This program of study is for you if you

• want to not only make music, but understand why and how it works the way it does
• enjoy reading scores and going on a journey of discovery in them
• like to think analytically and solve musical puzzles
• are interested in imparting your knowledge to others and explaining things so others can understand them
• are curious about a wide variety of music – from old music to contemporary music

You should possess

• an interest in analytical thinking
• patience and perseverance – some analytical relationships only become clear when you look closely
• an openness for a variety of analytical perspectives and academic work

The entrance requirements include proof of a completed bachelor’s degree in Music or Musicology or an equivalent degree from a higher education institution.

An aptitude test will determine whether you possess the necessary subject-specific skills for the master’s degree program, particularly the required musical aptitude in the selected vocal or instrumental major, as well as sufficient motivation for the program of study. At the time of enrollment, no more than one year may have passed since you took the aptitude test. The same applies for enrollment in advanced semesters.

More information on the aptitude test can be found in the School of Music’s aptitude test regulations.

Applicants who have not obtained a university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution or a degree in a German-speaking course must provide proof of sufficient German language skills. These must correspond to level DSH-2 of the “German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants” and must be demonstrated by the end of the first semester after enrollment at JGU.

If you have not yet received your bachelor’s degree certificate by the application deadline, but have earned at least 135 credits in your bachelor’s program, you must apply by the set deadline with a transcript (issued by your university) of all coursework and exams completed to date, including your average grade to date.

Good to know: The legally binding basis for selection, admission and enrollment is the text of the entrance requirements as specified in Section 2 of the currently valid examination regulations and, where applicable, in the appendix.

You can find more information in the master’s degree program’s examination regulations.

• Main subjects: Composition and Aural Training
• Didactics
• Jazz theory
• History of music theory
• Practical application: basso continuo, score playing, improvisation
• Arranging and orchestrating

After your 2nd academic semester, you will choose a specialization in your major subject:

Analysis / Theory: Analysis and style copying, teaching trials, compositional analysis, aural analysis

or

Composition: Free composition, teaching trials, composition/arrangement or electronic music/computer music or improvisation, aural analysis

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.

Internships

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.

Once you earn your master’s degree in music theory, you will be optimally prepared to teach at higher education institutions and music schools. In this degree program, you will acquire the necessary professional skills:

• Teaching practice
• Concert production
• Editorial work
• Arranging and orchestrating
• Academic publishing
• Project management

In addition to teaching, you can also work in music publishing, academia, concert companies, and orchestras.

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.