Music
Composition
Composition & Music Theory
© Michael Klimt
Overview
The Department of Composition and Music Theory is focused on exploring contemporary forms of instrumental and electroacoustic composition and on understanding the theory, aesthetics, and musical practice of all periods. At the heart of all its work is the artistic development of each individual within an environment of discourse and supported by a range of scholarly, artistic, and pedagogical approaches.
Mirabellplatz 1
5020 Salzburg
About
Courses and activities in the field of composition give students the space and impulses they need to build their independent artistic profile – from their first tentative sketches, to projects and performances with ensembles, to theoretical reflections on their own works. Through courses in instrumentation, live-electronics, composing with media, aesthetics, and ensemble direction, students will become familiar with a broad spectrum of contemporary compositional approaches and will gain insights into possible career paths. A diverse range of electives in everything from body work to music management, from gender studies to sustainability, encourages students to further individualise their artistic profile.
The close connection between contemporary composition and performance practice in new music is fostered through the cooperation with the Institute for New Music and participation in the International Master’s Programme in New Music, an inter-university project with partners in Dresden and Bern.
Courses offered in the area of Music Theory range from the fundamentals of music theory required for every degree programme right up to specialisations within the BA and MA Music Theory programmes and in the specialism in music theory/aural training within Instrumental Pedagogy degree programmes. Both historical and contemporary theories are taught, as well as the analytical competences required for understanding and teaching works of diverse musical periods and styles.
The department offers a rich palette of subjects and a discursive and practice-based learning environment and prides itself on upholding standards of the highest artistic and academic level.
