MA Bigband – for players, writers and conductors
Course content and profile development
The central element of this master’s programme is the close and unique cooperation with the hr-Bigband - Frankfurt Radio Big Band, which is one of the leading international ensembles of its kind.
For their studies, students can choose one of the study specialisations: playing, writing or conducting, but receive lessons in all three areas, among others from members of the hr-Bigband. In addition, they receive lessons with artists from the national and international scene, who they can choose freely in consultation with the programme director. Furthermore, there are other exciting workshops, excursions, job shadowing, seminars, projects and productions, among others with the hr-Bigband.
According to their personal profile, students can gain experience in interdisciplinary ensembles in the field of contemporary music of different genres as well as in the direction of young ensembles, for example state youth jazz orchestras as well as school and music school ensembles, and are individually supported and encouraged in the planning and realisation of their own artistic projects.
MA Bigband: Exemplary course of studies
Online Info Session on February 7, 2024
What's behind it?
Dates and deadlines
MA Bigband: Application deadline for winter semester 2024/25
Save date to calendar*You will receive details of your aptitude test dates with your invitation approx. 3 to 4 weeks before your aptitude test appointment.
WiSe = winter semester // SoSe = summer semester
Requirements
The Master's programme Bigband - for players, writers and conductors is aimed at musicians who have already obtained a professional university degree (e.g. Bachelor's degree). Applicants choose one of the three main areas of study: playing, writing or conducting.
The competences required for admission to the programme must be demonstrated in an entrance exam tailored to these specialisations. Players have very good skills on their instrument, both as soloists and as section players. Writers have very good skills in the areas of arrangement and/or composition, and leaders already have leadership experience in artistic and pedagogical work with genre-typical ensembles.
Application
What do I need for the application?
Proof of German language skills
Here you will find a list of required German language skills for all degree programs. Please check which of these requirements apply to your degree program.
Digital preselection
The aptitude test takes place in two rounds. Part of the first round (digital pre-selection) is the submitted application material. Only those who pass the first round will be invited to the second round. The board of examiners will decide whether candidates have passed the first round no later than three weeks before the date of the second round.
Aptitude test
The first round (digital pre-selection) must be passed in order to be admitted to the second round (in presence). It is only evaluated with "passed" / "failed". The second round is assessed with points. The aptitude test is passed if at least 13 points are achieved in the second part.
Lesefassung: Eignungsprüfungsordnung der HfMDK Frankfurt
[Nicht-amtliche Lesefassung. Stand: 18.12.2023]
Study and Examination regulations
The Study and Examination Regulations (SPO) set out the framework conditions and regulations for your studies. They apply together with the General Regulations (for Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes) or the SPoL (for teacher training degree programmes). All versions of the SPO for your degree programme (including earlier versions for students of previous academic years) can be found at Examinations.
Lesefassung: Allgemeine Bestimmungen für Bachelor- und Masterstudiengänge der HfMDK Frankfurt
Stand: 27.05.2019
Studien- und Prüfungsordnung für den Masterstudiengang Bigband - Spielen, Schreiben, Leiten (2022)
[109/2022, 02.02.2022]
