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Media Composition
Study description
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The Media Composition program trains students to become professional media composers and creative artists in various media contexts. The course content covers practical application areas of modern media composition and combines these with music theory, musicology, studio technology, marketing, instrumental instruction, and various arranging and programming techniques. Students acquire the ability to create independent media compositions, arrangements and programming and to work out artistic ideas professionally in order to be able to work for various media areas and clients, such as film music, video clips, advertising, computer games, etc., after graduation. The program ends with a nationally and internationally recognized degree that entitles the student to pursue further master's studies.
Study profile
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The main focus of this study program is a creative musical-media compositional education with a focus on electronic and contemporary media, which open up a broad and promising field of professional activity. As in all other VMI degree programs, the Media Composition program places great emphasis on fostering creativity and practice. The integration into an internationally oriented community of active musicians and students as well as teachers from the fields of music production and music management also offers a wide variety of opportunities for development and participation in different creative processes and music projects.
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Study focus
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Creation of own media compositions for various fields of application;
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Learning basic and advanced composition and arrangement rules;
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Examination of programming techniques, sound editing and sound design;
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Acquisition of general musical as well as music-theoretical-scientific knowledge;
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Study of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic structures;
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Training of the musical ear and study of acoustics;
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Study of media law, management and marketing;
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Mechanisms of the music industry and business strategies in the entertainment industry;
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Occupation with art and cultural studies as well as scientific work;
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Work with computer-aided composition techniques and multimedia;
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Examination of new media and film music;
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Acquisition of knowledge in composition, counterpoint and orchestration;
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Study of studio and recording techniques and microphonics;
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Acquisition of compositional and practical artistic skills on the piano;
Study Details
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Start: February and September
Duration of study: 6 semesters
Credits: 183 ECTS
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Prerequisites: Previous practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as an online registration for the entrance examination (audition). Persons from non-EU countries need a valid residence permit (student visa) at the beginning of their studies, which can be applied for after successful completion of the entrance examination.
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Prior studies: Courses or years of study previously completed at other educational institutions may be credited toward the degree program and shorten the duration of the study accordingly.
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Teachers: Training is provided by a professional team of internationally active musicians, composers, and music educators, as well as experts from the music industry, creative industries, studio technology, and musicology.
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Curriculum: Study plan / Completion plan / Teaching language
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Semester abroad: Being awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) by the European Union enables students of the VMI to study at a partner University of the VMI within their education with financial support for the duration of 3-12 months. In addition, funded internships abroad can be completed at various European institutions and companies in the international music industry.
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Degree: The program ends with a nationally and internationally recognized degree. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, the certificates and diplomas issued by the VMI are equivalent to those of state Universities and Colleges, are comparable to a Bachelor's degree and therefore entitle the holder to pursue further master's studies*.
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Follow-up studies: Within the framework of a cooperation agreement with the ICMP Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, a London-based partner University of the VMI, there is the possibility of obtaining the academic degrees of Bachelor or Master through a two-semester period of study at the ICMP, while at the same time gaining valuable experience in the musical metropolis of London.
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Tuition fees: Details on tuition and scholarships
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*Further studies at other educational institutions are subject to the availability of free study places as well as the admission requirements of the respective university or college, over which VMI naturally has no influence, but can provide assistance with applications, especially to partner universities and partner colleges.
Online registration
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Online registrations for the entrance examination are basically possible at any time, free of charge and without obligation. They are used to determine prior practical-theoretical knowledge and whether this is sufficient to be accepted into the desired course of study (otherwise, alternative training options may be suggested). The entrance examinations usually take place on the following dates:
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For the winter semester (start of studies in September): May/June*
For the summer semester (start of studies in February): November/December*
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Details on the entrance examination
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*Alternatively, other dates may be assigned.
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