Overview of the degree program
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters (2 years) |
| Overall scope |
120 credit points; 20 semester hours in the compulsory modules, 8 semester hours in the elective compulsory module |
| Admission requirements |
A Bachelor's degree in church music, organ, organ score-reading and sight-playing or an equivalent degree awarded by a university in Germany or abroad Successful completion of an 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 | possible both in summer and winter semester |
| Degree | Master of Music (M. Mus.) |
| Program objective |
Graduates of the Master's degree program in Organ Improvisation have the ability to design the organ section of church services (irrespective of confession) and provide it with outstanding artistic quality. The training program is targeted at establishing masterful playing technique and on the development of interpretation skills suitable for this style. This includes the stylistically confident performance of suitable works for organ. The aim is to instill the broadest possible spectrum of stylistics, diversity of form, and improvisational techniques. Knowledge of tonality, harmonization, and composition as well as liturgical integration is essential. The artistic fundamentals of improvisation will also be developed and improved. In addition, participants will be expected to undertake the creative and artistic presentation of improvised organ music in a concert framework but, as a rule, in combination with written organ works. They will also develop their own particular (and contemporary) musical language. |
| Course structure and contents |
The degree program encompasses seven compulsory modules and one elective compulsory module (interdisciplinary study/context study) Major artistic training I, V and VII Major artistic training II Major artistic training III Major artistic training IV Major artistic training VI as well as 1 elective compulsory module: Context studies (For more information see the annex of the Examination regulations relating to the respective course of studies and the module handbook respectively.) |
| Master's examination |
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Requirements for the aptitude test
| Requirements | On registering for the aptitude test, a list of styles and forms mastered prior to entering the program must be submitted |
| Subjects for the examination |
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