The Orchesterzentrum|NRW in Dortmund is a joint institution of the four German state Universities of Music in Cologne, Detmold, Düsseldorf and Essen. It is the first such combined training centre for future orchestral musicians. In the new master's degree programme in "Orchestral Performance", our students undergo highly focused training in preparation for a career in prestigious orchestras. For graduates of music universities who wish to work in the orchestral field, this course of study offers a comprehensive specialisation that will prepare them for their chosen career.

Courses

Ihe "Orchestral Performance" graduate programme focuses on the development of orchestral skills and prepares students for auditions and the probationary period. The two-year curriculum includes individual lessons in all orchestral instruments as well as orchestral studies, sectionals, analyses of specific works and mock auditions. The programme also offers classes in performance coaching, mental training and relaxation techniques. Thus it gives students not only a technical but also mental qualification for winning and sustaining attractive orchestral positions. Courses that deal with subjects such as cultural administration or music physiology complete the curriculum. The graduate programme aims at providing students with the comprehensive expertise they will need in their future careers. [more ...]

Teaching Faculty

In order to establish a close connection to the European orchestral scene, the faculty in the "Orchestral Performance" graduate programme is made up of alternating concertmasters, soloists and section leaders of major German and European orchestras. By inviting members of professional radio, concert and opera orchestras from all over Europe, we aim at representing the future labour market of our students. In the work with some of Europe's leading orchestral musicians our students are exposed to a diverse range of views and interpretations. Recurring mock auditions help them to assess and improve their abilities. Students also benefit from personal contact with different orchestral professionals, which helps them create valuable professional networks. Experienced psychologists and trainers prepare students for auditions and the probationary period while principal teachers at the four Universities of Music give individual lessons in specific instruments and a part of the orchestral studies and sectionals. [more ...]

Orchestral Performance

Orchestral performance at a high-quality level is a central part of the graduate study programme. In the course of the four semesters our students take part in different orchestra projects. Working together with internationally acclaimed conductors they learn to quickly respond to different demands and to carefully listen and position themselves within the orchestra. At the same time, they build up their stylistic competence as well as their orchestral repertoire. Each semester the student's orchestra performs in the great Concert Hall of the Konzerthaus Dortmund, giving the students precious performance experience.

Building

The Orchesterzentrum|NRW resides in a newly erected building right next to the Konzerthaus Dortmund in the centre of the city. The building offers ideal working conditions for students and teachers. The classrooms and practising facilities have excellent acoustics and are designed according to the needs of the musicians. The building also includes a new chamber music concert hall that is used for different concert series and offers space for a total of 350 guests.

Entrance Requirements

The graduate study programme in "Orchestral Performance" is aimed at applicants who have completed an instrumental degree. Applications must be directed to one of the four Universities of Music in Detmold, Düsseldorf, Essen or Cologne, which jointly offer this master's degree programme. Auditions take place at the affiliated Universities of Music. The programme begins each year in October (winter term). [more ...]

Contact

Orchesterzentrum|NRW

Brückstraße 47
44135 Dortmund | Germany

Email info@orchesterzentrum.de