History

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For more than two decades, the VMI has specialized in the professional education of students in the field of modern music. In doing so, the institute has repeatedly been a pioneer in the development of new study programs and was, for example, the first Austrian educational institution to introduce a study program for composition pedagogy or is currently the only educational institution to offer state-recognized study programs for songwriting or creative musicianship. In the meantime, the VMI has a broad spectrum of state and internationally recognized degree programs, ranging, for example, from various vocal and instrumental studies to electronic music and music pedagogy to music production and music business.

The founding of the VMI-Vienna Music Institute dates back to 1999, when the first instrumental degree programs were successfully realized from a combination of European and Anglo-American music making and educational traditions. Since then, the VMI has been continuously expanded and grown. This was soon followed by further study programs, for example for singing or composition, as well as the state recognition of all study programs by the Austrian Ministry of Education, after which students were also able to receive state study grants and scholarships for their studies at the VMI.

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In 2015, the VMI then made its third and so far last move to Nobilegasse 23-25 in Vienna's 15th district, with optimal transport connections and a direct view of Schönbrunn Palace. The school building, which is now much larger and more attractive, made it possible to build larger lecture halls, additional teaching and administration rooms, lounge facilities for students and teaching staff, as well as a dedicated concert hall with around 100 seats and its own recording studios, where regular live recordings can be made and the Music Production department gives priority to its work. Investments were also made in the furnishing of the rooms and expansion of the equipment, so that the classrooms were equipped with new instruments and electronic equipment.

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International recognition and confirmation that the VMI meets all the requirements for modern higher education then took place in official form in 2016 by the European Commission with the award of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education to the VMI. With the start of successful participation in the European exchange program ERASMUS+, not only the number of students continued to grow, but also that of international partner universities, with which the VMI has since been in active exchange and has realized a wide variety of international projects and mobilities. Increasing globalization and the expansion of the World Wide Web have also contributed to the fact that the proportion of international applicants from all over the world is now more than 50 percent, which has had a particularly positive effect on the VMI community and the diversity of the students' artistic and creative work.
 
The combination of an international community with a broad spectrum of complementary courses of study enables students and teachers alike to collaborate creatively and successfully on a wide variety of levels. The resulting exchange with like-minded musicians and creative professionals is particularly evident in the constant realization of new projects, concert programs or studio recordings. The VMI currently has 10 departments, each with its own course of study at the highest level of education, which can also be completed in a wide variety of combinations. The institute's outstanding teaching staff, which includes numerous musicians, pedagogues and experts from the music industry, is constantly supplemented by international guest lecturers. This makes it possible to cover an extremely broad spectrum of education, which is intended to pave the way for students' own careers. Numerous graduates have already impressively demonstrated how this can be achieved in detail after completing their studies at the VMI. 

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Philosophy

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Creativity and musicality are generally natural abilities of human beings, which - similar to the ability to express oneself linguistically or physically - can be perfected or atrophy. Our goal is to expand and perfect these abilities through professional and practice-oriented forms of training. This is made possible by a balanced combination of well-founded knowledge transfer and contemporary practical instruction, the promotion of creativity and independence, the examination of various topics and tasks, as well as the collaboration with other musicians and creative professionals, under the guidance of a professional and internationally staffed team of outstanding instructors.

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True to these principles, we treat applicants with appropriate respect from the first contact, but especially during the entrance examination, and take sufficient time for consultation or the choice of the appropriate course of study. Existing theoretical knowledge or technical virtuosity can of course be a criterion for passing the entrance exam, but we attach just as much importance to the creative potential of applicants and the recognizable passion for completing a music degree. In this regard, we can draw on our many years of experience, which have shown how diverse the creative expression and successful careers of students and graduates of the VMI can be.

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Throughout the entire study period and beyond, we are happy to take time for personal discussions or individual career advice, always try to listen to the concerns and needs of our students and, if necessary, also support them with applications, semesters abroad, internships, projects, concerts, studio recordings, social media appearances and much more. At the same time, our primary goal is to help as many students as possible achieve a positive degree and a successful career. The fact that we succeed in doing this time and time again is demonstrated by countless graduates who often remain connected to the VMI beyond their studies.

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Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities
 

At the VMI, we live a culture of diversity and appreciation in which diversity is valued as a valuable resource for creativity and artistic expression. Equal opportunities, non-discrimination, transparency and an unprejudiced, inclusive atmosphere for students, teaching staff and employees are central concerns of our institution. Through the targeted promotion of diversity, we bring together different cultural and musical perspectives and thus create space not only for individual development, but also for collaborative innovation and artistic progress. The collaboration of people from different backgrounds forms the foundation for a dynamic and inspiring learning environment in which everyone can contribute their uniqueness and develop their full potential.
We are convinced that collaboration between different disciplines makes a significant contribution to the development of our institution. At the VMI, therefore, no person or study program works in isolation, but in constant exchange with each other. This interdisciplinary cooperation not only promotes creativity and innovation, but also respectful cooperation that values all members of our community.

Diversity and inclusion strategy of the VMI (PDF file)