Institute for Conductor Training, Vocal Ensemble & Orchestra

For optimal and practice-oriented vocational training, future conductors have access to in-house ensembles at the university. These include the Hochschulsinfonieorchester (HSO), the Studioorchester, the Hochschulchor, Kammerchor and the Studiovokalensemble der Kirchenmusik, the echtzeitEnsemble of the Studio for New Music, and project-based the Jazz and Pop Choir. Both orchestral conducting and choral conducting are offered in the bachelor's and master's programs, with choral conducting also available as a continuing education master's program.

In exceptional cases, orchestral conducting can be studied as a Concert exam.

The artistic study programs offer a broad range of practical and theoretical subjects. The focus is on subjects such as conducting, including group and individual lessons with experienced and versatile colleagues; oratorio conducting, score reading, piano accompaniment, as well as the instrumental major (orchestral conducting) or vocal and piano lessons (choral conducting).

Subjects such as children's choir conducting, analysis, instrumentation, music theory, and body work further deepen the education. Additionally, in the elective module, there are various options for expanding and complementing the studies such as foreign languages, early and contemporary music, notation, media applications, music management, which can be individually combined.

One special feature of the orchestral conducting program at the HMDK is the close, nearly 50-year collaboration with multiple professional symphony and chamber orchestras throughout Baden-Württemberg and beyond. Several times per semester, this provides the opportunity to conduct orchestras such as the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester, the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen, the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie Koblenz, or the Philharmonisches Orchester Ulm, usually culminating in a concert as the conclusion of a rehearsal phase in the university's concert hall. Since the HMDK has its own stage, the Wilhelma Theater, regularly assisting and conducting opportunities in the Opera School are also possible.

In the choral conducting program, in addition to the students' weekly work with the Kammerchor and the Hochschulchor, a significant aspect is the regular collaboration with a professional vocal ensemble. Concerts within and outside the university, as well as concert tours, provide space for personal development. Annually, students in the BA/MA choir conducting, MA church music, and teaching degree programs jointly prepare and conduct an oratorio with the Südwestdeutschen Kammerorchester Pforzheim. Additionally, teaching degree students participate in choral conducting retreats every semester with intensive training and a concluding concert.

Master classes with outstanding choral conductors such as Prof. Markus Utz (Zurich), Thomas Lang (Vienna State Opera), Prof. Frieder Bernius (Stuttgart), Prof. Roland Börger (Leipzig), Prof. Michael Gläser (Munich), or Manuel Pujol (Staatstheater Stuttgart), as well as master classes with vocal ensembles like The King's Singers, Gesualdo Six, and VOCES8, significantly enrich the training in choral conducting.

Furthermore, within the framework of the SWR Vokalensemble talent promotion program, there is an opportunity for HMDK scholarship recipients to shadow renowned choral conductors' work with the SWR Vokalensemble throughout a season, receive feedback on their own rehearsals and conducting from the ensemble.

The HMDK Stuttgart offers state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped rehearsal rooms and concert halls. Access to such resources enhances the learning environment and allows students to practice and refine their craft in professional settings. The city's cultural scene provides a wealth of performances, events, and inspirations that complement the academic curriculum and contribute to the comprehensive development of aspiring conductors.