Applied Musicology and Music Education

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
Yes

The Bachelor's degree program in Applied Musicology and Music Education is unique in Germany to date. The combination of these two areas of study and the applied approach make it unique. The program’s applied nature means that students have the opportunity to practice using the skills that they have learned in practical projects where they create their own arrangements, organize concerts, carry out music education projects, or create podcasts, for example. The Bachelor’s program can be studied in full-time or part-time.

What is Musicology?

Musicology deals with music from different perspectives and with very different methods. It knows neither stylistic nor cultural boundaries. Thus, the music of long-deceased composers as well as current music charts or music from other cultures can become the study focus. At the same time, it is not only about the music itself, but also about how to deal with it, for example when listening or making music. For example, the question of how the memory for music functions or how music triggers emotions can be considered just as much as stage fright during a performance or the practice processes of musicians. Musicology pursues its research questions primarily based on theoretical considerations and empirical studies rather than with the help of practical music education.

Within musicology, a distinction is made between three areas of work. These investigate different questions and work with different methods, but also show cross-sections and similarities.

Historical Musicology

  • Music history, e.g. origin, notation, tonal reproduction, function and effect of works of Western musical tradition)
  • Organology
  • Music philosophy and music aesthetics

Systematic Musicology

  • Acoustics, e.g. instrument acoustics, room acoustics
  • Music psychology
  • Sociology of music
  • Music informatics, cognitive musicology, mathematical music theory

Music ethnology (also ethnomusicology)

  • Music of non-European cultures and peoples
  • European folk and popular music
  • Music in the context of urbanity or migration

However, only a combination of all these areas makes it possible to understand the complex phenomenon of music with its manifold historical, psychological, sociological, acoustic and cultural interactions in its entirety.

The three musicological sections are supplemented by music theory, which deals with the following aspects of music: Harmonics, theory of forms, composition and musical analysis.

Where does musicology leave its traces?

The findings of musicology are not only found in scientific books and journals. Listening to music and making music are popular leisure activities, and often at least indirectly connected with the activities of musicologists.

Examples:

  • In concert halls or opera houses: Conception of programs, music and opera dramaturgy, program booklets, music management, sheet music editing, etc.
  • In radio and television stations: Music journalistic contributions such as reports, reviews, features, interviews, etc.
  • In libraries, archives, museums: Sheet music inventories, maintenance and analysis of musical instruments, etc.
  • In music publishing houses: Conception of programs, sheet music editions, songbooks, books about music, etc.
Kinderkonzert_2018
Musik
Semesterschlusskonzert_2017
Übungsraum

The program in detail

Contents

General information on the degree program

The Bachelor’s degree program in "Applied Musicology and Music Pedagogy" generally prepares students for a music-related profession in those areas where music is written and spoken about, where music is taught, organized and managed. It is therefore not specifically oriented towards a particular professional field, but rather provides the basic qualifications that are important for all professional fields.

The degree program is aimed at people with an interest in a music-related activity, who strive for a balanced combination of scientific-theoretical, music-practical and professional training.
According to these basic ideas, the courses deal, among other things, with music history, work analysis, music theory, music aesthetics, pop music, jazz, notation, instrumental studies, music psychology, acoustics, music sociology, music and media, music ethnology and music anthropology, introduction to scientific work and methods of empirical research.

Prerequisites for a successful course of study

  • Interest for music of different epochs and styles
  • Willingness to deal with scientific texts about music
  • Curiosity about music-educational processes
  • Enjoyment of musical practice, without wanting to professionalize it at university level
  • Experience with music in school/leisure time

Program structure

The teaching practice in Eichstätt is based on six central pillars, which guarantee a sound education in the fields of musicology, music education, music practice and music theory that are relevant to the diverse professional fields. The connection to professional practice as well as the possibility of including supplementary study modules from relevant neighboring disciplines round off the comprehensive range of courses.

The six main pillars are:

Musicology

Basic teaching of topics, methods and working methods of all three sub-disciplines of musicology (systematic musicology / historical musicology / music ethnology)

Action-oriented music pedagogy

Introduction to music-educational methodology and theory formation

Music practice

Students will continuously be dealing with and approaching different forms of practical music-making in various KU ensembles (available in german) such as choir, chamber choir, a cappella group, orchestra or big band.

Music theory

Students will continuously be dealing with the music theoretical foundations of the occidental music tradition as a basis for scientific-analytical considerations as well as for music practice in the field of improvisation and song accompaniment.

Professional practice

A continuous career orientation through various events offering a good overview of the professional field, short internships, practical projects and a required internship semester. In order to enable graduates from Eichstätt to enter professional life as smoothly as possible, the degree program works closely with cooperation partners from the cultural life and music industry, such as the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation, the Nuremberg State Theater, the Stuttgart State Opera, as well as music publishers and cultural offices for workshops, internships and introductory events.

Elective modules

The study program is opened for supplementary, freely selectable study contents from neighboring disciplines according to individual interests and the requirements of the desired field of activity in the form of a component of optional modules from the entire KU curriculum that is being integrated into the program curriculum.

Facilities

Our Eichstätt campus offers attractive and state-of-the-art facilities: KU music students have their own computer music laboratory with special software for music editing and digital music processing as well as a well-maintained pool of recording equipment for audio and video recordings. For their music practice, students are provided with a separate band room as well as various music practice rooms. Through the University Library, you have access to a large and up-to-date stock of current music-related books and periodicals. In addition, you can borrow sheet music. Interesting cooperation partners from cultural life and the music industry, who enrich the degree program with practical seminars, workshops and external internships, make studying in Eichstätt so interesting.

