Creativity, Innovation, and Interdisciplinarity
The Master’s Program in Organ Improvisation is aimed at creative and visionary musicians (organists, composers, church musicians) who wish to further develop their artistic identity through innovative improvisation and composition techniques while implementing their own interdisciplinary projects.
This program is a pioneering educational offering that brings the art of organ improvisation into the 21st century while also opening up the organ as an instrument for artists from other disciplines. The focus lies on contemporary styles and techniques, connecting the organ with modern trends and media. Students develop individual modes of expression and gain the competence to realize innovative musical and multimedia projects.
Core Components of the Program
- Contemporary Improvisation Styles: Minimalist music, graphic scores, algorithmic music-making, integration of electronic music, groove-based music, and more.
- Integration of Modern Media: The combination of music with video, lighting, live electronics, artificial intelligence, and more opens new artistic possibilities.
- Contemporary Technologies: Working with electronic sound generators, MIDI connections, and microphone techniques to establish the organ (also in combination with other instruments) as a versatile, future-oriented instrument.
- Collaborative Projects: Development and performance of interdisciplinary concepts with other artists and musicians.
Unique Opportunities
Through the collaboration with the main church St. Nikolai in Hamburg, students gain access to an innovative hyper-organ, allowing them to work with an instrument that opens up new sonic and performance dimensions.
At St. Nikolai, students learn:
- to integrate new performance techniques
- to mic and process organ sound
- to handle MIDI connections and electronic platforms
- to use the organ as an interface for interactive and multimedia projects
Collaborations with other institutions
The program also maintains close partnerships with institutions such as:
- the Orgelpark in Amsterdam: Renowned for its pioneering work in merging tradition and modern technology
- the organ at St. Martin’s Church in Kassel: Known for its quarter-tone manual, wind regulation options, and overtone registers, offering additional ways to explore contemporary improvisation techniques and soundscapes
Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Education
The program includes supplementary courses to deepen students' knowledge and skills. A key highlight is the connection with the program “Sound Arts & Creative Music Technology”:
- Electronic Music and Sound Design: Development and control of electronic instruments and controllers
- Artificial Intelligence in Music: Creative use of AI for improvisation and composition
- Video Software: Technical insights and tools for multimedia projects
- Kyma Sound Design: A dedicated workshop is offered for this visionary sound design workstation. Students can also use the Kyma system at MHL for their performances.
Practical Experience and Networking
Thanks to close collaborations with universities and institutions in 明升m88体育_明升体育官网-在线|平台 and Hamburg, as well as partnerships with renowned festivals, students benefit from extensive practical experience and networking opportunities. Projects and performances within these partnerships enrich the program with valuable artistic and organizational experience.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Creative Diversity
In the IKN profile course (Improvisation, Composition, and New Media), students develop interdisciplinary projects. Collaboration with students from other disciplines is particularly encouraged at MHL.
Our numerous partnerships with various festivals (including the Nordic Film Days 明升m88体育_明升体育官网-在线|平台, the largest film festival in Northern Europe) and major churches in Northern Germany provide students with the opportunity to present their work to a broader audience.
This Master’s program combines tradition with innovation and opens doors to a new direction in musical creation, positioning the organ as a central interface for artistic expression.
The entrance examinations take place in February and June. The registration deadlines are December 1st and April 1st.
For the entrance examination, a program of at least 30 minutes is expected:
- a graphic score (e.g., Bengt Hambraeus: Ex Tempore)
- an improvisation in a historical style of the applicant's choice or an adaptation (intabulation, recomposition) of such a style in their own interpretation
- an improvisation in the applicant's own, contemporary musical language
- an improvisation based on given themes (preparation time: one hour).
The use of (live) electronics is permitted, and the MHL provides two speakers along with the necessary cabling.
Course schedule
The course schedule can be accessed here (please select the Improvisation / New Music profile).
