Composition Bachelor

The goal of the program is to help students become independent artists and the introduction to potential professional fields. The study program takes place in one of two concentrations:

• Focus on Instrumental Music
• Focus on Electronic Music and Technology.

In both concentrations, the starting point is the basic teaching of compositional craft and an introduction to artistic issues. The program provides an overview of contemporary and historical compositional techniques and processes. We attach a particular importance to reflecting on the associated aesthetic attitudes and relating these to the current situation of contemporary music. Instrumental music and the use of technological and electronic means are treated with different emphasis in both majors.

Reflection, theory and interdisciplinary practice

Through the analysis of a wide variety of works, their diverse stylistic criteria become tangible and comprehensible. This enables an exemplary orientation for one's own composing. In addition to aesthetic reflection, the intensive practical examination of instrumental, vocal and electronic sound production is a central subject of the course. The curriculum offers room for projects in which artistic work in complex contexts is learned in an exemplary manner. Here, the student's own artistic work is also linked to other disciplines, such as theater, film, dance, visual arts, etc. Basic experience in the field of music education is also part of the course.

Individual artistic profile formation

On the one hand, basic knowledge is acquired during the course of study, which is a prerequisite for working as a composer; at the same time, however, the course of study also offers the space for individual focus, which is key to enabling the development of an independent artistic personality. Successful completion of the program qualifies students for the professional field of composing and arranging in the liberal and applied arts. The aim is to create opportunities for individual artistic profiles in the diversity of professional perspectives (interdisciplinary, technological, instrumental, etc.).

The prerequisite for admission to the Bachelor's degree program in Composition is proof of the university entrance qualification (Abitur) according to § 54 para. 2 of the Hessian Higher Education Act of December 14, 2009 in the version of December 21, 2010. A missing university entrance qualification can be replaced by an outstanding artistic talent (at least 19 out of a possible 25 points in the aptitude test) according to § 54 para. 4 sentence 3 HHG.

Sufficient oral and written knowledge of the German language is required for admission to the Bachelor's degree program in composition. Admission to the bachelor's degree program in composition requires the successful completion of an aptitude test.

With the application for the aptitude test at least three scores of own compositions (if possible in different instrumentations) have to be submitted.

After reviewing the scores, the jury of experts will decide on the invitation to the aptitude test on the basis of originality, technical competence and the contemporary aesthetic approach of the submitted compositions.

Evaluation of the aptitude test

The test is passed if each part of the examination is assessed with at least 13 points.

Admission can also be granted if the colloquium is evaluated with at least 13 points and the overall grade calculated from the following ratios is at least 13 points:

1. Colloquium: 50%
2. Music theory: 20%
3. Listening skills: 15%
4. Instrumental audition: 15%

In this case, enrollment is subject to reservation according to § 54, paragraph 4, sentence 2 HHG. The reservation is settled if the compulsory subject examinations, which were assessed with less than 13 points, are made up for within the first two semesters after matriculation and are successfully completed (at least 13 points). For parts of the examination that have not yet been passed, there is no entitlement to tuition after admission.

The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO) set out the framework conditions and regulations for your studies. They apply together with the General Regulations (for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes) or the SPoL (for teacher training degree programmes). All versions of the SPO for your degree programme (including earlier versions for students of previous academic years) can be found at Examinations.