1. Semester

Basics in Theory and Practice 30 ECTS

• Recording Techniques
• Musical Analysis
• Music Theory
• Practice Project I
• Instrument Major I / Ensemble I / Instrument Minor I
• Pop Music History

In the first semester, you will first of all work on the basics of recording and music theory. During the introduction to the DAWs, you will learn the basics of music production step by step. Your semester plan includes elementary music theory exercises in the areas of music notation, composition, and aural training, reflection on the history of pop music, and a first musical fire test at the freshmen's concert.

2. Semester

Development and Performance 30 ECTS

• Music Theory - Harmony
• Performance Practice I
• Elective I - Choir & Body Percussion
• Practice Project II
• Instrument Major II / Instrument Minor II / Ensemble II
• Musicology

In the second semester, you will concentrate on the quality of your own performance. You will work on your live performance in front of an audience, in the studio, or in the context of video production. You will learn techniques to present your own artistic visions professionally and to interact with an audience. At the same time, you will be immersed in the most important questions and methods of musicology and learn how to use technical terms correctly.

3. Semester

Songwriting and Recording 30 ECTS

• Songwriting
• Composition
• Studio techniques
• Practice Project III
• Instrument Major III / Instrument Minor III / Ensemble III
• Media Law – Music & Sound

In the third semester, the focus is on writing and producing own songs. From composition and recording to mixing and editing, you will go through the entire production chain of your music. In accompanying courses such as aural training, harmony, setup, and studio practice, pressing questions from the creative process are addressed and solved together. You will also deal with the rights and duties you have as a musical author.

4. Semester

Arranging and Stage Training 30 ECTS

• Arrangement
• Performance Training
• Elective II
• Practice Project IV
• Instrument Major IV / Instrument Minor IV / Ensemble IV
• Language / Physiology

In the fourth semester, you will practice arranging and writing texts for your own and other students' compositions. In addition, you will acquire knowledge in the handling of different instrument groups and gain routine in working with notation and production programs. You will also work on performance techniques from the fields of acting, dance, movement, and groove training and learn strategies for physical and mental preparation for specific situations on stage and in the studio (Alexander Technique, yoga, back training, etc.).

5. Semester

Internship / Study Abroad 30 ECTS

The fifth semester is all about practical work. During an internship at home or abroad or study abroad, you will expand your professional repertoire in a targeted manner and establish direct contact with the business world and the various music scenes.

6. Semester

Music Business and Pedagogy 30 ECTS

• Pedagogy I
• Arrangement II
• Elective III (Correpetition & Repertoire)
• Practice Project V
• Instrument Major V / Instrument Minor V / Ensemble V
• Artist Development I

In the sixth semester, you enter the field of music education, become familiar with different methods of individual and group lessons, and move your own artistic work more strongly into the educational context. At the same time, you will gain a better understanding of the music business and learn the do's and don'ts of successful self-marketing, the most important sales tools as well as basic tools in the areas of promotion, merchandise, and fundraising.

7. Semester

Artist Development and Thesis 30 ECTS

• Pedagogy II
• Elective IV
• Instrument Major VI / Instrument Minor VI / Ensemble VI
• Artist Development II
• Bachelor's Thesis

In the seventh semester, you substantiate your career aspirations and complete your studies. Topics related to artist development are now on the agenda, including building and maintaining your own portfolio, creating your press kit, CD, and EP production, as well as concert and tour planning. In addition, you will complete your Music Pedagogy module with a teaching sequence that you direct independently. At the end of your studies, you will write your Bachelor's thesis, which may also include artistic and creative parts.

A degree in popular music pays off

As a popular musician, you make sure that the music of tomorrow remains exciting. You are a recording artist, songwriter, and working musician at the same time, creating musical experiences for an audience in changing environments.

A BMus in Popular Music will prepare you for a number of different freelance careers:

• author/composer, adapter/arranger/orchestrator, performer/musician
• sound-engineer/sound technician for concerts, events, theatre, radio, TV, sound carriers

You could also collaborate with:

• song-writers/composers, lyricists, speakers, bands/music groups, orchestras
• producers, sound studios, clients from industry and business

Or employment with:

• production companies, ensembles, concert organizers, apprenticing companies
• phono-industry, labels, publishers, distributors, TV and radio stations, PR and marketing agencies