Master of Music -
Instrumental Composition

During the course of study, students acquire fundamental and in-depth knowledge in the field of instrumental and vocal composition in small and larger ensembles and try it out in practice in a variety of ways. The main focus of the main course of study is on the performance of students' works in and, if possible, outside the university. Close cooperation with external institutions, with ensembles or festivals for new music offers composition students professional performance conditions within the framework of their studies.

The field of work of today's composers has expanded significantly. In addition to concert music, the fields of theater, film, video, installation, performance, radio play or music in digital environments (AR/VR/XR) have come into focus. The practical orientation and intended diversity in the study program should guarantee that versatile opportunities open up for the composers* after graduation. In addition, students are involved in internal and external projects at an early stage in order to establish a network with musicians, event organizers, but also with artists from other fields. For several years now, the Institute for New Music at HfMT Cologne has been working closely with the Ensemble Musikfabrik. The ensemble's specialized musicians perform new compositions by students in two concerts each year as part of the Adventure cooperation. The broad and flexible range of educational opportunities allows students to individually shape their studies and career prospects. In many cases, graduates do not work exclusively as composers after graduation. As in other professional fields, composing is rarely limited to one area, but rather requires flexibility and versatility. However, this flexibility is not to be understood in the sense of adaptation, but rather as the ability to shape one's studies and subsequent professional activity independently. Today's composers are not only responsible for their own music, but also for their professional careers.