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creative musicianship
Study profile
The focus of this study program is on the special promotion of creativity and musical practice. The course content covers a wide range of applications of modern music and combines these with music theory, musicology, studio technology, music performance as well as weekly singing or instrumental lessons in cross-genre contexts. This includes, for example, collaboration with songwriters, performance artists, actors, dancers, filmmakers, music producers, and an exploration of music marketing. The project-oriented collaboration with students from other degree programs is an integral part of this education and makes it possible to test and implement the taught content as part of an internationally oriented community in a practice-oriented form during the study period.
Study focus
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Teaching instrumental, vocal and compositional music-making practices;
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Learning practical artistic skills in singing or on the chosen instrument;
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Creative project development and musical as well as cross-genre realization;
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Acquisition of performative and improvisational skills;
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Development of technique, rhythm and phrasing;
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Implementation of melodic and harmonic design possibilities;
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Exploration of creative identity, music theory, and reharmonization;
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Learning basic and advanced composition and arrangement rules;
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Exposure to areas of music theory and musicology;
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Training of the musical ear and study of acoustics;
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Examination of media law, management and marketing;
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Mechanisms of the music industry and business strategies in the entertainment industry;
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Development of a repertoire with a focus on creative musical realization;
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Development of an individual and comprehensively trained artist personality;
Study description
The Creative Musicianship degree program combines an artistic-musical education with various other creative fields, such as music performance, music production, music management, songwriting or multimedia. By complementing courses in music theory, musicology, media law and business administration, the program offers a comprehensive education for creative musicianship and thus creates the basis for a professional career in various fields of activity. The program ends with a nationally and internationally recognized degree that entitles students to pursue further master's studies.
Study Details
Start: February and September
Duration of study: 8 semesters
Credits: 240 ECTS
Prerequisites: Previous practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as online registration for the entrance examination (audition). Persons from non-EU countries need a valid residence permit (student visa) at the beginning of their studies, which can be applied for after the successful completion of the entrance examination.
Prior studies: Courses or years of study previously completed at other educational institutions may be credited toward the degree program and shorten the duration of the study accordingly.
Teachers: Training is provided by a professional team of internationally active musicians, composers, and music educators, as well as experts from the music industry, creative industries, studio technology, and musicology.
Curriculum: Study plan / Completion plan
Semester abroad: Being awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) by the European Union enables students of the VMI to study at a partner University of the VMI within their education with financial support for the duration of 3-12 months. In addition, funded internships abroad can be completed at various European institutions and companies in the international music industry.
Degree: The program ends with a nationally and internationally recognized degree. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the certificates and diplomas issued by the VMI are equivalent to those of state Universities and Colleges, are comparable to a Bachelor's degree and therefore entitle the holder to pursue further master's studies*.
Follow-up studies: Within the framework of a cooperation agreement with the ICMP Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, a London-based partner University of the VMI, there is the possibility of obtaining the academic degrees of Bachelor or Master through a two-semester period of study at the ICMP, while at the same time gaining valuable experience in the musical metropolis of London.
Tuition fees: Details on tuition and scholarships
*Further studies at other educational institutions are subject to the availability of free study places as well as the admission requirements of the respective university or college, over which VMI naturally has no influence, but can provide assistance with applications, especially to partner universities and partner colleges.
Online registration
Online registrations for the entrance examination are basically possible at any time, free of charge and without obligation. They are used to determine prior practical-theoretical knowledge and whether this is sufficient to be accepted into the desired course of study (otherwise, alternative training options may be suggested). The entrance examinations usually take place on the following dates:
For the winter semester (start of studies in September): May/June*
For the summer semester (start of studies in February): November/December*
Details on the entrance examination
*Alternatively, other dates may be assigned.
Supporting industry partners:
