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Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg
Master German + English Arts & Design

Jazz composition

Master of Music (M.Mus.)

About the Program

The Master's degree program in Composition, with a focus on jazz composition, offers aspiring composers in the field of jazz and jazz-related music inspiring and exceptional opportunities. Students work on their compositional skills and their individual profile as composers at the highest artistic level. The aim of the course is to acquire the technical and artistic skills required in the international professional scene and to develop an independent artistic personality. In practice-oriented projects with the NDR Big Band, students gain important practical professional experience, e.g. in preparing their works for professional ensembles, rehearsing and communicating their musical vision as well as performing and recording their own compositions. The course is divided into the following areas: Core module (Jazz composition major, practical projects with the NDR Big Band, conducting, workshops), Final module (Master's concert, CD with original compositions and portfolio, colloquium), Theory analysis module (new approaches to music theory, analytical approaches to new music), and Compulsory elective modules (Classical composition, multimedia composition, fimmusic composition, stylistic composition, Studium Generale, career preparation).
Show the original English text
The Master's degree program in Composition, with a focus on jazz composition, offers aspiring composers in the field of jazz and jazz-related music inspiring and exceptional opportunities. Students work on their compositional skills and their individual profile as composers at the highest artistic level. The aim of the course is to acquire the technical and artistic skills required in the international professional scene and to develop an independent artistic personality. In practice-oriented projects with the NDR Big Band, students gain important practical professional experience, e.g. in preparing their works for professional ensembles, rehearsing and communicating their musical vision as well as performing and recording their own compositions. The course is divided into the following areas: Core module (Jazz composition major, practical projects with the NDR Big Band, conducting, workshops), Final module (Master's concert, CD with original compositions and portfolio, colloquium), Theory analysis module (new approaches to music theory, analytical approaches to new music), and Compulsory elective modules (Classical composition, multimedia composition, fimmusic composition, stylistic composition, Studium Generale, career preparation).

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Jazz Composition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Jazz composition at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg

Is Jazz composition at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg taught in German or English?

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

How much does the Jazz 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 Jazz composition at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), 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 Jazz 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 Theater Hamburg — 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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