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Electronic music & SOUND DESIGN
Study description
Electronic Music & Sound Design is one of the new and promising fields of activity in the modern music business. In the course of this degree program, students learn the creative techniques for the independent production of electronic music. All steps from simple composition to the actual release of own works will be demonstrated, repented and discussed. A special focus is placed on the individual development of an artistic personality and is expressed in the modular design of the course. The laptop is the central instrument of the students of this course, who use the software "Ableton Live Suite" as a tool. In specialized courses, all steps are demonstrated and implemented interactively and participatively. The continuation and elaboration of the given tasks outside of class at the institute is continuously presented as a result and discussed with the teachers and students. The program concludes with a nationally and internationally recognized degree that entitles the student to pursue further master's studies.
Study profile
One of the central tasks of this degree program is to present options for later professional entry and, where possible, to facilitate this through networking with other music professionals. To ensure this, additional specialization is offered in selectable areas - such as Music Business/Management/Booking, Instrumental or Vocal Teaching, Media/TV Production or Stage/Ensemble/Performance. Practical work is at the forefront of this degree program, where theoretical knowledge is taught where it can be applied. The program can be seen as a progressive model of a modern and ever-changing art form, where artistic exchange between teachers and students leads to the prerequisite for modern and successful music making with lasting inspiration.
Study focus
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Learning the basic operation of Ableton Live;
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Optimizing your own laptop and any hardware for professional work;
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Working in the Session view and Arrangement view;
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Working with audio tracks: recording, editing, warp modes;
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Working with MIDI tracks: MIDI clips, notation, instruments;
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Sampling: creative handling of audio material of any origin;
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Drum programming: creating your own drum kits, programming your own grooves, swing, velocity;
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Synthesizers: programming and understanding your own sounds and patches from subtractive to granular synthesis;
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Basic rhythm training, ear training and harmony;
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Overview of music history with specialized lectures on the stylistics of electronic music;
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Mixing and mastering: use of EQ, M/S coding, compressor, limiter and co for sound design of own music;
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Basics of sound engineering, miking and recording techniques;
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Preparation of recordings, jingles and music for use in film, TV and other media;
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Development of an own artistic project including publication in the final year of study;
Study Details
Start: February and September
Duration of study: 6 semesters
Credits: 180 ECTS
Prerequisites: Previous practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as an 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 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:
