Overview of the degree program
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters (2 years) |
| Overall scope |
120 credit points 54 semester hours in the 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. Successful completion of an aptitude test A Bachelor's degree in jazz and popular music or an equivalent degree awarded by a university in Germany or abroad. In exceptional cases, proof of a bachelor's degree in music can be accepted as admission requirement. Good command of English 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 | possible in both summer and winter semester |
| Degree | Master of Music (M. Mus.) |
| Program objective | The consecutive Master's degree program is an artistic degree program that builds on an initial professional university degree and leads to an additional academic qualification for a future career. It is designed to provide participants with in-depth, specialized musical/artistic and academic insights and skills. |
| Course structure and contents |
The course of studies encompasses the compulsory modules: Artistic training l Instrumental or voice major subject or major subject composition, master project (instrumental or voice major only), orchestral project (composition major only), Jazzforum, recording project Artistic training ll Instrumental or voice major subject or major subject composition, project work, Jazzforum Ensemble l, ll Ensembles, big band Music Theory Advanced jazz theory / improvisation, composition/arrangement Module-specific examinations after the second and fourth semester. |
| Other academic qualifications | Internship (4 semester hours) |
| Master's examination |
1. Module-by-module exams during the course of studies 2. Final performance examination For Composition major: additional studio recording |
Requirements for the aptitude test
| Major subject |
Test duration: approx. 20 Min. Instrumental major: Presentation of four pieces with improvisational elements in various styles. Sight-playing. Voice major: Presentation of four pieces with improvisational elements in various styles. Sight-singing. Jazz Composition major: Presentation of three own compositions (at least one title for a large ensemble, such as big band or orchestra) and one arrangement that has been recorded to CD (midi file also possible). Duration of the works at least three minutes each. Sight-playing. |
| Ear training / Jazz theory |
Oral examination (examination duration approx. 20 min.) Playback of chord sequences and melodic phrases Harmonization with a provided melody Questions related to the specific subject |
| Ear training |
Written examination (duration 1 hour) Dictation of brief melodic phrases (such as excerpts from instrumental solos) including the respective underlying harmonies Rhythm dictation |
| Jazz theory | Written examination (duration 1 hour) Harmonization and arrangement of a provided melody. |