Hamburg University of Music and Theatre

Purpose

The University of Music and Theatre, since 2004 under the leadership of its president Prof. Elmar Lampson, strives to produce artists of excellence and social responsibility. Whoever studies here is able to benefit immensely from the cultural centre that is Hamburg with its outstanding orchestras, choirs, theatres, operas and lots of other cultural institutions, which the University intensely cooperates with in order to grant its students the opportunity to practically apply their skills. The University has a history of having been able to engage numerous renowned artists as professors, lecturers and tutors, who bring along the quality and the professional experience to offer students an outstanding education.

The Campus - Studying in One of Hamburg's Most Beautiful Districts

The University is located on the banks of the beautiful Alster Lake, in the most elegant residential area in the centre of Hamburg. Seat of the University's administration and its main building is the Budge House, which was built around 1887 by one of Hamburg's most famous architects, Martin Haller, and includes, amongst others, the magnificent historical Mendelssohn chamber music hall, the restored representative rooms of the University's former library, and the University's cafeteria.

Adjoining the historical Budge House are the University's modern premises containing 83 studios, as well as facilities for orchestra, theatre, opera and movement classes. The latest addition to the University's campus is the library, donated by and named after our generous patron Prof. Dr. h. c. Hannelore Greve, who also financed the renovation of the Budge House. The library houses over 76,000 scores, books and recordings, as well as numerous computers with internet access for our staff and students.

The University's central stage is the Forum, a professionally equipped concert hall and theatre with 460 seats, an orchestra pit, which can be concealed, a high-class lighting system, and an adjoining audio-visual recording studio.

The Curriculum - Performance, Education and Management

Besides a comprehensive choice of courses of study in all fields of music and theatre, the University also offers courses in scientific areas of study such as music education, music therapy, musicology or cultural and media management.

The broad range of courses offered in the field of music includes composition and orchestral and choral conducting, classes in all areas of instrumental music as well as evangelical church music, but also specific courses such as chamber music, jazz, the Eventim Pop Music Course, elementary music education, and music education for schools.

The University's Theatre Academy, founded in 2005, produces opera and theatre directors, graduates in dramaturgy, opera and Lieder singers, and actors. One of the latest postgraduate courses offered is a master's degree in Liedgestaltung for duos consisting of a pianist and a Lieder singer.

With respect to the challenges of modern communication, the University not only offers courses in cultural and media management, but, furthermore, offers specific courses such as computer music and multi-media composition. Currently, preparations are made for the introduction of a course in music communication.

The University's "Four Divisions" - about 300 Events per Year

With its event schedule consisting of spoken and musical theatre, concerts and academic presentations, the University positions itself as an outstanding and innovative "cultural institution of four divisions" in Hamburg's cultural life.

The University is one of the largest cultural institutions in Hamburg and its vicinity organising about 300 in-house and external events per year, which include theatre plays and operas such as the ones staged by the University's students in the event series "Young Forum for Music and Theatre", concerts of orchestras and choirs and the University's Studio 21 for contemporary classical music, chamber music, song and Lieder recitals, jazz workshops, lecture series on particular topics such as the current one on "Future Perspectives of Culture", and symposia.

The University as the Musical Partner for Hamburg's Events

Since the University offers courses in all fields of music and, therefore, attracts a large number of gifted and ambitious students, it is always interested to provide them with plenty of opportunities to perform and gain concert experience at an early stage. Organising and providing music for large number of external events has turned out to be a great way for the University to do so.

Involving all fields of music, from jazz to operetta, the University's events cover a broad range from table music to full-length concerts. Over the years, complete series of the University's concerts such as "Music and Lyric in the Botanical Garden" or "Sunday Concerts on Deichstraße" have become an integral part of Hamburg's cultural life. The University thus presents itself as an excellent musical partner for a multitude of cultural events and for all occasions.