Voice (bachelor’s)

Voice students can earn a degree in the Music Performance program.

The bachelor’s program in Voice generally takes eight semesters. In addition to the weekly instruction in the performance major, stage performance is emphasized throughout the program: Scene studies, acting lessons and language courses provide a sound preparation for stage practice. Ensemble rehearsals and an annual opera production complete the offer. The academic program is augmented by coursework in musicology and music theory. In the third year of study students may also choose to specialize in Voice Pedagogy. In addition, a broad program of electives offers a variety of opportunities for deepening existing performance capabilities and going beyond the individual specialty. Successful graduates from the bachelor's degree program can continue with a four-semester master’s program in Voice.

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

Opera, Art Song and Oratorio

Students who study voice in Düsseldorf benefit from a variety of performance opportunities both inside and outside the university; for example at the Haus der Universität, the Robert-Schumann-Saal, or at various churches in the city.

The university has its own opera class. It is headed by Prof. Thomas Gabrisch. The opera class cooperates with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein and prepares its own opera productions every year, for example Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss or Die Welt auf dem Monde by Joseph Haydn.

Vocal duos work together in the regular voice class of Prof. Hans Eijsackers. Here, students have the opportunity to build their own concert repertoire and to perform it in public.

In collaboration with the Institute of Church Music, concerts with choir and orchestra take place several times a year, in which singers from the Voice Department perform as soloists, for example in Bach’s St. John Passion.

Finally, students can take part in the Sieghardt Rometsch Competition, which takes place every year in the solo and chamber music categories.

Full-time instructors

 Prof. Ludwig Grabmeier
 Prof. Ursula Hesse von den Steinen
 Prof. Konrad Jarnot
 Anja Paulus

Proficiency test

Candidates for the Voice program must complete a proficiency test: Requirements for the Voice bachelor’s program. The proficiency test for the bachelor’s program also includes tests in music theory and aural skills at level 1. 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 Voice 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.