Over 25 Years of Experience in Modern Music Education

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The VMI – Vienna Music Institute has stood for excellent education in the field of modern music for over 25 years. As an innovative educational institution, the VMI has often been a pioneer in Austria: among other achievements, it launched the country’s first state-recognized degree program in composition pedagogy. Currently, VMI is the only higher education institution in Austria offering state-accredited programs in Songwriting and Creative Musicianship. Since its founding in 1999, the VMI has consistently focused on bridging European and Anglo-American music traditions. Starting with initial instrumental study programs, the range of offerings has continually expanded—adding vocal studies, composition, music pedagogy, and many other areas. Today, VMI offers a wide array of state and internationally recognized degree programs, ranging from music production and electronic music to music business and music education.

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Location and Infrastructure

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Since 2015, VMI has been located in its new institute building at Nobilegasse 23–25, close to Schönbrunn Palace and easily accessible by public transport. The modern building offers excellent facilities for both students and faculty: Barrier-free, single-level access, Spacious teaching and administrative rooms, Lounge areas for informal exchanges, An in-house performance hall with around 100 seats, A professionally equipped recording studio for ongoing music productions. All rooms are air-conditioned and fitted with high-quality equipment, creating an efficient, inspiring, and practice-oriented learning environment across all institute areas. A dedicated digital study management system provides a clear overview of room allocations, schedules, course offerings, and individual academic progress—ensuring maximum transparency and personalized planning.​
 

International Network: Erasmus+ and More

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The VMI received official recognition as a European higher education institution in 2016, when it was awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education by the European Commission.
Since then, the VMI has been an active partner in the European Erasmus+ program, supporting numerous international collaborations, exchange projects, and mobilities—including the "House of Europe" songwriting project, developed in cooperation with five renowned European partner universities. Today, the VMI benefits from a diverse, international student body, enriching intercultural exchange and strengthening creative collaboration within the community. With a strong focus on internationality, quality, and innovation, the VMI presents itself as a future-oriented, globally connected educational institution—powered by an engaged community of students, faculty, and partner organizations worldwide.

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Our Community

 

At VMI, we foster a culture of collaboration. In a supportive and respectful environment, the focus is not on competition, but on cooperation. Degree programs and departments are interdisciplinarily connected and complemented by regular events like concerts, workshops, feedback sessions, pedagogy days, or talks with experts from Austria and abroad. Many of these initiatives are created by students themselves—and actively supported, encouraged, and promoted by the VMI. The creative diversity of our international community is reflected in the wide range of projects, concert programs, and studio productions realized at the institute. With 11 specialized departments offering top-level education, an outstanding faculty of internationally active musicians and music professionals, and guest lecturers from all over the world, the VMI provides a professional, practice-oriented, and inspiring learning environment.

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Our Philosophy

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We believe that musicality and creativity are natural expressions of human beings, which can be fostered, cultivated, and professionalized. At VMI, we combine solid knowledge transfer with practice-oriented teaching, creative development, individual mentoring, and interdisciplinary exchange. From the very first admissions process, we meet applicants with respect and openness—not only technical skills or theoretical knowledge are valued, but especially the creative potential and passion for music.

Throughout the entire course of study—and often beyond—we accompany our students individually, supporting them with study abroad opportunities, projects, studio work, or career advice, and helping them find their way to a successful future.

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Diversity & Inclusion

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At VMI, we embrace a culture of diversity and appreciation, where all community members—regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics—have equal opportunities for academic and creative success. We see diversity not just as a social reality but as a valuable resource for artistic inspiration and creative development. Equal opportunities, non-discrimination, transparency, and an inclusive, prejudice-free environment for students, faculty, and staff form core pillars of our institution. By actively promoting diversity, we bring together different cultural, social, and musical perspectives. This creates space not only for personal development but also for collective innovation and artistic progress.

The collaboration of people with diverse backgrounds is the foundation of a dynamic, inspiring learning environment—a community where everyone can contribute their uniqueness and fully develop their potential.

 

We are convinced: interdisciplinarity strengthens creativity. Therefore, at VMI, degree programs and departments do not work in isolation but are closely connected across disciplines.This spirit of collaboration creates a respectful, open atmosphere—making the VMI a place where cooperation is truly lived.

Diversity and inclusion strategy of the VMI (PDF file)