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Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
Master German Arts & Design

Instrumental Composition

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln Cologne · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

Instrumental Composition is a course of study for current trends in contemporary art music with an instrumental and vocal focus. The course can include compositional work ranging from solo to orchestral, performative or music-theatrical compositions. Hybrid works incorporating new and the latest technologies can also be part of the program. There is also the opportunity to focus on electronic media. In the studio for electronic music, projects with mixed forms of instrumental and electronic music can be realized and the possibilities of today's electronic technology can be tested under the supervision of specialists in transmedia composition. During the course of study, students acquire fundamental and in-depth knowledge in the field of instrumental and vocal composition in small and larger ensembles and try it out in practice in a variety of ways. The main focus is on the performance of students' works in and outside the university. In the master's program, the focus is on independent compositional work and professionalization.
▶ Show the original English text
Instrumental Composition is a course of study for current trends in contemporary art music with an instrumental and vocal focus. The course can include compositional work ranging from solo to orchestral, performative or music-theatrical compositions. Hybrid works incorporating new and the latest technologies can also be part of the program. There is also the opportunity to focus on electronic media. In the studio for electronic music, projects with mixed forms of instrumental and electronic music can be realized and the possibilities of today's electronic technology can be tested under the supervision of specialists in transmedia composition. During the course of study, students acquire fundamental and in-depth knowledge in the field of instrumental and vocal composition in small and larger ensembles and try it out in practice in a variety of ways. The main focus is on the performance of students' works in and outside the university. In the master's program, the focus is on independent compositional work and professionalization.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Instrumental Composition

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How do I apply to Instrumental Composition at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Instrumental Composition at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln

Is Instrumental Composition at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Instrumental Composition programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Instrumental Composition at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Instrumental Composition? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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