Church Music (bachelor’s)

Church Music students (Protestant and Catholic) can earn a performance degree in the Music Promotion program.

The bachelor’s program in Church Music generally takes eight semesters. The focus of studies is on the performance majors of organ literature performance, liturgical organ playing, piano, voice and choral conducting. In addition, there is practical choral work and instruction in orchestral conducting as well as practical subjects such as directing chant singing, Gregorian chant, liturgy, and hymnology. In addition, a wide range of options offers opportunities to broaden and deepen students’ personal church music, didactic and artistic skills. Successful graduates of the bachelor's program can continue with a four-semester master’s program in Church Music.

Detailed information about the sequence and contents of the program can be found in the Church Music (bachelor’s) module overview.

Networking of study content and practice

In a closely networked program structure, the university attaches great importance to ensuring that training is oriented to later professional practice, and removes individual subject matter from its isolation and places it in a holistic context. Thus, for example, the contents of popular music are connected in a natural way with the contents of the instruction in Organ Performance or Choral Conducting. This is also reflected in the performance projects of the institute. It is particularly noteworthy that an endowed chair for Choral Pedagogy was established by the Archdiocese of Cologne to support the academic program of the Institute of Church Music.


Study program coordinator
Prof. Jürgen Kursawa

Proficiency test

Candidates for the Church Music program must complete a proficiency test: Those applying to the undergraduate program must complete a music performance proficiency audition: Requirements for the Church Music bachelor’s program. The proficiency test for the bachelor’s program also includes tests in music theory and aural skills. Sample exams are available in the Music Theory section of this website.

Proficiency in German

International applicants must possess adequate German language skills. The B2 certificate (according to the Goethe Institute classification system) or a comparable qualification is required. This also applies to direct enrollment in a higher semester.

Commencement of studies and application deadlines

It is only possible to commence studies in the Church Music bachelor’s program in the winter semester. The application deadline is March 1. The date-of-receipt stamp of the university applies.

Applying

Applications must be submitted online, along with access to the online application portal Muvac. Further information can be found here (German).

Further Information

Questions about the academic program will be answered by subject tutors and the Registrar’s Office.