Songrwriting, singing, performing, ...

The promotion of your musical abilities and your own artistic identity are the first priority in the Popular Music study programme. A mix of individual major and minor lessons, ensemble lessons, repertoire and accompaniment coaching will form your musical basis throughout the entire course of studies. You will hone your musical craft, test yourself in interaction with others and sharpen your artistic profile. You will learn all the basics, tools and the necessary routine in courses such as composition, songwriting, performance training, artist development, pedagogy and recording techniques.

Weekly workshops on colourful topics of music practice such as songwriting and sound engineering, live panels with experts from the music industry, as well as diverse practical projects in each semester offer plenty of opportunities to try out your skills in front of an audience and expand your network. Teachers from all areas of the live and recording industry will support you on your career path.

 

A degree in popular music pays off

As a popular musician you make sure that the music of tomorrow remains exciting. You are a recording artist, songwriter and working musician at the same time, creating musical experiences for an audience in changing environments. 

A BMus in Popular Music will prepare you for a number of different freelance careers:

• author/composer, adapter/arranger/orchestrator, performer/musician
• sound-engineer/sound technician for concerts, events, theatre, radio, TV, sound carriers

You could also collaborate with:

• song-writers/composers, lyricists, speakers, bands/music groups, orchestras
• producers, sound studios, clients from industry and business

Or employment with:

• production companies, ensembles, concert organisers, apprenticing companies
• phono-industry, labels, publishers, distributors, TV and radio stations, PR and marketing agencies

Your curriculum

7 SEMESTER210 ECTS

1. Semester30ECTSBasics in Theory and Practice

1. SEMESTER

Basics in Theory and Practice

• Recording Techniques5
• Musical Analysis5
• Music Theory5
• Practice Project I5
• Instrument Major I / Ensemble I / Instrument Minor I5
• Pop Music History5

In the first semester you will first of all work on the basics of recording and music theory. During the introduction to the DAWs you will learn the basics of music production step by step. Your semester plan includes elementary music theory exercises in the areas of music notation, composition and aural training, reflection on the history of pop music and a first musical fire test at the freshmen's concert.

2. Semester30ECTSDevelopment and Performance

 

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

 

3. Semester30ECTSSongwriting and Recording

 

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

 

4. Semester30ECTSArranging and Stage Training

 

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

 

5. Semester30ECTSInternship / Study Abroad

 

 

6. Semester30ECTSMusic Business and Pedagogy

 

•  
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

 

7. Semester30ECTSArtist Development and Thesis

 

Letter of motivation and own songs

Admission requirements vary according to the educational background and citizenship of all applicants. Our admission requirements are in accordance with German legal stipulations. 

The basic requirements you need are:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife). In case you have not graduated yet, please apply with your existing transcripts or your latest interim certificate. However, we need your final degree certificate before you can start your studies.
• CV
• Two songs in MP3 format: for your studies, you must choose and present an instrument (or vocals) as your main subject. Please upload your own compositions or interpretations of foreign works with your application (each lasting 1-4 minutes).
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Copy of your identity card or passport

After a successful pre-selection we will invite you to the practical entrance examination at the Berlin School of Popular Arts. This helps us to get to know your course-specific expertise, your creativity, your willingness to create and express yourself and your motivation. In order to help you prepare for the exam, please find a sample of the entrance examination here.

 

Your tuition fees

As a state-recognised, private university, the Berlin School of Popular Arts is financed by tuition fees. This revenue goes towards equipping our campus, providing services for our students, and quality assurance. In this way we ensure that you receive the best possible education under optimal study conditions.

Tuition fees (per month or per semester)

• EUR 750 / month (Citizenship EU/EEA incl. Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine)
• EUR 4,500 / semester (Citizenship non-EU/non-EEA)

Enrolment fee (once)

• EUR 500 (Citizenship EU/EEA incl. Switzerland, Western Balkans and Ukraine)
• EUR 900 (Citizenship non-EU/non-EEA)

You can finance your studies with a student loan or a scholarship. The possibilities vary according to nationality. You can find more information under "Financing your Studies". Our Student Advisory Service will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

This is how the musical entrance examination works

Please find the Application and Late Arrival deadlines here.

We look forward to getting to know you. This is our application process:

• You apply online at our SRH Universities Application Portal
• If you meet the admission requirements, we will invite you to an entrance examination*
• If you pass entrance examination successful, you will receive an acceptance letter and the study contract
• You sign the study contract and send it back to us
• You pay the registration fee (all students) and possibly a EUR 3000 deposit (non-EU/EEA students only)
• You receive your letter of admission
• You take part in our Welcome Week and then it begins!