Alte Musik (grundständig)

This Studium (university study) takes place at art and music academies. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, and libraries. At home, students prepare for and follow up on courses, complete assignments, and potentially participate in online lectures.

Study type: Undergraduate (grundständig) Studium (university study). Study options are at art and music academies. Degree: Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.). Standard study duration: 3-4 years. The undergraduate (grundständig) study field of Early Music imparts fundamental scientific knowledge in music theory and history, as well as artistic skills in performing medieval and baroque music up to 19th-century music. Possible undergraduate (grundständig) degree programs include: Early Music, Historical Performance Practice, Historical Instruments (Early Music), Historical Instruments (Artistic-Pedagogical), Artistic Training (Early Music, Voice), Artistic Training (Early Music, Instrumental). Admission requirements: General or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification), or passing an internal university selection process. In cases of exceptional artistic talent, Studium (university study) is possible even without Hochschulreife. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.

Standard Studium (university study) duration: 6-8 semesters. Average actual Studium (university study) duration: 9 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Universities - Examination Year 2024.

Studium (university study) costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as Semesterbeiträge (semester contributions). These cover expenses for the Studierendenwerk (student services), the student body, and the Semesterticket (semester public transport ticket). Depending on the situation, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' a second Studium (university study), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Student health insurance contributions are typically paid when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income thresholds. For information on funding opportunities, consult the Deutsches Studierendenwerk. The BAföG (Federal Education Assistance Act) is also a funding option.

Compulsory modules may include: Main subject module (e.g., baroque violin, historical harp, harpsichord, lute, singing), artistic practice, music theory, music education and professionalization, musicology, performance training, language courses (French, Italian). Elective modules may include harpsichord tuning and maintenance, historical gestures, historical dance, baroque improvisation, renaissance improvisation, and early music teaching practice. Practical Studium (university study) content may include Praktika (internships), for example, in a music school.

Universities conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews, or they require work samples.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses: Attend lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises: For example, performance projects. Independent work: Prepare for and review courses, research in libraries, prepare presentations, complete assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Organization: Independently plan the Studium (university study) within the given curriculum, adhere to submission deadlines and study periods, and complete course and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation: Potentially complete Praktika (internships) (e.g., in a music school) and prepare for career entry.

The following study fields can be alternatives to Early Music (undergraduate) Studium (university study): Instrumental Music (undergraduate), Church Music (undergraduate), Conducting, Choral Conducting (undergraduate), Singing (undergraduate), Composition (undergraduate), Repetiteurship, Lied Accompaniment (undergraduate), Music Pedagogy (undergraduate), Musicology (undergraduate). Commonalities: Acquiring knowledge in music theory, music history, and potentially music pedagogy; gaining practical and artistic skills in instrumental playing, singing, composition, conducting, or sound direction.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects is a good prerequisite for a successful Studium (university study): Music: For example, knowledge of music history and music theory. Universities generally require proficient command of at least one instrument. Italian, French, Latin, English: For example, to work with international and historical music sources. History: For example, to facilitate access to various art and music epochs.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as teamwork ability and willingness to cooperate are relevant. Elective modules like historical dance can also provide additional qualifications. Praktika (internships), for example in a music school, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centern (Career Centers) of universities.

The undergraduate (Studium) program in Early Music (Alte Musik) provides fundamental scientific knowledge in music theory and history, as well as artistic skills in performing medieval, baroque, and 19th-century music. It leads to a first university degree.

Examples: Early Music (Bachelor), Historical Performance Practice (Bachelor), Historical Instruments (Early Music) (Bachelor), Historical Instruments (Artistic) (Bachelor), Historical Instruments (Artistic-Pedagogical) (Bachelor), Artistic Training (Early Music, Voice) (Bachelor), Artistic Training (Early Music, Instrumental) (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Early Music (Alte Musik), various career fields are available in the private sector. These include, for example, music, singing, composition, music education, or editing, journalism, and proofreading.

In the 19th century, musicology was established as an independent study program (Studiengang). By the mid-20th century, new interest in pre-classical music emerged through the youth music movement, and around 1950, the original sound movement brought more attention to orchestral Early Music (Alte Musik). From the mid-20th century onwards, Early Music or historical performance practice initially existed as a sub-area of music study programs, with independent programs becoming increasingly established. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to reform the European higher education landscape. Its goals included creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees through the introduction of Bachelor and Master programs, and improving the mobility of students and teaching staff.

Degree: Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.).

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives to this study program (Studium): Music Field: Audio Designer - Music (Ausbildung), State-Certified Ensemble Leader, Musician - Church Music (Ausbildung). Commonalities: musical practice, individual and ensemble work, organizing musical performances. Education, School, Vocational and Further Training Field: Specialist Teacher (state-certified) for Artistic-Technical Subjects. Commonalities: musical practice, music pedagogy, individual and ensemble work. Therapy Field (non-medical): Music Therapist (Ausbildung). Commonalities: working with music. Art and Culture Field: Cultural Manager (Ausbildung). Commonalities: organizing musical events, music and copyright. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on perspectives after dropping out of a study program: Studienabbruch - und dann? Visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the study program (Studium). Compensation can be arranged for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

Specialization is possible depending on the university (Hochschule) and study program (Studiengang). For example: Chord or Melody Instruments, Voice, Instrumental Pedagogy, Artistic Specialization.

Legal regulations for the study program (Studium) exist at the federal level, including the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and joint structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor and Master programs. There is also a qualifications framework for German higher education degrees. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and administrative regulations, such as those concerning the accreditation of study programs, qualifications, or higher education access, are in place. At the university (Hochschule) level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs apply.

The prerequisite for studying at universities (Hochschule) is a general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife), or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the responsible authority of the respective state (Bundesland) (e.g., Ministry of Culture). In most states, it is also possible to study without a higher education entrance qualification if a special artistic talent can be demonstrated. Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals: Access to higher education in the individual states (Bundesland). Depending on the university (Hochschule), an internal selection process takes place.

Bachelor graduates in Early Music can continue their university studies in an advanced field, such as Early Music, Musicology (Musikwissenschaft), or Music Pedagogy (Musikpädagogik), thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Advanced (weiterführend) study options include Early Music, Conducting and Choral Conducting (Dirigieren, Chorleitung), Instrumental Music (Instrumentalmusik), Church Music (Kirchenmusik), Music Pedagogy, and Musicology.