Bachelor of Arts Program in Music Theater Direction

Profile: Bachelor of Arts Program in Music Theater Direction

The course leads to a first professional qualification, preparing students for the requirements of today's music theater business through a diverse curriculum.

Wide-ranging subjects anchored in the curriculum convey to students the complexity of theoretical and practical formatting of stage directing. The aim is to master conceptual thinking in the area of ​​directing on the basis of thorough work and performance, while analyzing the development of one's own artistic creativity and scenic language. At the same time, implementation options are imparted, taking into account diverse necessary communication channels. Finally, flexibility in dealing with different working methods and mental agility are decisive insofar as musical theater in its different forms relates to social and cultural developments of our time.

Bachelor of Arts Course

The standard period of study for the Bachelor of Arts Course in Music Theater Direction is eight semesters.

The Bachelor of Arts Course is divided into modules and submodules (see exam regulations § 4 and the study schedule). Completing module sections by proof of performance, certification, or exams is a prerequisite for advancing to the next module section of the course. In the first four semesters of the Bachelor of Arts Course, students are taught basics of opera analysis and music theory, as well as basics of stagecraft, movement, and speech, in addition to training in directing, history, aesthetics, and artistic practice in music theater.

From the fifth to the eighth semesters, the central part of the course, there is intensification of major subjects with a focus on each student’s individual staging work. In addition to study subjects, a practical semester is dedicated as a form of vocational training.

Overview of Subjects for the Bachelor of Arts Course in Music Theater Direction:

• Directorial Exercises
• Directorial Practice / Methodology
• Directorial Concepts
• Directing Master Classes
• History, Aesthetics and Artistic Practice Of Music Theater
• Opera Analysis
• Writing about Music
• History of Set Designs and Costumes
• Introduction to Lighting and Stage Technology
• Human Resource Management
• Recitative Training
• Introduction to Video Technology
• Basic Stage Training
• Stage Improvisation
• Dialogue Work
• Acting Training
• Shared Instruction
• Practical Piano Performance
• University or Opera Choral Practice
• Subjects in Music Theory
• Italian and French
• Dance
• Body Training
• Phonetics/ Speech Training
• Courses: Professional Counseling, Interdisciplinary Projects, Stage Law, Stage Fighting, Makeup

Professional competence goals for the Bachelor of Arts Course in Music Theater Direction:

• Developing an overview of epochs and styles in music theater from the turn of the 17th century to the present day.
• Developing aesthetic guidelines that have influenced and supported the development of music theater.
• Knowledge of associated scenic and musical performance concepts and performance modes.
• Overview of the development of the subject of opera directing and its theoretical foundation
• Overview of the range of current directorial languages ​​and their backgrounds. Comprehension, flexibility, and self-critical awareness in dealing one’s own individual and unfamiliar directing languages ​​and working techniques.
• Ability to research and evaluate sources in terms of one’s own individual directing concepts.
• Ability to interpret pieces, including evaluating textures of music and librettos, as well as psychological, philosophical, sociocultural and social aspects in connection to the present.
• Mastery of movement teaching and body techniques applicable to music theater, developing thematic and concept-related movement modes and combinations.
• Craftsmanship in  aria/solo scene, ensemble, and choir singing.
• Ability to speak stage dialogue, mastery of common dance styles, fight scenes, and dealing with theater-specific stressful situations.
• Ability to use space, set design, costumes, masks, and props conceptually and onstage.
• Ability to use lighting, stage and video technology conceptually and onstage.
• Musical competence in sound composition, ear training, piano, and formal studies as well as an ability to perform musical and musical dramaturgical analysis.
• Linguistic competence in relation to common opera and rehearsal languages ​, including German, Italian, French, and English