Bachelor of Music -
Historical Instruments

Playing against oblivion.

With the Bachelor's programs "Historical Instruments" we offer excellent education in the main subjects recorder, harpsichord, lute and viola da gamba. In addition to individual instrumental and soloistic skills, we place a special emphasis on communicative music-making: Therefore, chamber music and ensemble lessons as well as professional stage practice are a firmly integrated part of the Historical Instruments program.
In addition, comprehensive knowledge in the areas of harmony and music theory is to be imparted and fostered during the course of study. The wide-ranging curriculum guarantees a foundation with which students can face the professional demands in the best possible way.

If you have any questions regarding the study program, please contact the responsible contact person.

Basic information

Degree	Bachelor of Music
Period of study	8 Semester
Course begin	Wintersemester
ECTS points	240 ECTS
Major subjects	Blockflöte, Cembalo, Laute, Viola da Gamba
Continuing study options	Master of Music Historical instruments & baroque singin

Additional information

The Bachelor's degree course in recorder, harpsichord, lute and viola da gamba lasts eight semesters and is divided into a foundation and main course of four semesters each. The 1.5-hour main subject lessons are supplemented by additional subjects - chamber music, music theory, music history, aural training, music pedagogy, choir and courses in the areas of bodywork and self-management - which help to complete the profile of a comprehensively educated musician.

Impressions from the study program

Unterrichtssituation mit drei Studierenden und Professor für den Studiengang Historische Instrumente und Gesang.

Hintereinander stehen drei Flügel aus unterschiedlichen Epochen

Unterrichtssituation mit einem Studierenden und Professor mit dem Instrument Laute.

Special features of the study

The respective artistic majors are staffed with an international team of professors and lecturers who have made a name for themselves as musicians worldwide. Due to their experience and pedagogical aptitude, it is guaranteed that the necessary prerequisites for the future professional field are imparted in the best possible way.
In the field of early music, the Cologne University of Music offers a range of courses that is optimally geared to the requirements of future professional musicians. The practical relevance to current concert life is guaranteed by the events and projects that take place regularly. These concert performances have become a prominent part of the cultural landscape of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and are highly appreciated by the public.

Application and aptitude test

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Applications are submitted online via the muvac platform. All information on the procedure can be found on our application page.

Admission requirements

General university entrance qualification or a comparable university entrance qualification
Proof of a TestDaF 3 language certificate for non-German-speaking applicants
Successfully passed aptitude test

Qualifying examination

The aptitude test takes place in two parts.

Artistic-practical examination in the main subject. Three stylistically different works from the 17th and 18th centuries are to be performed. (duration approx. 15 minutes)
Music theory (approx. 90 minutes)

Detailed information can be found in the aptitude test regulations, especially in the appendix for content requirements and conduct of the test.
For the artistic courses of study, we recommend that you contact the main subject teacher of your choice in good time; they will be happy to advise you personally.

Course of studies and examination regulations

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The program is divided into a basic study period (1st and 2nd year) with a high proportion of compulsory modules and a differentiated main study period (3rd and 4th year).
The structural framework is formed by 6 main modules and the profile-forming main module:

Core module
Artistic-practical context
Education
Mediation
Professionalization
Bachelor thesis / Interdisciplinary project
Profile-forming module instrumentalist or instrumental pedagogy

Main compartments

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Recorder
The Bachelor's program "Historical Instruments" with the artistic main subject recorder, taught by Prof. Kerstin de Witt, is characterized by an optimal symbiosis between artistic and pedagogical competence.

Harpsichord
In the bachelor program "Historical Instruments" Prof. Michael Borgstede teaches the artistic main subject harpsichord.

Lute
The artistic main subject lute is taught by Prof. David Bergmüller in the bachelor program "Historical Instruments".

Viola da Gamba
In the bachelor program "Historical Instruments" Prof. Robert Smith teaches the artistic main subject viola da gamba. In the course of the studies, a representative cross-section of the repertoire is developed, covering all styles and epochs.