Overview of the degree program
Standard period of study | 8 semesters (4 years) |
Overall scope |
240 credit points 155 semester hours in the compulsory modules 8 semester hours in elective compulsory modules |
Admission requirements |
University entrance qualification as per Art. 33 and 65 (1-2) of the University Act (HochSchG): General higher education entrance qualification or a discipline-specific admission qualification In derogation from this, a general Certificate of Secondary Education (for example Realschulabschluss) does qualify to enroll if a candidate has passed the aptitude test in his/her chosen artistic major subject with a score of at least “13” and has passed all the other parts of the aptitude test as well. Successful completion of a aptitude test Candidates applying for the aptitude test, who have neither a German general qualification for university entrance nor a degree / graduation in a German speaking course of studies have to prove sufficient knowledge of the German language (comparable with level A1-GERR). This can be proven either through submission of appropriate test certificates or through a conversation with the Board of Examiners during the aptitude test. If necessary, the Board of Examiners advices to take part in study-integrated German classes according to the respective language skills. |
Entrance into the program | only possible in the winter semester |
Degree | Bachelor of Music (B. Mus.) |
Program objective | The Bachelor's degree program in Jazz and Pop Music is a basic course of artistic study that leads to an academic qualification for a future career. The degree program prepares students for a career as jazz musician or artist in the popular music field. |
Course structure and content |
Corcerning possible combinations of major and minor subjects please see the annex of the Examination regulations. The degree program encompasses 15 compulsory modules:
and two elective compulsory modules
All modules except Ensemble I, II, III, IV, the internship. the elective compulsory modules Music and media I, and Interdisciplinary studies / Context studies conclude with a module-specific examination. (For more information see the annex of the Examination regulations relating to the respective course of studies and the module handbook respectively.) |
Bachelor's examination |
Module-by-module exams during the course of studies Final concert (artistic performance final examination) (51 credit points) |
Requirements for the aptitude test
Major subject |
Recital, approx. 15 minutes in length Drum set: Performance of three pieces (standards or own compositions) with accompanying band, presentation of a simple solo transcription, presentation of a snare etude, sight-playing of a notated model. The pieces should be of different styles and tempos. Other instrumental majors: Performance of three pieces (standards or own compositions) with accompanying band. The pieces should be of different styles and tempos. Presentation of a simple solo transcription, sight-playing of a notated model. Voice major: Presentation of three pieces from the area of jazz and pop music with accompanying band. The pieces should be of different styles and tempos. Presentation of a simple solo transcription, sight-singing of a notated model. Examination duration: approx. 15 minutes |
Minor subject |
Recital, approx. 10 minutes in length Piano: Presentation of an easy, notated model (roughly of the degree of difficulty of Chick Corea's Children's Song or Schumann's Album für die Jugend), presentation of a jazz standard (melody and harmonies), presentation of simple jazz cadence forms (such as I-VI-II-V-I) on request. Drum set: Presentation of two jazz pieces in different grooves. Other minor subjects: Presentation of two simple standards (without improvisation). Applicants who have not selected piano as either a major or minor subject must demonstrate elementary knowledge of piano during the aptitude test as a fundamental skill required for the subject of practical piano. This includes, for example, playing of a simple piano piece or a simple chord progression. |
Ear training |
Written examination, duration 1 hour Intervals, three and four note chords, single voice melodic dictations, listening to and notating a rhythm, identification of scales and simple chord progressions. 1 hour. |
Music theory |
Written examination, duration 1 hour Demonstration of fundamental knowledge of general musical theory, chord symbols, basic principles of chord-scale theory, completion of a melody as a piano part using chord symbols, harmonization of a short melodic section as a piano part or using chord symbols, completion of a melody based on its provided beginning, explanation of key musical terms. |