You should either already be familiar with the theological context of church music, or be open to learning about it.

Enjoying and being interested in spiritual music from the most diverse eras as well as having good organ, keyboard, and vocal skills are a good foundation for successful studies.

Additionally, you should be able to sight-read sheet music fluently and possess prior knowledge of aural training and music theory.

Passing the aptitude test is obligatory.

Program structure

During the course of your studies, you will cover a wide range of topics in the field of church music. The emphasis is not only placed on practical training with the instrument, your voice, and conducting, but also on a deeper knowledge of music theory and pedagogy.

The program of study is comprised of 20 compulsory modules, which are divided into different levels within the majors Liturgy Theory and Artistic Practice, Artistic Training, Ensemble Conducting, as well as within the minors Music Theory and Aural Training, and in Music Comprehension. Liturgical organ playing, improvisation, liturgical singing, stylistics, choir conducting, speech training, syntax, and musical score reading are topics you will explore in-depth.

Furthermore, you can take part in special excursions organized by the organ department, as well as participate in competitions and workshops. The school also has a recording studio which is available to students.

The standard period of study of eight semesters will conclude with a bachelor’s thesis and an artistic-practical examination.

A large portion of the program of study is comprised of lessons on artistic practice as well as minors such as piano and basso continuo playing, score reading, and liturgics. Participation in JGU’s writing workshops (introduction to academic papers) and in courses offered by the studium generale is recommended.

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 necessary for this degree program, but it is recommended and supported after the 4th or 6th semester. This allows you to develop further as an artist, musician, and as a person. A stay abroad can also be advantageous for your individual musical development as exposure to different country-specific church music traditions can expand your horizon.

Internships

In order to gain an understanding of the daily responsibilities of a church musician, a study-related internship is always recommended. In Protestant theology, practical experience is a must. Especially here in Mainz, with its long-standing church music tradition, a local internship is a good opportunity to gain insight into professional life.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth 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 church musicians.

In addition, there are many other career paths open to you, such as music education, composition, or teaching music or instruments.

The career prospects for church musicians are very good and graduates are in demand everywhere.

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.