Organ score-reading and sight-playing (M. Mus.)

Overview of the degree program

Standard period of study 4 semesters (2 years)
Overall scope

120 credit points;

17 semester hours in the compulsory modules,

8 semester hours in the elective compulsory modules

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. In exceptional cases, proof of a bachelor's degree in music can be accepted as admission requirement.

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 score-reading and sight-playing are capable of performing a challenging concert program on the organ. They are familiar with the most important works of the organ canon and possess a representative repertoire. The program endeavors to impart both a high level of expert qualification alongside a differentiated technical ability. Technical skill, musical proficiency, and artistic sensibility are hallmarks of this training, which builds the basis for the professional and artistic presentation of organ music in various contexts and situations. This includes promotion of skills in planning organ concerts and representative church services through independent preparation, design, and coordination. Beyond the training for concert-relevant careers, graduates are also qualified to handle the challenges facing organists of large church groups or urban churches.
Course structure and contents

The degree program encompasses seven compulsory modules and one elective compulsory module (context study)

Major artistic training I, II and VII
Organ score-reading and sight-playing

Major artistic training III
Organ stylistics

Major artistic training IV and VI
Optional: historical keyboard instrument, organ improvisation or piano

Major artistic training V
Organ score-reading and sight-playing, Organ stylistics

as well as 1 elective compulsory module:

Context studies
Courses of the School of Music and its cooperation partners

(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

1. Module-by-module exams during the course of studies

2. Practical artistic final exam

The final practical-artistic examination takes the form of a public concert with the presentation of works from at least four stylistic periods, with one work in chamber music style.

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.
Subject of the examination in the Organ score-reading and sight-playing major

Duration: approx. 20 minutes

Performance of organ works from four different periods, including an outer movement from a trio sonata by J. S. Bach or a choral concertante prelude, such as BWV 650, 664, 676, 688