Music Acoustics (MSc) Detmold University of Music

Graduates of the study programme will be able to carry out independent academic work, research and advisory work in the field of music acoustics. This qualification both broadens the knowledge acquired during a Bachelor's degree programme in subjects like music acoustics, digital music processing, organology and musicology and deepens it in acoustic and metrological subjects with regard to application, i.e. for production, analysis, and synthesis of musical sounds.

Students will be able to understand the acoustic and musical function of musical instruments and to apply extensive knowledge of the basics and application of methods for subjective perception and objective measuring of the sounds and qualities of musical instruments. Furthermore, graduates will be able to examine, evaluate and optimise the interaction of the musician with the listener and the performance location of the music.

The methods and exercises taught enable students to carry out independent academic work and apply the knowledge they have acquired to related practical subjects, such as acoustic noise and sound measuring techniques, consulting work for structural, room and studio acoustics, and acoustic aspects of performance practice and noise protection.

The Master's programme provides students with experience in publishing and presenting scientific papers and thus qualifies successful graduates for doctoral studies in music acoustics or a related field.

This description is taken from section two "Aim of the Master's examination" of the examination regulations for the programme. This and more information can be found at http://www.hfm-detmold.de/musicacoustics.

Winter semester

15 February to 15 March 

Summer semester (application possible, starts only in the winter semester)

1 October to 1 November

If you need a visa for the aptitude test, please remember to take care of it in time. If you need a preliminary invitation or certain documents for the visa application, please contact the university early in the application process.

Apply via the muvac online platform at the Detmold University of Music.

Prerequisites include proof of a successfully completed study programme with a Bachelor's degree or diploma in a degree programme specialising in Sound Transmission or Sound Engineering / "Tonmeister" or in a comparable relevant subject (Acoustics, Physics, Communication Engineering) as well as a special scientific qualification for the Master's in Music Acoustics.

Applications for admission to the Master's programme in Music Acoustics must be submitted with the application forms provided before the deadline set by the examination office of HfM Detmold. The application must be accompanied by the following:

• Tabular Curriculum Vitae
• Written cover letter explaining the choice of this study programme as well as information on musical, scientific or technical background
• In addition, musical-artistic skills have to be proven, e.g. by a passed aptitude test for a musical/artistic degree programme, a passed church music C exam or similar evidence. If this proof is not available, an audition on an instrument is to be taken in the aptitude test.
• Examination of the general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (e.g. Bachelor's degree)
• Proof of a completed Bachelor's or diploma degree programme (see above)
• Transcript of records (Bachelor's or diploma degree programme), indicating especially the completed courses in acoustics and signal processing
• Proof of English language proficiency

Approx. 350 EUR, including a ticket for public transport ("öffentlicher Nahverkehr") in Germany

Costs for living and rent are moderate. 

Student or graduate assistant in teaching and research projects

Funds offered by several institutions (e.g. GFF, Studienfonds OWL)

Career Centre at Detmold University of Music: Career advisory services - HfM Detmold

Student dormitories (student services organisation, protestant student community, private)