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Deutsch Who is the Music Management degree at HAM suitable for?
The part-time Music Management degree at the Hochschule für angewandtes Management is aimed at individuals who aspire to a career in the music and media industry or want to expand their practical experience with solid management and production techniques. It is especially targeted at creative minds with a passion for music who want to professionally implement their own projects, support artists, or utilise innovative technologies in production and marketing. The target group includes both working professionals seeking a flexible way to obtain a bachelor's degree and school leavers with practical music experience and an interest in business-related contexts.
What formal admission requirements apply?
Admission to the Bachelor’s degree in Music Management requires one of the following prerequisites:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur),
- Nationwide recognised advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur) or
- Studying without Abitur with proven relevant professional experience (e.g. master craftsman examination, specialist, state-certified technician or a recognised vocational training and several years of practical experience).
Previously completed academic achievements from other degree programmes may be recognised after review and credited towards the duration of study. Applications are possible for the summer or winter semester (deadlines: 10 March and 10 September respectively).
You should have a strong interest in music, be open to digital tools and new production methods, and enjoy developing creative solutions. Important personal requirements are teamwork skills, self-motivation and the ability to work independently on projects. Practical prior experience (e.g. through band projects, recording or stage experience, media design or social media work), a confident sense for trends in the music scene and an interest in business-related issues facilitate entry into the degree course and later career start.
Course Content in Detail
In the part-time Bachelor's degree in Music Management at the Hochschule für angewandtes Management, you acquire both creative and economic skills for a career in the music industry. The curriculum is modular and combines practical project experience with theoretical expertise. The central topics include:
- Fundamentals of Music Production: Digital recording techniques, sound engineering and studio practice are the focus. You learn to independently create, record and mix music.
- Musicology and Media History: You engage with the history, theory, stylistics and cultural significance of music.
- Aural Training and Harmony Theory: Building up and deepening fundamental musical skills, e.g. recognising and shaping chords and more complex musical structures.
- Songwriting and Arrangement: Development, implementation and structuring of your own compositions for various formats.
- Sound Design, Mixing & Mastering: You learn all about the targeted use of digital tools, effects and post-production for professional soundscapes.
- Music Business and Music Law: Business models of the industry as well as legal aspects such as copyright and contract law are covered extensively.
- Music Marketing: Strategies and channels for marketing music and building a fanbase.
- Specialisations in the Main Study Phase:
- Music Management (e.g. business models, law, marketing)
- Production of Film, TV & Game Music
- Remix & DJing
- Pop Music (Advanced Recording/Mixing/Mastering)
- Personal and Team Competences: Personal skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making competence are specifically strengthened.
- Artificial Intelligence & Future Skills: Active integration of modern AI technologies and the development of future skills for megatrends such as digitalisation or sustainability.
Practical transfer modules, regular projects, case studies as well as a compulsory internship semester ensure a strong practical relevance. This trains you to become a versatile professional with comprehensive action competence.
Course Structure
The Music Management degree is designed as a “Studium Plus” and lasts 7 semesters (210 ECTS). It is specifically tailored for working professionals and people with other commitments. The main features of the course structure are:
- Semi-virtual model: Students acquire learning content digitally via an online learning platform. Weekly self-study phases are accompanied by video lectures, interactive modules and digital group work.
- On-campus workshops: About 10 interactive face-to-face sessions take place each semester at selected locations. Practical work with real-life case studies and project work is central here.
- Practical share: Around 42% of the curriculum consists of practical projects, transfer modules and an internship semester (6 months) which can be completed individually split or consecutively.
- Small learning groups: In groups of up to 30 students, you receive personal support and direct contact with lecturers from professional practice.
- Flexibility: The organisation of the course is designed so that you can flexibly combine study, work and private life.
- Final degree: The course concludes with the Bachelor’s thesis, in which you realise self-chosen projects and analyse current industry topics.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
After completing the Bachelor's degree in Music Management, you are qualified for a wide range of roles in the music and creative industries. The practice-oriented training opens up the following career perspectives, among others:
- Music Manager (Artist/Label/Event Management): Management of artists, label work, planning and controlling music projects, marketing, PR and rights management.
- Sound Designer for Interactive Media: Development of soundscapes for games, VR/AR applications or audio branding in the media sector.
- Audio Engineer/Producer: Conception, recording, mixing and mastering for music productions, live concerts, film, TV and games.
- AI Music Producer: Application of contemporary AI technologies in composition, sound design and music post-production.
- Composer or Songwriter: Development of own works for artists, media productions or advertising campaigns.
- Remixer and Club DJ: Reworking and live performance of electronic music on stages, festivals or in clubs.
- Pop Music Producer or Mixing Engineer: Specialisation in recording, mixing and mastering of pop productions for recording studios, labels or own business.
Additionally, positions are available in music marketing, music law, event management or consulting. The integration of transfer and leadership skills also enables activities in related media and creative industries.
Study Location
The main location of the Hochschule für angewandtes Management for the Music Management degree is Ismaning (near Munich). However, the organisation is based on the innovative “Studium Plus” model as a semi-virtual study programme:
- Virtual campus: Digital lecture and learning platforms enable location-independent studying and working on your own projects.
- On-campus seminars: Workshops and practical units take place – depending on individual choice – at HAM locations in Berlin, Dortmund/Unna, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Munich/Ismaning, Nuremberg and Vienna.
- Practical experience: The internship semester and projects can be completed nationwide or internationally with companies from the music, media or creative industries.
This way, you combine maximum flexibility in studying with networking opportunities and practical on-site phases.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Music Management course in the “Studium Plus” study model amount to €495 per month, totalling €21,585 for the entire course over seven semesters. Additional costs for travel and accommodation may apply for on-campus workshops.
- Financing options: In addition to classic student loans, you can use BAföG, scholarships or employer financing. In the “Dual Plus” model (work-integrated), a partner company covers the fees and also pays a salary – this is the most attractive option for combining study and work experience.
- Instalment payment: The fees can be paid monthly, providing additional planning security.
- Recognition of previous achievements: If prior academic achievements are recognised, the study duration – and thus the costs – can be reduced.
Thus, the course offers various individual solutions for financing and compatibility with professional activities.
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