You should, of course, be talented at playing one or more instruments at an advanced level. Additionally, you should be able to read sheet music and possess prior knowledge of music theory and aural training.

Passing the aptitude test is obligatory.

Over the course of your studies, you will be guided through nearly the entire spectrum of music. Therefore, in addition to classical music, you will study contemporary music as well as either historically informed performance practices or experimental music.

The modules focus on the instrumental major and piano minor, as well as instrumental pedagogy and ensemble practice.

You will also take courses in aural training, music theory, and music history in addition to stage performance.

Particular emphasis is placed on chamber music and orchestral performance, as this provides a good foundation for professional career-related training and encourages interdisciplinary discourse.

Pedagogical training is also of great importance. The teaching content of the degree program is important for students who wish to pursue a career in music teaching as well as for those who wish to pursue a career in concert performance. Projects with the university orchestra, student soloists, and master classes with international guests round out the varied training.

Throughout your studies, regular public performances in concerts and group recitals will play an essential part in showcasing your artistic results and development as well as establishing a performance routine.

The university offers a variety of options in the areas of musician’s health and stage and performance coaching.

Master classes or competitions are supported, and sometimes organized, by the university.
The standard period of study of eight semesters will conclude with a bachelor’s thesis and an artistic-practical examination.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Studying abroad is not required for this degree program, but it will expand and enrich your artistic, musical, and personal development.

Internships

If you would like to work as a music teacher after graduation, an internship or experience working in a music school during your studies is a good way to further your pedagogical training.

For those studying to become concert musicians, an internship with a professional orchestra is not only important for your resume and future auditions, but it is also your first experience in a professional orchestra, which can further the development of your personality as well as your skills on the instrument. Moreover, playing in an orchestral group is something that can only be learned and developed in practice. It also plays a very important role in successfully completing a probation year and in the everyday professional life of an orchestral musician.

For this reason, the Mainz School of Music offers the cooperation program “Young Philharmonic Ensemble” with the Mainz Philharmonic State Orchestra, where you can join the ensemble by auditioning and thus participate in projects of the Mainz Philharmonic State Orchestra.

This program of study does not include a mandatory internship. However, voluntary internships are a great way to gain insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

This program primarily trains full-time orchestral musicians. You can also pursue careers in composition, musical education, as well as music and instrumental teaching.

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.