Global Music

What will you learn?

The first year includes foundation courses, practical courses and specializations in instrumental and project work (studio, ensemble, stage) these courses cover fundamental topics in the musical traditions and popular music offered. In addition, students also learn the basics of music business.

In the following four semesters advanced courses, projects and an internship provide practical training in skills that are essential for working in a global music scene.

In addition to artistic content, the program also teaches skills in transcultural music education and communication as well as in the field of music business.

In order to prepare students for a professional career, the program maintains close ties with regional educational and cultural institutions. Some of these include: Ensemble Colourage, Johannes Kepler Elementary School, Mannheim Academy of Oriental Music, Mannheim University of Music, Mannheim Music School, and Tamburi Mundi Festival.

The Global Music program covers the following areas of focus and main instrumental subjects:

Microtonal and maqam-based music

Bağlama
Oud
Kanun
Vocal performance
Your instrument

Percussion worldwide

Afro-Cuban traditions
Middle Eastern traditions
West African traditions
Hybrid setup

If your instrument is not listed here, you can still apply.

Foundational Studies

1st and 2nd semester

The first year covers the artistic & business basics giving the students a solid academic foundation.

Artistic and music business: basic level

Being an artist in the 21st century
Artist development and management
Business start-up
Image,stage & performance

Core music courses: basic level

Major instrument: bağlama, kanun, oud, percussion, vocal performance, other instruments, see FAQ
Minor instrument (no prior knowledge required): Producing

Theoretical foundation

Music theory worldwide

Focus 1: Microtonal and maqam-based music
Focus 2: Western music theory

Rhythmic training

Body percussion
Rhythmic ear training

Music in a cultural and historical context

Main studies

3rd to 6th semester

In the four-semester main course of study, necessary skills are enhanced in a practical way. The course offerings are supplemented by masterclasses and workshops by prominent artists in the field of popular music and global music.

Core music courses: advanced level

Major and minor instrument lessons (Keyboard, guitar, drums, bass, vocal performance)
Concert program, sound recording and multimedia production
Music theory & Rhythmic training
Band and performance coaching, ensemble work
Global Music Compositions
Recording/ live performance technique, Multimedia

Electives
The electives may include both subjects from the music business field, for example business start-up, artist development, pop culture, or from the artistic field, for example Popular Musics of the World, Multimedia, Masterclass Music Theory, Global Pop Band.

Internship
An essential part of the degree programme is a 12 week long mandatory internship in the 5th semester.

Artist Profiles

Instrumentalist, Singer and Performer

Description
The foundation is technical skill, musical flexibility, and versatility. A grounding in music theory and repertoire knowledge are just as important as an interest in transcultural musical practices.

Training Objectives
Excellent technical skills, solid foundation in music theory, broad repertoire knowledge, musical versatility, flair for genre-appropriate performance, basic business skills, cross-cultural competence.

Instrumental/vocal teacher

Description
Sharing music with others and enjoying working as a mediator. Good technical skills on one or more instruments are essential. Knowledge of music theory in the chosen global music focus area and Western music can be applied in a connecting way and taught equally well.

Training Objectives
Excellent technical skills, solid foundation in music theory, broad repertoire knowledge, musical versatility. Excellent theoretical knowledge of Western, microtonal, and maqam-based music. Transcultural and social competence, strong didactic and pedagogical skills, especially in dealing with cultural diversity.