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.

Chamber music and orchestral performance are given particular emphasis in order to lay the foundation for professional ensemble practice and to foster collaborative artistic interaction.

Pedagogy is a core component of the program for all students, including those pursuing careers as professional performers – whether in salaried positions or as freelancers.
At the end of the fourth semester, you will decide whether to focus the second half of your studies on preparing for a performing career – or on music education in preparation for a teaching career.

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.

Final examination

Focus on artistic training: You complete the standard period of study of eight semesters with a performance examination.

Focus on instrumental pedagogy: After eight semesters, you demonstrate your competence by presenting a graduation concert and completing either an artistic-pedagogical project or, alternatively, a research-based bachelor’s thesis.

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

Students who choose a pedagogical focus complete an internship to further prepare for teaching, for example at a music school.

For students pursuing a career as a concert musician, no mandatory internship is required. However, a voluntary internship with a professional orchestra is valuable not only for your résumé but also when applying for auditions later on. During an internship, you often gain your first experience in a professional orchestra, which can enrich both your personal development and your instrumental performance. 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.

As a graduate of the program, you will be well prepared to work as a professional (orchestral) instrumentalist as well as an instrumental instructor. Depending on your initiative and talents, the program can also provide a valuable foundation for other career paths, such as composition or conducting.

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.