Composition, Conducting and Computer Music

The Institute of Composition, Conducting and Computer Music fosters the creative potential of its students in an interactive approach to the areas of Composition, Improvisation, Conducting, Ensemble Playing and Research. In the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, various minors enable students to concentrate on the areas that best suit their own artistic intentions – while maintaining permeability and a cross-genre orientation as central principles.

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Artistic Bachelor's Programme Conducting (KBA)

Branches of study: Wind Orchestra Conducting, Choral Conducting

8 semesters / 240 ECTS / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor's programme in Conducting teaches all the practical techniques of choir direction needed to lead a professional choir: Piano for Choir Directors, Voice for Choir Directors, Aural Training with Sight Singing, Conducting, as well as Rehearsal Techniques and Psychological Aspects of Ensemble Leadership. The range of literature spans from Early Music to Contemporary Music, including Opera. Dealing with instrumental ensembles and orchestras in connection with choirs is also taught, and artistic experience can be gained in practical projects.

Artistic Bachelor's Programme Composition (KBA)

Branches of study: Composition, Media Composition, Jazz Composition

8 semesters / 240 ECTS / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor's programme in Composition lasts eight semesters. Students acquire fundamental and in-depth knowledge in the field of instrumental, vocal and scenic composition in small and larger ensembles, including the use of digital media.

The Composition programme is dedicated to developing individual artistic imagination with great aesthetic openness. The focus is on the possibility of examining and sharpening the aural imagination and the implementation of ideas through practical experience. Knowledge and reflection on works from the past and present invigorates and differentiates compositional thinking.

The Jazz Composition programme teaches a range of skills, from compositions for chamber music jazz ensembles or big bands to works at the interface between parametric improvisation and notation in the field of new music. Building on a mastery of traditional jazz compositional skills, the programme focuses on developing a distinctive personal style that also reflects current compositional trends. Syntax, notation techniques, stylistics, and the use of instrumental and media-based techniques enable students to receive an education that prepares them to meet the demands of composing in the intersection of contemporary music. The diverse ensemble activities at the JIM Institute for Jazz and Improvised Music open up opportunities to try out emerging works at any time.

The Media Composition programme is dedicated to the compositional possibilities of media and electronic music in all their diversity. The teaching and reflection of artistic practices and concepts from the past and present aim to enable and promote individual artistic approaches. This goal is supported by the sound teaching of technical skills in the areas of sound production, studio technology and computer music, as well as general musical and compositional skills.

The coaching for the programme takes place in the computer music studio at the Bruckner University. The studios, which are also used by students for independent artistic work, offer ideal conditions for the production and presentation of electronic music.

Artistic Master's Programme Conducting (KMA)

4 semesters / 120 ECTS / Master of Arts (MA)

The Master's programme in Conducting (Choir direction) requires a Bachelor's degree in conducting and extends over four semesters. The course content is specifically geared to the individual needs of the students and offers a comprehensive deepening of the knowledge already acquired.

The programme focuses on topics such as opera conducting – with a particular emphasis on aria accompaniment and accompagnato recitatives – the treatment of irregular time signatures in 20th and 21st century music, and working with a cappella choral music. In addition to working with choirs, the program also involves working with small instrumental ensembles, which helps students develop versatile conducting skills.

Solid piano skills are required in order to competently play opera piano scores. In addition, basic vocal skills and confident sight-singing are required.

A major advantage of the KMA conducting programme at the ABU Linz lies in the intensive and personal supervision of students, as well as in the manageable size of the conducting class. This means that each student receives targeted and individualized support, according to their respective needs and talents.

Artistic Master's Programme Composition (KMA)

4 semesters / 120 ECTS / Master of Arts (MA)

The Master's programme in Composition takes four semesters to complete. It builds on the Bachelor's programme and enables students to expand and deepen their compositional skills. The aim of the Master's programme in Composition is to further develop individual artistic personalities by realizing original works and larger projects.

When choosing a teacher for the major artistic subject, students also choose a minor in Composition, Jazz Composition, or Media Composition.

Master's Programme Postdigital Lutherie

The Tangible Music Lab at the University of Art and Design Linz, in collaboration with the Institute of Computer Music at the Anton Bruckner University Linz, is offering an academic Master's programme on Postdigital Lutherie dedicated to the design and performance of postdigital musical instruments.

Led by Prof. Martin Kaltenbrunner and Prof. Volkmar Klien this international english programme explores the multidisciplinary aspects of design & technology and composition & performance as well as the artistic & theoretical foundations of New Instruments for Musical Expression (NIME).

The design of musical instruments is already looking back to a long cultural and artistic tradition throughout the millennia. With the development of electronic music during the last century we have experienced a radical paradigmatic shift, which accelerated during the past decades through the further advances in digitalization of music and the following virtualization of instruments. Postdigital Lutherie intends to reflect these developments by reconnecting the various aspects of acoustic, electronic and digital design of musical instruments again within tangible sonic artifacts for musical expression. This opens new design perspectives and artistic possibilities for established cultural techniques and musical practices in the context of an ongoing digitalization.

Structure and Scope

Postdigital Lutherie is an academic four-semester Master's programme (120 ECTS) in English language, which reflects the overall topic of musical instrument design from the various perspectives in Design & Technology, Composition & Performance as well as Media- and Art Theories. These three core columns (each 15 ECTS) are supported by the central Artistic Subject (30 ECTS) and a block of Free Electives (15 ECTS), and are concluded with a practical and theoretical Master Project (30 ECTS). Admission to the program requires a diploma or Bachelor's degree in a related subject, candidates are required to successfully pass an entrance interview.