Next Generation Music Studies: A New Era of Music Education

For the coming winter semester 2025/2026, we are expanding our range of courses to include three innovative music degree programmes - two Bachelor's and one Master´s programme, which can be studied consecutively. The new programmes combine classical music teaching with a trans-traditional artistic focus and include courses in European classical music as well as traditional musical instruments and musical practices from around the world. They are aimed at creative minds who wish to develop both musically and culturally.

SRH University and the Berlin Institute of Musical Arts (BIMA) have joined forces in a pioneering cooperation to jointly establish three innovative degree programmes in the field of trans-traditional music. BIMA is responsible for the complete organisation and implementation of these programmes - from student advisory services and entrance examinations to the actual implementation of the courses. This partnership is based on the interplay of complementary competences and opens up valuable synergies from which both institutions benefit equally. By pooling their strengths, existing networks can not only be utilised effectively, but also expanded in the long term and linked internationally.

The Bachelor's degree programmes see themselves as a visionary blueprint for future-oriented higher music education. They bring together musicians from a wide range of cultural backgrounds to explore new artistic and academic paths together - in a creative, open environment in the heart of Berlin. The programmes create a solid foundation in artistic practice, research, teaching and self-management. They combine classical content with experimental, cross-cultural perspectives. Two of the degree programmes follow a classical music curriculum with trans-traditional extensions, while the other two were designed from the ground up as trans-traditional degree programmes - a range of courses that is unique worldwide.

This can be followed by a consecutive Master's programme (4 semesters), which deepens the foundations laid in the Bachelor's degree and prepares students for professional musical practice, research and project development. This Master's programme is also unique in its conception worldwide and responds to the current reality of life for many freelance artists - characterised by interdisciplinary, project-based and cross-cultural forms of work.

In addition to musical development, the programme focuses on subjects such as artistic research, music education, media competence and management skills. The programme structure is flexible, interdisciplinary and practice-oriented. Not only artistic excellence is taught, but also entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to realise your own artistic projects independently.

Whether in the seminar room, in the studio, on stage or in the field - the forms of teaching and learning are varied and tailored to the different backgrounds of the students. Peer learning, workshops, research units and creative project work are central components of the curriculum.

Further information will follow shortly.