Curriculum
The average duration of study is between 6 and 10 semesters. In order to calculate the volume of study, two measure systems are currently being used: one is based on the number of hours per week (per semester) for the expiring courses of studies (“Staatsprüfungen”) the other is on the ECTS.
The amount of study for Bachelor courses is currently 180 ECTS, for Master courses it is 120 ECTS. The ECTS may of course be higher for a Bachelor course in music without another subject (approx. up to 240). Overall, the course is divided into first and second subject (where it is not possible to study Music only) and the sciences of education and professions. In Music, there may be a difference of approx. 20 ECTS, depending on whether it is first or second subject.
Area of Study | Subject |
Performance Studies | · One-to-one instrumental tuition on one or two instruments as well as vocal tuition · Vocal training and speech training · Participation in instrumental and vocal groups and guidance in leading those. There are some, modules particularly relevant for school teaching e.g. “Percussion” or “practical piano accompaniment in lessons” · Practical arrangement using IT · Movement / dance · In principle, there is a consensus of opinion that a whole variety of styles should be included in performance studies. However, this may vary in different universities. |
Music Theory / Science of Music | Ear Training, Harmony, Musical Form, History of Music, Psychology of Music, Sociology of Music, Ethnology of Music |
Music Pedagogy | Music Pedagogy included in university lectures, in “subject didactics” and placements in schools. |
The proportion of each area of study may vary according to the university. Please find below some examples of teacher training courses for grade 5-12 or 13 (grammar Schools, partly also comprehensive schools):
- In the case of teacher training for primary schools and for “Sekundarstufe I”, there may be changes in the area of studies in terms of content and proportion. For example, at Potsdam University, there is a difference of 15 ECTS less in performance and scientific areas of studies.
There is a clear emphasis on Classical music. However, students on teacher training courses are additionally offered theory and practice in the field of Jazz/Rock/Pop and sometimes forms of ethnic music. In some cases, students may focus on Jazz/Rock/Pop and ethnic music for their performance studies. The theory side of music is treated in a similar way: The various curricula offer certain flexibility in terms of the selection of modules. To what extent students are allowed to make their own choice depends on the structure of the curriculum and the size of the institution. Compulsory and optional modules may be set explicitly or it may be possible to choose from a more or less versatile offer – this applies particularly to group sessions. What matters is that the required number of study hours has been covered.
The concept of cross curricular teaching is regarded as the most desirable part of any curriculum. This, again, may be organised in different ways: Cross curricular teaching may be understood as a combination of the three areas of studies (performance, science of music and pedagogy) or linking music with other subjects. Universities are particularly suitable for the latter as they already offer a multitude of different subjects. There is a whole range of “inter-subject” options available, from small modules up to Master courses.
School placements (in order to gain initial teaching experience) either happen during the training course (either one-day-only placements during semester time or longer placements during out-of-semester time) or, currently very rarely, as a condensed placement between the initial and main study periods. There are about 13 compulsory weeks of school placements.