B.Mus. In Popular Music

• Degree: Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)
• Model: full-time
• Language: English
• ECTS: 210
• Info: accredited
• Duration: 7 semesters/3.5 years
• Location: Berlin

Promoting your musical abilities and your artistic identity is the priority in the Popular Music study programme. A mix of individual major and minor lessons, ensemble lessons, repertoire and accompaniment coaching will form your musical basis throughout the entire course of studies. You will hone your musical craft, test yourself in interaction with others and sharpen your artistic profile. You will learn all the basics, tools and the necessary routine in courses such as composition, songwriting, performance training, artist development, pedagogy and recording techniques.

The study programme offers weekly workshops on various practical music topics such as songwriting and sound engineering as well as live panels with experts from the music industry. In addition, a variety of practical projects each semester offer plenty of opportunities to try out your skills in front of an audience and expand your network. Lecturers from all areas of the live and recording industry provide support on your career path.

As a popular musician you make sure that the music of tomorrow remains exciting. You are a recording artist, songwriter and working musician at the same time, creating musical experiences for an audience in changing environments. 

A B.Mus. in Popular Music will prepare you for a number of different freelance careers:

• author/composer, adapter/arranger/orchestrator, performer/musician
• sound engineer/sound technician for concerts, events, theatre, radio, TV, recordings

You could also collaborate with:

• songwriters/composers, lyricists, speakers, bands/music groups, orchestras
• producers, sound studios, clients from the industry and private sector

Or employment with:

• production companies, ensembles, concert organisers, educational establishments such as music schools
• phono industry, labels, publishers, distributors, TV and radio stations, PR and marketing agencies

The Bachelor's programme in Popular Music includes hands-on training in music production, composition, performance and music education. You will develop your musical skills and acquire pedagogical competences that are crucial for teaching music. In addition to theoretical knowledge in music theory and history, you will learn how to write songs, arrange them and perform them on stage. The programme is complemented by modules on music law and marketing, which will make it easier for you to enter the music industry.

1st Semester – Basics in theory and practice

1. Recording technology – 5 ECTS
2. Music theory – 5 ECTS
3. Music theory – 5 ECTS
4. Practical project I – 5 ECTS
5. Artistic major subject I / Ensemble I / Artistic minor subject I, group major subject I – 5 ECTS
6. History of popular music – 5 ECTS

2nd Semester – Development and performance

1. Harmony theory – 5 ECTS
2. Performance practice I – 5 ECTS
3. Elective module I – Choir & Body Percussion – 5 ECTS
4. Practical project II – 5 ECTS
5. Artistic major subject II / Ensemble II / Artistic minor subject II, group major subject II – 5 ECTS
6. Musicology – 5 ECTS

3rd Semester – Songwriting and recording

1. Songwriting – 5 ECTS
2. Composition – 5 ECTS
3. Studio technology – 5 ECTS
4. Practical project III – 5 ECTS
5. Artistic major subject III / Ensemble III / Artistic minor subject III, group major subject III – 5 ECTS
6. Media law – 5 ECTS

4th Semester – Arranging and stage training

1. Arrangement – 5 ECTS
2. Performance training – 5 ECTS
3. Elective module II – 5 ECTS
4. Practical project IV – 5 ECTS
5. Artistic major IV / Ensemble IV / Artistic minor IV, group major IV – 5 ECTS
6. Language / Physiology / Prevention – 5 ECTS

5th Semester – Practical phase

The fifth semester is all about practical experience. During an internship at home or abroad or while studying abroad, you will expand your professional repertoire in a targeted manner and make direct contact with the business world and the various music scenes.

6th Semester – Music business and pedagogy

1. Pedagogy I – 5 ECTS
2. Arrangement II – 5 ECTS
3. Elective module III – Correpetition & Repertoire – 5 ECTS
4. Practical project V – 5 ECTS
5. Artistic major subject V / Ensemble V / Artistic minor subject V, group major subject V – 5 ECTS
6. Artist Development I – 5 ECTS

7th Semester – Artist Development and Thesis

1. Pedagogy II – 5 ECTS
2. Elective module IV – 5 ECTS
3. Artistic major VI / Ensemble VI / Artistic minor VI, group major VI – 5 ECTS
4. Artist Development II – 5 ECTS
5. Bachelor thesis – 10 ECTS

Playing a musical instrument or singing is a prerequisite for admission to the study programme B.Mus. Popular Music and B.A. Music Production. The following are possible: Vocals, piano, guitar, electric bass, double bass, drums, violin, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, flute. You need to present the chosen main instrument during the entrance examination. If your computer is your instrument, check out the B.A. Audio Design programme!

To apply for the Bachelor's programme in Popular Music, you will need to provide

• General higher education or university of applied sciences entrance qualification. If you have not graduated yet, apply with existing transcripts.
• Two songs in MP3 format: for your studies, you must choose and present an instrument (or vocals) as your main subject. Please upload your own compositions or interpretations of foreign works with your application (each lasting 1-4 minutes).*
• Proof of English
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of your identity card or passport

* After successful pre-selection, we will invite you to the practical entrance exam. During the exam, we want to assess your programme-specific expertise, creativity, creative and expressive drive, and motivation.

English language requirements:

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required