M. Mus. in Classical Music

• Degree: Master of Music (M. Mus.)
• Model: full-time
• Language: English
• ECTS: 120
• Info: accredited
• Duration: 4 semesters
• Location: Berlin

The Master's programme in Classical Music (M.Mus.) builds on the Bachelor's programme in Classical Music (B.Mus.) and offers a further four-semester specialization for advanced instrumentalists and vocalists. The goal of the programme is to provide you with a platform for deepening your technical and vocal skills, musical interpretation skills, and artistic expression, preparing you at the highest level for a professional career in the music world.

Depending on your chosen specialization, the focus of the programme is on intensive study of your primary instrument or the further development of your vocal technique and interpretation, complemented by advanced studies in chamber music, orchestral playing and solo performance, as well as lieder, musical theater, and other vocal genres. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in various musical genres and styles, supported by masterclasses, workshops, and regular performances.

Your course content in detail

Essential components of the programme also include in-depth studies in music theory, music history, and music analytical methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of the broad range of musical works and contexts. Individual artistic projects and research assignments allow you to pursue your own musical interests and further develop your artistic identity.

The Master's programme places great emphasis on practical application and public performance. You will have numerous opportunities to present yourself and demonstrate your skills in concerts, competitions, and other professional contexts. Collaboration with experienced lecturers and renowned guest artists offers inspiring insights and promotes networking in the professional music world.

The Master's in Classical Music is ideal for talented musicians and singers who want to advance their skills to a professional level and aspire to a successful career as soloists, orchestral musicians, ensemble singers, or in other musical fields.

Artistic Careers

Graduates of Classical Music have a wide range of artistic career opportunities. These include roles as orchestral musicians in symphony or chamber orchestras, as soloists or chamber musicians, as opera singers or instrumentalists in opera houses and theaters, and as freelance concert artists at festivals and international concert series.

In addition to classical performance practice, opportunities open up in interdisciplinary projects, media production, and music technology – for example, as studio musicians or session musicians. Singers can also find work in choirs, in song interpretation, or in the field of church music. In Berlin, artists have access to various financial support opportunities, including government grants, cultural foundations, and EU funding programs.

Education and Teaching

Graduates of Classical Music can work in teaching and research. Possible careers include working as an instrumental or vocal teacher at music schools, conservatories, or universities, as well as as a lecturer in performance practice, musical interpretation, or music education. Academic careers are also possible – for example, in research on historical performance practice, vocal techniques, or instrumental didactics. In Berlin and other cultural centers, there is a constant demand for qualified teachers, as both public and private educational institutions regularly advertise teaching positions in the field of music.

Cultural Management

Graduates can also work in cultural management and use their expertise to actively shape the music scene. Possible career paths include positions in artistic direction, concert and festival organization, artist agencies, or project coordination. Many graduates work in the administration of orchestras, opera houses, and music institutions, contributing to the successful realization of major performances.

This field offers flexible and diverse career opportunities – from working as a music festival coordinator to working as an artist agent, managing musicians and singers and organizing concert tours.

In the Master's degree programme in Classical Music, your artistic personality takes centre stage. Building on your Bachelor's degree, you will deepen your instrumental or vocal major at the highest level and develop an individual artistic profile. Your studies will be complemented by further theoretical, academic and pedagogical content that will enable you to create music in a reflected, versatile and future-orientated way.

In the practical artistic modules, you will expand your repertoire, develop your creative expressiveness and explore new artistic formats. You will also deal intensively with interdisciplinary topics such as music and health as well as innovative mediation approaches. You will complete your Master's degree programme with a freely designable final project or an academically based Master's thesis, tailored to your artistic interests and career prospects.

Focus on instrumental

In our Master's degree programme in Classical Music - Instrumental, you will develop your instrumental skills to the highest level. Your main instrument takes centre stage: you will refine your technique and expression and find your own musical style.

You will also study ensemble and chamber music, music theory, aural training, music history and aesthetics. You will discover classical and contemporary works and acquire a sound artistic and theoretical basis. Expertise in music education and pedagogy will prepare you for a variety of tasks in musical life.

Workshops, individual and group lessons, seminars and masterclasses ensure a varied programme of study. Performances at concerts, competitions and projects are part of the programme right from the start. Experienced lecturers and international guest artists will accompany you on your journey.

In addition to your musical skills, you will strengthen your independence: you will have the opportunity to develop your own artistic projects and expand your management skills - important foundations for a successful career as a musician.

Focus on vocals

On our Master's degree programme in Classical Music - Vocal, you will develop your voice into your strongest means of expression. Over four semesters, we will accompany you on your path to becoming a versatile, expressive vocal artist - with in-depth training in vocal technique, interpretation and stage presence.

Your main subject, singing, takes centre stage: you will work intensively on your voice and learn a broad repertoire from different eras and styles. In addition, you will strengthen your musical personality in ensemble and chamber music, speech training, sight-singing, scenic lessons as well as music theory, music history, aesthetics and aural training.

We attach great importance to practical experience: you will gain experience in concerts, recitals, music theatre productions and other stage formats. Music education and pedagogy are also integral parts of your degree programme and open up a wide range of career opportunities.

You will develop your artistic signature through individual lessons, workshops, masterclasses and seminars - accompanied by experienced lecturers and renowned guest artists.

1st semester

1. Instrumental/Vocal Subjects and Chamber Music – 25 ECTS
2. Orchestral Studio / Opera Studio – 5 ECTS

2nd semester

1. Instrumental/Vocal Subjects and Chamber Music – 19 ECTS
2. Orchestral Studio / Opera Studio – 6 ECTS
3. Elective Courses – 5 ECTS

Elective Areas: Artistic Research, Aesthetics and Theory, Management

3rd semester

1. Instrumental/Vocal Subjects and Second Instrument – 19 ECTS
2. Orchestral Studio / Opera Studio – 6 ECTS
3. Elective Courses – 5 ECTS

Elective Areas: Artistic Research, Aesthetics and Theory, Management

4th semester

1. Instrumental/Vocal Subjects and Chamber Music – 12 ECTS
2. Orchestral Studio / Opera Studio – 6 ECTS
3. Elective Courses – 6 ECTS
4. Master Thesis – 6 ECTS

Elective Areas: Artistic Research, Aesthetics and Theory, Management

You will study at the Berlin Institute of Musical Arts (BIMA), part of the SRH University Campus Berlin in the creative centre of Kreuzberg. You can expect state-of-the-art music rooms, professional studios and innovative creative labs that create an inspiring learning atmosphere. BIMA combines classical music with trans-traditional styles and offers you an excellent artistic and academic education. In the immediate vicinity, you will find a vibrant network of music studios, galleries, cultural projects and trendy cafés - ideal conditions for developing your musical career.

To apply for the Master's programme in Classical Music , you will need

• University or university of applied sciences degree (Bachelor in Music or an equivalent degree with at least 180 ECTS)
• Successfully completed selection procedure*
• English language certificate*
• Curriculum vitae with current passport photo
• Copy of ID (front and back), copy of National Identity Card for foreign students
• Entrance examination*

If you come from abroad, you can be admitted,

• if you can provide us with a university entrance qualification in the form of certificates from your previous education
• if you have successfully completed our selection procedure*.

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