The master’s degree program in Piano at Mainz University of Music is designed for students with advanced piano skills who are pursuing a career as concert pianists.

You bring:

• exceptional pianistic skills and stylistic confidence
• artistic maturity and interpretive independence
• resilience and a strong sense of discipline to practice
• independence and initiative in artistic work
• openness to further development and artistic feedback
• a solid knowledge of music theory and stylistics
• good proficiency in German and/or English

The entrance requirements include proof of a completed bachelor’s degree in music or in a comparable area of study at 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.

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.

If you did not earn your university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB) at a German institution and do not hold a degree in which German was the language of instruction, you must provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency (A1 level, CEFR). Proof is demonstrated by submitting the appropriate examination certificates or through a conversation with the examination committee as part of the aptitude test.

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 examination regulations (in German).

The degree program has a modular structure and covers various artistic, academic, and practice-oriented areas:

Piano major

Weekly one-on-one lessons allow you to delve deeply into technique, interpretation, and repertoire. You will receive individualized preparation for exams, projects, and public appearances.

Chamber music and ensemble practice

Collaboration in various ensemble configurations – from duos and piano trios to larger ensembles – is a key focus of your studies.

One unique opportunity for you as a pianist at Mainz School of Music is the chance to conduct a Mozart piano concerto from the piano and perform it together with the university orchestra.

This unique program combines solo performance with conducting experience, fosters your musical independence, and offers you a practical introduction to the tradition of “performing and conducting” classical concerts.

Concert and performance practice

Regular university concerts, class recitals, and public projects provide you with a wide range of opportunities to gain stage experience and showcase your artistic personality.

Music theory and academic research

In addition to your artistic training, you will study analysis, the history of styles, and scholarly research. These modules foster a deeper understanding of the repertoire being performed and promote a reflective artistic practice.

Job-related skills

Depending on your chosen track, you can incorporate topics such as project management, self-organization, music education, or pedagogical approaches into your studies to prepare yourself for the diverse demands of professional life.

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.

The degree program has an artistic and practical focus and specifically prepares students for a professional career in the music world.

During your studies you will acquire:

• a highly developed pianistic technique,
• an independent artistic personality,
• a wide-ranging solo repertoire,
• sophisticated interpretive and analytical skills,
• extensive stage and concert experience,
• skills in handling performance situations,
• basics of self-promotion and career planning

Applications:

• concert performances in Germany and abroad
• competitions and festivals
• collaboration with orchestras and ensembles
• own artistic projects

Typical professional fields are:

• concert pianist
• chamber musician
• accompanist
• piano teacher
• instructor in the field of music and higher education

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.