You must be able to read and understand specialist literature in English in order to pursue your studies. However, you will not be required to provide separate proof of your language skills.

Those who are interested in the program of study but do not have an educational background at a German-language institution must additionally provide proof of sufficient German language skills (at least B2 level). Passing the aptitude test is obligatory.

For the Music Theory program of study, an educational background in music theory is necessary, as are practical skills. Musical talent is also a very important component. Your interest in music should not be limited to practical application and actively making music – enjoying the academic-theoretical examination of music in all of its facets is an important prerequisite for success in your program of study.

The degree program is comprised of two basic modules of music theory, two modules of practical musical application, two modules of musicology, and two interdisciplinary modules of music theory and musicology, as well as music education.

Module overview:

• Music Theory I & II
• Music Practice I & II
• Musicology I & II
• Music Theory and Musicology
• Music Education

As a Music Theory student, you will be constantly expanding your music theory and musicological competencies and putting them to the test by analyzing specific aspects and working on movements. The abilities and skills you acquire will be tested in module examinations and a final examination.

In this degree program, you will gain subject-specific theoretical knowledge, especially in the academic fields of music theory, musicology, and music education. In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will also gain practical and specific hands-on skills in subjects such as score reading, basso continuo, improvisation, playing in ensembles or in piano and voice as an optional musical major or minor subject.

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.

The 3rd or 4th semester is the best time to study abroad without delaying graduation, as they are after the introductory phase and before the examination phase. However, due to the regular design of the modules, which always span two semesters, any semester is suitable for a semester abroad.

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.

As a graduate of this degree program, you will be active mainly in the fields of music education or musicology.

Typical professional fields are:

• Music education at music schools, higher education institutions, or secondary schools
• Music editing in broadcasting, TV, and online
• Music journalism and critique
• Culture and concert management
• Dramaturgy and/or public relations for concert halls/theaters
• Music libraries and archives

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.