Composition
Building on knowledge of compositional techniques and experience gained within the scope of the bachelor degree, the master degree programme enables further development and consolidation of the personal profile. Although formulating subsequent employment-related objectives for the Composition degree programme may well be difficult, studies are aimed at strengthening students’ ability to compositionally master, above all, diverse ensemble forms. As the subject of composition addresses the reinvention of music without restriction, this in turn requires a strong personality profile. Ultimately, at the end of their studies students should be able to responsibly perform and vindicate their artistic production in society. In addition to out-and-out compositional work, commensurate social engagement and discourse skills are also afforded major importance. This also includes comprehensive examination of the work of others. Training at the University of Music Lübeck primarily places particular emphasis on the examination of music from other cultures, which in some measure characterises all the compulsory courses, such as the composition class seminar and various composition/analysis courses. Studies in electro-acoustic music can also be undertaken, although these are not compulsory courses.

The primary content of the degree programme focuses on free composition, which is comprehensively mentored in one-to-one tuition. Students are encouraged to compose works involving various ensembles, whereby larger ensembles and orchestras are afforded priority, along with longer works that call for dedicated time management.

Given that the composition of such works is indispensably coupled with performance experience, workshops and concerts with prestigious ensembles regularly take place. In addition, a compositional project is jointly undertaken with an instrumental class within the university each semester, with ‘reading sessions’ for orchestra compositions also held at regular intervals.

Students present their works within seminars, thereby elucidating their aesthetic positioning. These discussions carried out in class and also with guests make a significant contribution to personality development. Guest professors from our partner universities in non-European countries also expand students’ horizons and at the same time contribute to familiarisation with other musical cultures. Concert lectures are also held in public and in schools at regular intervals in order to simultaneously promote the integration of new music within society

You can find a detailed presentation of the course schedule here.