Music and Musical Life in Germany
| Course Type: | Language Course & Specialised Course |
| Period: | 04.08. – 28.08.2020 |
| Target Group: | Medium and Upper Levels (B1 - C2). This course is for anyone who has an interest in German music and music history. |
| Requirements: | German language skills level B1 or higher. Minimum age: 18, maximum age: 26; exceptions upon request. The participants in this course should have fun in making music. Please bring your instruments to the course if possible. |
| Important Information: | This course has 28 hours per week: |
| Cost: | Course fee 759 € + registration fee 100 € + accomodation |
The world famous Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth is an important part of Germany's musical life. Against this background, the summer university offers a course for all students interested in music. Subject knowledge, language work, musical practice, and thoughts on the cultural influence of one's approach to music are brought together through the combination of the language course and the specialised course.
Intercultural Language Course
The language course in the morning serves as a linguistic and regional introduction to the social context of Germany's musical life.
Within each level, all courses deal with the following regional topics with varying degrees of difficulty:
- Germany Through Foreign Eyes
- Everyday Life in Germany
- Regional Variety
- Cultural Variety
- Germany in the World
"German as a foreign language" consists not only of vocabulary and correct sentence structure. Germans also structure their conversations in a particular way and adhere to a culture-specific set of values. This adherence to culture in communication is a particular focus. Therefore a connection between foreign language and foreign understanding is formed.
Before the start of the summer university, you will be allocated to the course which is most suitable for you by means of an assessment. You strengthen your German language skills through dealing with stylistics, idiomology, and vocabulary relevant to the issue. Aspects of German literature, culture, and society will be analysed and discussed.
Specialised Course "Music and Musical Life in Germany"
The participants of the specialised course become acquainted with the regional aspects of musical life in Germany as well as interesting subjects and personalities of historic and present German musical life by means of lectures and discussions. They prepare - under the direction of the teacher and in independent group and single work - for a public concert at the end of the summer university.
The attendees of the course improve their proficiency of the German special musical language and can use it right away during the joint rehearsals. They extend the knowledge about music they acquired at home and have plenty of room for subject-specific intercultural exchange.
The course focuses on classical music, but attempts to include Jazz and Pop music as well. Please note, that this course is not a master class with one-to-one lessons concentrating on a specific musical instrument.