Composition Master

The Program

The Master’s program in composition aims to enable the student to develop a clear personal artistic profile. It allows students to broaden their horizons in a specific way as well as to develop comprehensive practical skills to tackle the issues associated with composing music.

The central focus of the program is an extensive composition project (e.g. a composition for music theater, ensemble or orchestra, a surround sound project, an interdisciplinary project, a performative project, or an electronic or live electronic composition). The content and format should be outlined in an exposé (see entrance examination below) and agreed with the head of studies. Students should approach all aspects of the project through research, discursive reflection and practical experimentation. The contents of the program will be adapted to the needs and requirements of the respective project and hence to the needs of the individual student.

Study and Examination Regulations

Brief profile

• Regular duration of the program: 4 semesters
• Program begins: in the summer and winter semester
• Degree: Master of Music (M.Mus.)
• Credit Points: 120CP
• Language: German or English

Admission requirements

Applicants for the Master's in Composition must have completed a university degree program at a conservatory or a comparable higher education institution in Germany or abroad. This must not necessarily be in composition; degrees in programs such as conducting, music theory, instrumental studies (performance) or music education are also possible.

Applicants from abroad must have a sufficient knowledge of German for admission to the program. Alternatively, those with a sufficient knowledge of English may also apply. Applicants to the Master’s program in Composition must pass an entrance examination.