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Master of Music: Early Music Performance

Master of Music: Early Music Performance (vocal/instrumental)

Entry requirements: Candidates must complete a programme in musical performance OR music education (either a Bachelor’s or Diploma programme; to apply for this programme students must provide official documentation showing that they have begun the examination process) Candidates must successfully complete the entrance examination.

Duration: 4 semesters
Qualification: Master of Music

Major subjects

  • Baroque Bassoon
  • Baroque Oboe
  • Baroque Trombone
  • Baroque Trumpet
  • Baroque Viola
  • Baroque Violin
  • Baroque Cello
  • Basso Continuo Harpsichord
  • Basso Continuo Lute
  • Basso Continuo Organ
  • Recorder (Early Music)
  • Harpsichord
  • Vocals (Early Music) 
  • Fortepiano
  • Historical Harp
  • Lute
  • Multi-Keyed Flute
  • Organ (Early Music)
  • Traverse Flute
  • Viola Da Gamba
  • Zink (Cornetto)

This Master of Music programme in Early Music is open to applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies in Early Music, as well as instrumental and vocal performers holding a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in classical performance or a modern instrument. The curriculum includes an special supplementary module which allows students with no formal grounding in this field of musical practice to gain a better understanding of the practice, theory and academic research underlying Early Music. This module can be tailored to the needs of individual students and covers a wide range of subjects. Students with an undergraduate degree in Early Music are not required to take the supplementary module and can elect to gain an additional qualification (conducting practice, improvisation, editorial practice etc.) instead.

The programme aims to help students develop their expertise and lay the foundations for a career as an ensemble musician and/or director. Intensive performance practice, including regular concert performances in Bremen and further afield with a number of Early Music ensembles based at the University, such as the University of the Arts Baroque Orchestra and the student-led “Bremer Barock Consort” ensemble, complement class work and comprise a key component of this Master of Music programme. This emphasis on artistic practice eases the transition from the university to the professional arena.

Bremen has been an internationally renowned centre of Early Music education and research for over 20 years. Founded in 1986, the Academy for Early Music in Bremen was the first institute in Germany to introduce a degree programme for historically influenced musical practice and was amalgamated with the University of the Arts Bremen in 1994. Internationally renowned experts from European and international stages provide talented young musicians with world-class instruction here in Bremen. Numerous graduates from our courses now perform as soloists or as members of specialised ensembles.

The department has developed a reputation for innovative practice and its association with high-profile artists from around the world. The strong rapport between students and teaching staff, and the combination of excellent tuition in the main subjects together with chamber music and large vocal / instrumental formations has given the University of the Arts Bremen a very distinctive character. A range of Minor subjects including dance, historical composition, harpsichord, and seminars and lectures on musical /cultural studies make knowledgeable musicians of our students.

At the University of the Arts research, teaching and practice go hand-in-hand. Published by renowned publishers ADEVA (Akademischen Druck- und Verlagsanstalt) in Graz, Austria, the journal of the Academy of Early Music has a strong focus on performance practice. Symposia, projects, and workshops round off the broad range of activities and events on offer to students.