Orchestral Conducting (bachelor’s)

Orchestral Conducting students can earn a degree in the Music Promotion program.

The bachelor’s program in Orchestral Conducting generally takes eight semesters. The key focus of this degree program is not only a weekly conducting class but also hands-on work with orchestras and ensembles. The curriculum also includes individual instruction on an instrument, accompanying on the piano from reduced and full scores, concert pedagogy, as well as musicology and music theory. In addition, a wide range of electives offer students the opportunity to further develop their abilities and study outside their individual specialty. Successful graduates from the bachelor's program can continue with a four-semester master’s program in Orchestral Conducting.

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

Students studying in Düsseldorf can regularly work with the university’s own symphony orchestra which also performs once a year at the Tonhalle symphony hall in Düsseldorf. In addition, the conducting class is involved in the productions performed each year by the opera class. There are also regular work phases with professional orchestras and ensembles such as the Bergische Symphoniker or the Musikfabrik in Cologne.


Full-time instructors

Prof. Rüdiger Bohn

Proficiency test

Candidates for the Orchestral Conducting program must complete a proficiency test: Requirements for the Orchestral Conducting bachelor’s program. The proficiency test for the bachelor’s program also includes tests in music theory and aural skills at level 3. 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 Orchestral Conducting 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.