Cello

• The artistic core area of violoncello is geared towards the professional realities of soloists, orchestral musicians and instrumental teachers. The course combines individual artistic and technical development with ensemble work, reflective repertoire design and methodological consolidation.
• In individual lessons in your main subject, violoncello, you will shape your individual technical and musical development. The focus is on continuous work on tone production, stylistics, interpretation and artistic presence. You will receive additional inspiration from regular recitals and masterclasses.
• Chamber music and ensemble practice are naturally part of the core area: you will work in various ensembles – including string quartet, chamber music with piano, cello ensemble and cello orchestra, as well as other chamber music formations – try out independent rehearsal methods and explore stylistic diversity, including new music (e.g. chamber music exams with contemporary repertoire at higher levels).
• You will gain orchestral experience during rehearsals and concerts with the university orchestra and through register work. Professional working methods are important to us, as are routine orchestral studies, relevant orchestral positions and audition training.
• Through the study of new music, you will engage with innovative playing techniques, forms of notation and contemporary repertoire concepts. Ensembles for new music and projects within the framework of the Donaueschingen Music Days offer special opportunities
• You can also focus on performance practice and familiarise yourself with the stylistic and technical fundamentals of historical interpretation practice
• Or you can delve deeper into music education (IGP profile) and learn the didactic and methodological fundamentals of instrumental teaching or class music-making.

• Orchestral practice is at the heart of the artistic programme: the aim is to prepare students for professional careers in symphony and opera orchestras.
• Orchestral studies & audition training: systematic development of orchestral repertoire, audition procedures and repertoire strategies.
• Mental training & performance coaching for confidence in auditions and concerts.
• Regular orchestra projects with the university symphony orchestra and project-based ensembles.
• Chamber music and ensemble work to develop sound balance, communication and musical responsibility.
• Support and preparation for competitions, orchestra academies and auditions.

Would you like to deepen and reflect on the tonal, technical and interpretative possibilities of the cello? Then you've come to the right place.

• A successful entrance exam in cello as a main subject is required, along with a willingness to engage in intensive artistic exploration, independent practice and continuous reflection on the musical process.

The exact regulations for the individual degree programmes can be found in the enrolment regulations

In the artistic core area, you will learn key artistic, methodological and reflective skills that are essential for musical practice in a professional environment.

These include:

• Instrumental technique:  differentiated tone and sound production; mastery of many playing techniques; confident technical fundamentals

• Interpretative and stylistic confidence:  understanding of historical periods, genres and stylistic traditions; analytical and interpretative skills; interpretation of works from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods
• Ensemble and orchestral skills: confident handling of complex ensembles; understanding of roles in orchestral settings; preparation for auditions
• Artistic independence: independent repertoire development; reflective creativity; stage presence and performance skills

• Pedagogical competence (in the IGP profile): teaching strategies, teaching diagnostics, teaching observation experience, professionalism in music education 

Due to its size, the Trossingen University of Music offers an above-average level of personal support, individual learning paths and flexible profile design. We are also happy to support you if you would like to spend a semester abroad.

Cello can be chosen as a main subject in all degree programmes offered. Choose between artistic and artistic-pedagogical, full-time and part-time, focused on your instrument or open to new approaches:

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 polish’ can apply for the Konzertexamen.