Hochschule für Musik und Theater

Conducting (B.Mus.)

Options Orchestral conducting, Choir and ensemble conducting
Course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Music
Regular course length 8 semesters

Germany is still considered to be the leading musical country in the world. Nowhere else in the world are there so many symphony orchestras, opera houses, chamber music ensembles and music groups of the most diverse kinds within such a small area and performing at such a high level. The independent musical scene (music theatre, Early Music, New Music, alternative interdisciplinary stage and film projects etc.) is also very lively and diverse.
The field of European art music has in the course of its history produced, and is still producing today, a heritage of many great works that have become firmly and permanently embedded in our musical culture, and which we must be committed to preserving. There are thus many tasks to be performed in the field of managing and directing musical activity, for which well trained and highly qualified conductors are required.
The HMTH offers training for precisely such tasks.

1. Course content and objective
   The content of the course is diverse, in line with the practical requirements of a later career, and the central study subjects assume not only existing skills, but also a high degree of talent and of potential for development.
   In addition to the principal study subject, Orchestral conducting, there are important subsidiary subjects which, like the principal subject, are taught individually: Choral conducting, Full score reading, Vocal score reading, Sight reading, Figured bass/Continuo, Singing. In addition, there are seminars in the subjects Interpretation, Music theory, Musicology and Italian, and a variety of courses and workshops, e.g. for Early Music and New Music.
2. Tuition
   One enormous advantage of the tuition is that individual teaching is provided in the subjects that are central to the course and the later professional activity (see under Course content).
   In addition, the HMTH regularly institutes symphony orchestra and opera projects under the direction of its own internationally renowned faculty members. This interdisciplinary cooperation leads to outstanding musical results, providing students with important learning experiences from which students of conducting too can benefit through their own work with student ensembles.
   The HMTH maintains a small opera house of its own, something which few comparable institutions in Germany are able to do. This gives students of conducting an outstanding arena to work in, and a fine opportunity to train and qualify for a later career as an opera-house conductor.
   The training is supplemented by regular master classes in conducting, supported by external orchestras such as the Orchestra of Hildesheim Civic Theatre, and by placements with and observation visits to the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lower Saxony State Opera, both in Hannover; all of these provide important elements of practical experience in preparation for a professional career.
3. Who is the course aimed at?
   The Bachelor‘s degree course in Conducting/Orchestral conducting is directed above all at young musicians who have an enthusiasm for opera, are strongly attracted by symphonic music and have the will to realise such music as conductors. An outstanding ear, good piano playing, experience with other (preferably orchestral) instruments, enjoyment of composition, arranging, analysis and musical ideas, but also the specific motoric gifts required of a conductor and communicative talent / social intelligence are further important requirements and aptitudes which students ought to be able to contribute to this course and to their subsequent profession.
4. Career outlook
   General music director, opera conductor, chorus director, solo repetiteur/repetiteuse with conducting obligations at a German or international opera house; musical director of a symphony orchestra;
   freelance conductor with guest engagements in the various areas of the professional music scene where the functions of a musical director need to be performed.