FAQs
Frequently asked questionsKey facts at a glance
2-year full-time training programme
- Duration: Vocational training – 2 years (full-time)
- Qualification: “Professional musician in the field of popular music or metal“
- Fees: €640 per month (eligible for BAföG)
- Start date: Annually on 1 October
- Optional: Orientation year, MFY or teaching year (up to 4 years in total)
NEW: Music Foundation Year
- Duration: Music Foundation Year (full-time)
- Qualification: “Qualified Musician in the field of popular music OR in the field of metal“
- Fees: €640 per month (eligible for BAföG)
- Start date: Annually on 1 October
- Optional: 2 Year Professional Training (up to 3 years in total)
Which course is eligible for BAföG funding?
- The Hamburg Cultural Authority has recognised our full-time course and our Music Foundation Year as equivalent under Section 2(2) of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
- Students do not have to repay BAföG
Entry requirements and application deadlines
- Application deadline: 31 May (online application including school reports, CV, photo and 2 – 4 demos)
- Requirements: Excellent proficiency in the principal instrument, none or basic knowledge of piano (compulsory secondary subject) & harmony
- School qualifications: A secondary school leaving certificate is sufficient provided the applicant demonstrates appropriate musical ability
- Entrance examination: Theory test + audition (major and minor subjects)
Subjects and course content
- Course load: 2o hours of attendance per week, Major and Minor lessons
- Main subjects: Vocals, drums, guitar, bass, piano, music production, songwriting and much more
- Content: Harmony & Aural Training, Rhythm & Groove, Read & Sing, Songwriting, Studio Training & Music Production, Repertoire (Rock/Pop/Metal/Jazz/Soul & Funk), Teaching Methods, Arrangement, Music History (Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Metal), Stage Performance, Music & Business, and much more
- Tutors: Experienced and active professionals and qualified teachers with practical experience
Career and networking opportunities
- Careers: Graduates of the Hamburg School of Music work as live and studio musicians, musicians for theatre and musical productions, composers, songwriters, music teachers or lecturers
- Unique feature: Close links to the pop and metal scenes
How flexible is the training programme?
- Preparation: Not enough prior knowledge? An orientation year or intensive theory course is available
- Part-time: Available via the “HSM/WMA Experience”
- Leisure: The affiliated St. Pauli Music School offers lessons for all age groups outside of the vocational training programme
Who are the lecturers?
- The lecturers at the Hamburg School of Music are renowned and active live and studio musicians, producers, composers and arrangers from the rock, pop and jazz scenes.