The program in awards and rankings

Our students have submitted an assessment of the Bachelor’s degree program in Applied Musicology and Music Pedagogy and would recommend it to 100%!

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© studycheck.de

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others. 

"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.

More ranking results

Studying abroad

Within the framework of the practical semester in the fifth semester (and correspondingly at a later point in time in the part-time program), it is possible to either complete a study visit or an internship abroad without any problems. All partner universities of the KU that offer music-related programs are available. The International Office supports you in your search for an internship abroad or a suitable exchange university.

Practical connection

This degree program has a strong practical connection: Already in the second semester, students get a first insight into possible occupational fields and their requirements through lectures and workshops with professionals from the field. Within the framework of a 4-week short internship, which takes place in the lecture-free period between the second and fourth semester, students can take part in a practical training. Students take an intensive approach to one or two occupational fields during their practical semester, which is held in semester 5.

Career possibilities and professional fields

Career prospects

Central occupational fields for which students of this degree program are prepared include:

  • Concert education specialist
  • Music journalist
  • Theater education specialist
  • Music manager

Other professional fields for which this degree program constitutes an important first step, but which usually require more in-depth study (Master's degree program, volunteer work, etc.):

  • Lecturer
  • Editor sheet music
  • Opera director
  • Dramaturge
  • Arranger
  • Artistic director
  • Music therapist
  • Music producer
  • Agent

Occupational fields for which students are NOT being prepared in this degree program are:

  • Musician
  • Singer
  • Sound engineer
  • Composer

These professional goals can partly be achieved by an artistic degree program at a university of music or within the framework of a practical training (e.g. musical performer).

Alumni testimonials

Katrin-Poese_Alumna

"If you already know that you would like to do something with music, the degree program offers the possibility to find out, which areas suit your interests best: it offers many different subjects, many practical components and practical courses, which are firmly integrated to the program. For me, the most suitable areas…

"If you already know that you would like to do something with music, the degree program offers the possibility to find out, which areas suit your interests best: it offers many different subjects, many practical components and practical courses, which are firmly integrated to the program. For me, the most suitable areas were systematic musicology, writing and teaching. These insights helped me to choose the right Master's degree program and to discover my own way.”

- Katrin Poese

What students say about the program

Foto Bräunling Julia

"I am very happy that I have chosen the KU when I was searching for a suitable university. The informal atmosphere, which I had already read about in numerous testimonials, was immediately visible for me as well. The fact that lecturers were always available to talk in person and professors were constantly helpful also…

"I am very happy that I have chosen the KU when I was searching for a suitable university. The informal atmosphere, which I had already read about in numerous testimonials, was immediately visible for me as well. The fact that lecturers were always available to talk in person and professors were constantly helpful also helped me greatly to find my way around from the very beginning.

In my opinion, the relationship between theory and practice in my degree program is perfectly coordinated. In various ensemble groups, we have the opportunity to develop our musical freedom and at the same time develop educational skills in music teaching.

The course of study is also very varied due to the great variety of theoretical contents such as music history, music theory and the various musicological seminars.

Offering exciting theoretical insights and fun in practice, the program ideally prepares us for a professional field full of different possibilities."

- Julia Bräunling(semester 4)

"The degree program creates a good balance between theory and practice. In small and large projects within the framework of different courses, students always have the opportunity to apply the theoretical contents of the course in practice. Although it can happen from time to time that you are thrown in at the deep end,…

"The degree program creates a good balance between theory and practice. In small and large projects within the framework of different courses, students always have the opportunity to apply the theoretical contents of the course in practice. Although it can happen from time to time that you are thrown in at the deep end, you are never alone and can always count on support from lecturers and fellow students. Guidelines are usually formulated relatively loosely and you are always encouraged to freely implement your own ideas.
This is also reflected in the possibilities of practical music making at the university, which of course must not be neglected in a music course. Thus, numerous lecturers lead large ensembles that practice on a weekly basis, offering everything from choirs and band projects to traditional instrumental ensembles. In addition, students organize themselves in small ensembles and develop short programs that are performed as part of the Klangreise at the end of each semester.
You are also not alone when it comes to your own career prospects. In the course of the studies, a series of lectures will give you an insight into different professional fields and at the same time you will make your first contacts with people from all areas of the music industry. Through practical projects, you will have the opportunity to realize your own ideas in a relaxed atmosphere and you will gain valuable professional experience during the practical semester.
So if you are interested in a varied music study program in an informal setting and perhaps do not know exactly where you want to go, I can warmly recommend the Bachelor's degree program in Applied Musicology and Music Education at the KU."

- Nicholas Meier(semester 4)

The KU

Sommerresidenz Luftbild

Campus

Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.

Studierende vor der Zentralbibliothek

What sets the KU apart

Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.

It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.

Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?

No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.

At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.

As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.

This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.

Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation. 

Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?

With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.

A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.

Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.

The location

Ortsschild Eichstätt
University town of Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg
Willibaldsburg
Bootsfahrer auf der Altmühl
Canoeing on the Altmühl river
[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten
Relaxing and celebrating in beer gardens

Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities. 

The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.

More on the study location Eichstätt

Advisory Service

Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!

David Guevara
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt

Application

Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01 - Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No

The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.

Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!

Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.