Studying early music

The focus of the programme is, of course, on lessons in your main subject. In addition, special early music courses complement your artistic training. One focus is on ensemble work, which is given particular emphasis in Trossingen. The intensive networking across all areas of the university enables you to shape your own artistic path.

• Extensive repertoire in solo and ensemble playing
• For string instruments: handling different bows
• Articulation, intonation and language in music
• Different styles within the eras
• Repertoire from Baroque to Romanticism with different instruments and pitches
• Basso continuo playing
• Improvisation, ornamentation, diminution 

The rapid and comprehensive digitisation of 19th-century musical manuscripts has enabled researchers to make great strides and uncover astonishing discoveries. Romantic music repertoire performed on historical instruments has become established on concert stages. The internationally renowned field of early music is following suit and increasingly devoting itself to the pedagogical training and academic research of 19th-century repertoire. 

Specifically, you will learn:

• Interpretation techniques from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods on historical instruments
• Exploring, improvising and creating solo and ensemble repertoire in various ensembles
• Source study
• Additional and alternative instruments
• Basso continuo playing

Early music instruments can be studied as a major subject in all of the degree programmes offered. Choose between artistic or artistic-pedagogical, full-time or part-time, focused on your instrument or open to new paths:

Bachelor Podium and Orchestra
Bachelor Music Pedagogy
Bachelor Secondary School Education
Master Podium and Orchestra
Master Music Pedagogy
Master Secondary School Education
Master Stage and Orchestra Practice (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters)
Master Chamber Music (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters)
Master Creative Arts Practice (Part-time Master, 60 ECTS, 4 semesters)
Master Music and Society (Part-time Master, 60 ECTS, 4 semesters)

But of course, young students are also welcome, 
and those who are still looking for that ‘final touch’ can apply for the Konzertexamen 

The programme aims to prepare students for an artistic career on stage. You can flexibly combine all the areas you need for a successful professional life. But of course, you can also deepen your pedagogical skills, which will enable you to teach later on. As obvious as the historical performance practice profile is, you can also pursue exciting digital profiles such as music design light or network within the MUSIK-DESIGN-PERFORMANCE centre and choose creative arts practice. In addition, the Bachelor's programme also offers the ‘Podium’ profile in the field of ‘modern’ instruments. Such knowledge can be very helpful for freelancers. As you can see, you are spoilt for choice.

• ... since 1992, the Institute for Performance Practice (formerly the Institute for Early Music) has been one of the world's leading centres of excellence in the field of historical music interpretation up to the Romantic period?...
• Trossingen has a huge collection of historical keyboard instruments?
• ...chamber music and ensemble work, right up to baroque orchestra, are given high priority?
• ...close networking is maintained across the university, right up to the State Centre for MUSIC-DESIGN-PERFORMANCE?
• ...there is a (part-time) Master's degree in ‘Early Music Ensemble Conducting’ or ‘Concertmaster/Primarius’?

Find out more at  the Institute for Performance Practice or apply directly

The Trossingen University of Music offers a special feature in the Master's programme: in the so-called part-time Master's programme, you can complete your studies in six semesters instead of just four. This allows you to give concerts or teach alongside your studies. Nevertheless, you will still have enough time to prepare for your lessons and your studies in general. It is not necessary for you to be on site all the time. 

You can use the part-time master's degree 
Master Stage and Orchestra Practice (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters) or
Master Chamber Music (Part-time Master, 120 ECTS, 6 semesters)
as an excellent way to expand your knowledge and professional skills. You will learn how to apply historical performance practice at university level and gain an in-depth overview of the interpretative principles of the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.