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Songwriting
Study description
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The three-year songwriting major represents a combination of vocal, instrumental, and compositional qualifications and provides focused training to become a professional songwriter or singer-songwriter. In addition to weekly classes in the Central Artistic Major of Creative Songwriting, the program includes a variety of instrumental, vocal, and compositional courses. The education is completed by supplementary subjects in the performative area as well as in the fields of music management and music production. Thus, the competencies of the graduates of this program lie in the artistic-performative as well as in the compositional-productive area of cross-genre activities. The program is completed with a state and internationally recognized degree that entitles the student to pursue further master's studies.
Study profile
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The special feature of this degree program is the combination of different musical and compositional areas as well as different emphases in the central artistic main subject. Here, the focus is on the most important components of professional songwriting and practice-oriented as well as creative work is done with the students. In parallel, students gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge and receive training in practical implementation and stage performance. Collaboration with international songwriters, musicians, music producers and professionals from music management or students from other degree programs is an integral part of this training.
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Study focus
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Learning various techniques for professional songwriting;
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Teaching vocal, instrumental and compositional skills;
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Teaching artistic and creative music-making practices;
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Expansion of technique, rhythm, phrasing, and musical expression;
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Training of musical ear and music theory practice;
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Study of music theory, composition and arrangement;
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Project-related occupation with creative identity and integration into an international community;
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Examination of studio technology and marketing;
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Development of individual concert programs;
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Development of a professional stage presence and performance;
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Guidance towards an individually and comprehensively educated artistic personality;
Study Details
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Start: February and September
Duration of study: 6 semesters
Credits: 219 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
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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:
€ 120 one-time enrollment fee
€ 450 monthly tuition fee
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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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