There are several options for students of a university of music to not only earn money by means of their artistic skills, but also to gain practical experience.

In addition to the notices on the bulletin board in the entrance area to the university, we recommend contacting the "Artists' agency" to have yourselves entered in their artist's index. The agency's aim is to place the students, graduates and lecturers of the HMDK Stuttgart in such a way as to provide the artistic framework for a wide range of events. If you register with them not only as a solo artist, but also as a member of the chamber-music ensemble, you will increase your chances of being booked.

Students in advanced semesters with pedagogic experience can send ('unsolicited’) applications to (municipal or private) music schools. You will find all applicable music schools on the website of the Verband der deutschen Musikschulen (Association of German Music Schools), in the "Landesverbände (State Associations)" section. For private music schools, please refer to the Bundesverband der privaten Musikschulen (Federal Association of Private Music Schools). Ms Simone Enge, responsible for "Career Services" (room 8.26) at HDMK Stuttgart, can instruct you how to submit an application, what to include with it and how to write an effective cover letter, as well as other useful information.

Important: Students who receive BAföG (benefits under the German professional training assistance act) or child benefits must pay attention to the amount of their earnings, as these can have a negative impact on their aid money. Students receiving BAföG (single without a child) may earn a maximum of 4,800 EUR in the entire grant period (12 months) or an average of 400 EUR per month. The same is true for students who have received scholarships. Scholarship grants based on the performance of a student or their talent will not be taken into account up to the amount of 300 EUR; for grants not paid monthly, a monthly average is calculated.

BAföG

The goal of the German professional training assistance act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz BAföG) is to enable youths to receive professional training that corresponds to their interests and abilities, regardless of their social and economic situation.

The right to receive benefits depends mainly on the parents' income and the student's own financial situation. Further prerequisites are German citizenship or a residence status as stated in § 8, as well as general ability conducive to the professional training selected and an age within the given limit.

Half of the BAföG subsidy consists of a grant, and half of an interest-free loan. The application for BAföG must be filed with the BAföG office of Student Services. For further information please refer to the links listed on the right.

Education loan

The education loan scheme from the German government provides students in the advanced stages of their professional training the opportunity to obtain a simple low-interest loan which can be flexibly adjusted to their individual needs, independently of wealth and income. For in-depth information on prerequisites and regulations, please refer to the link in the right-hand column.