application, our Admissions Team will reach out to you to book a slot for your interview.

2. Once you have confirmed a date and time, you will be sent a booking confirmation via email. In this email, you will also find guidelines on how to prepare for your interview and a link to your Zoom interview.

3. Depending on which course you have applied for, you may be asked to provide a recording, demo submission or presentation 2 days prior to your interview. This allows the lecturer interviewing you to prepare and give you the most valuable experience possible. Full details of how to submit these files will be in your booking confirmation.

4. On the day of the interview, simply click the Zoom link found in your booking confirmation at the scheduled time. This will take you to the session with your interviewing lecturer. Please ensure you log in in time for your interview/audition. We recommend logging in 5 minutes before the start time of the interview to make the most of this session.

5. Once your interview has been completed, you will be informed of the outcome by the lecturer. If you have successfully passed the interview, you will receive an offer of study from the Admissions Team. If your lecturer feels you require further development, you will receive clear feedback and receive a second interview date in the future.

All BIMM University Berlin interviews are free of charge, and are required from all applicants in advance of study. During your individual interview, we’ll discuss your personal aspirations and the ways we can help you to achieve your goals during and after your studies.

After your interview, you’ll be debriefed by a member of the Admissions Team and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the course you’re applying for or any questions about the next steps of the admissions process. We’ll then either make you an offer of study if you successfully completed the interview, or provide feedback how you can develop your skills further to meet the required standard for entry to your course.

Below you will find the broad criteria for interview for our courses. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive precise interview guidelines by email.


Performance (guitar, bass, drums, vocals) and Songwriting

If you’re applying to BIMM University Berlin for one of our performance-based courses, you will be required to complete a pre recorded audition to showcase your technical or creative ability in your chosen discipline. We’ll send you details of the requirements once you confirm your interview slot, so you know what is expected on the day of your interview, and what is required to submit in advance for review by our lecturers.


Music Production

If you’re applying study Music Production at BIMM University Berlin, we will ask you to submit a small portfolio of 3 pieces of work showcasing your production experience.

We will arrange a time and date for an interview and portfolio review to take place with a BIMM University Berlin lecturer which will last 30 minutes. The interview will focus on your existing production knowledge, what you are hoping to develop on at BIMM University Berlin, and your career aspirations whilst studying and beyond.


Music Business

For the Music Business course, you’ll be required to compile a 5-10 minute presentation for delivery to a BIMM University Berlin lecturer at an agreed date and time online via Zoom. This will provide an opportunity to outline your experience engaging with the music or creative industries to date, plus your creative career aspirations during and after your studies. All interview requirements will be sent to you in advance so you can prepare.


Filmmaking

Applicants for BA (Hons) Filmmaking are required to present a portfolio of their current creative work. Portfolio examples could include showreels, short films, screenwriting pieces, academic film analysis, photography and anything you feel shows your enthusiasm and passion for studying Filmmaking with us. We’ll arrange for an interview to take place with a BIMM University Berlin lecturer at an agreed date and time. All interview requirements will be sent to you in advance to give you plenty of time to prepare.


Acting for Stage, Screen & Digital Media

For the Acting course, you’ll be required to prepare and submit a performance of a monologue from a contemporary work (dated 1980 or later). This is required in advance of an 30-minute interview, held online via Zoom, at an agreed date and time with a BIMM University Berlin lecturer. You will also have the opportunity to submit additional supporting materials, such as further acting demonstrations or performances in disciplines such as musical theatre, performing arts or hosting/ presenting. Full interview requirements will be sent to you in advance giving you time to prepare.

An offer will then be made based upon your submission, qualifications and a successful interview outcome.


MA Popular Music Practice

For MA Popular Music Practice, you’ll be required to complete an application form including two personal statements. You will also be required to attend an interview with a BIMM University Berlin lecturer, and submit a CV alongside a portfolio of your experience or work within your field of specialism. All interview requirements will be sent to you in advance so you can prepare.

After your interview, our lecturer will immediately inform you if you have successfully met the required entry standard for our courses. You will then be debriefed by a member of the Admissions Team who will advise you whether you can be offered a Conditional (dependant on any outstanding proof of qualifications) or Unconditional offer of study at BIMM University Berlin. The Admissions Team will also confirm this by email. In this debrief call, you can also discuss any further questions you may have about the next steps or any concerns.

If you receive an offer of study with us, this will be accessible within your application portal. You will also receive an offer letter which will confirm additional details such as how to pay your deposit to study, and also if there are any outstanding qualification items that we require you to send to us.

If you are unsuccessful at your interview, you will be provided with comprehensive feedback so you know which areas of your practice to work on. You will also be invited back for another interview at a later date. All interviews can be arranged by contacting our Admissions Team directly on +49 (0) 30 311 99 186 or emailing admissions@bimm-institute.de.

Please note that on some occasions, our lecturers may advise a period of development lasting some months. For this reason we highly recommend submitting your completed application form and arranging your interview at the earliest opportunity to allow time for this if required.

Once you have successfully completed your interview, you will receive an offer of study from the Admissions Team. Your offer letter can be accessed within your application portal account, and further written guidance on what to do next will be sent to you by email.

To accept your place, please select the option ‘I Accept Admission’ within your application portal account.

If you require any assistance, the Admissions Team will be happy to help, and you can contact them at admissions@bimm-institute.de or +49 (0)30 311 99 186.

Do:

  • Check you’ve had an email confirming your interview booking. If you haven’t, get in touch.
  • Read the interview guidelines included in your email confirmation thoroughly. We’ve created them for a reason: to make sure you’re as well-prepared as possible.
  • Rehearse/practise/prepare: this is your time to shine! If you’re auditioning, make sure you can perform without lyrics/ lead sheets. If you are having an interview, you should know your portfolio or presentation content in thorough detail.
  • Make sure your equipment is functioning correctly.
  • R e l a x. Although you might be feeling the pressure, remember that we’re as keen for you to do well as you are. Your interview is a great opportunity to receive feedback on your work from a specialist which will help enhance your future practice.

Don’t:

  • Forget to read the interview guidelines!
  • Cancel your audition or interview at the last minute / leave your preparation until just before your appointment / decide you’re going to wing it.
  • If you’re auditioning for a vocals or songwriting course, don’t sing in a key that doesn’t sit well within your vocal range. Instead, change the arrangement or use a different backing track.
  • Forget to practise your technique exercises (this is all covered in the interview guidelines) if you’re auditioning for an instrumental course.
  • Assume that a recommendation after your interview means you definitely have a place on the course. An official offer will be sent by our Admissions Team if you’ve been successful – this is subject to meeting our academic, English language and visa entry requirements.

Ready to start your creative career?

Our Admissions Team is always available to answer your questions. Give us a call on +49 (0)30 311 99 186 or email admissions@bimm-institute.de.

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