Music Production
Study description
Music Production is now one of the most sought-after courses at VMI, which is probably due to the practical orientation of the training. The prospective music producers do not work in isolation with computer software and editing programs, but rather with active musicians, songwriters and composers from the very beginning. This immediately creates a creative process that, in combination with Recording & Engineering as well as music theory, musicology, media law and business administration courses, guarantees a comprehensive and practice-oriented education. Students are thus trained to become independent music producers who have numerous contacts to an internationally oriented community and can work for a wide variety of bands, recording studios, labels, radio stations, theaters, film productions, music production companies or concert promoters. The program is completed with a state and internationally recognized degree that entitles students to pursue further master's studies.
Study profile
The special quality of the Music Production program at VMI lies in the fact that students work in a practice-oriented manner from the very beginning and collaborate with active musicians and creative professionals in an internationally oriented community. The focus of the course is therefore not on the theoretical study of complex computer programs or million-dollar mixing consoles that you will hardly be able to operate later on, but on practice-oriented production work according to contemporary standards on the basis of affordable home studios that make it possible to produce your own productions at a professional level. This means not only to independently work out and coordinate all the necessary production steps, but also to continuously carry out musical productions until they are finished and released, in order to gain sufficient experience and to be able to work as successful music producers in a wide variety of fields.
Study focus
-
Production and editing of music recordings and sound files;
-
Examination of studio technology and various tools for music production;
-
Dealing with microphoning and recording techniques in live and studio operation;
-
Project-related and creative music and multimedia production;
-
Digital music production, sound engineering, mixing and mastering;
-
Occupation with effects science and possibilities for sound alienation;
-
Use of computer programs and new media;
-
Examination of film, TV and stage music productions;
-
Audio engineering for live concerts and other events;
-
Creation of production sequences and day-to-day coordination;
-
Commercial marketing and international music collecting societies;
-
Acquisition of music theory, media law and business management skills;
-
Training of the musical ear and occupation with acoustics;
-
Teaching practical and instrumental skills;
Study Details
Start: February and September
Duration of study: 6 semesters
Credits: 192 ECTS
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.
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.
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.
Curriculum: Study plan / Completion plan / Teaching language
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.
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*.
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.
Tuition fees: Details on tuition and scholarships
*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
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:
For the winter semester (start of studies in September): May/June*
For the summer semester (start of studies in February): November/December*
Details on the entrance examination
*Alternatively, other dates may be assigned.