Musikalische Akustik

About this program

The interdisciplinary study program "Musical Acoustics" at the Detmold University of Music has been taught in two degree programs since 2013. It offers the international Master of Science Music Acoustics and a doctoral program in Musical Acoustics. Both programs deal with the acoustic dimensions of making music. Sound generation, the interaction between music, instrument, space, and listeners, as well as measurement technology for musical instruments are subjects of study. During the studies, participation in research and development projects is encouraged. Own projects are presented and discussed at national conferences, e.g., the "Annual Conference on Acoustics" (DAGA) and the autumn workshop of the "Musical Acoustics" committee (FAMA) of the German Acoustics Society (DEGA). Regular exchange with artistic degree programs takes place in the area of wfs play areas, a special event series for the unique wave field synthesis system at the university. In addition to high-class recording and playback technology, students have access to acoustic measurement technology, an electronics and audio laboratory, a reverberation room, a free-field room, and a wave field synthesis studio for their training. Regular excursions provide insights into the scientific work at other institutes of Musical Acoustics (IRCAM Paris, IWK Vienna, HaW Hamburg) as well as into the manufacturing of musical instruments. Graduates of the program have a broad spectrum of applications at the interface between music and science, including instrument construction, acoustics consulting, and sound design. Students are given scope in their studies to learn a variety of scientific and acoustic methods that they will need for their future work as developers and consultants. In the past, the description of listening quality at different seats in the concert hall was a subject of study. Special preferences regarding seat selection for the optimal listening experience were scientifically substantiated using measurement data to describe the parameters of volume, sound, and reverberation. The experience was confirmed that both measurement results and listening tests rated a front central seat as optimal.

Required documents

General requirements for Bachelor programs in Germany. Program-specific requirements are shown once you start a journey for this program.

• Tabular curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of secondary school leaving certificate
• Valid passport (photo page copy)
• Passport-style photograph
• Certified translation of secondary school leaving certificate

Academic requirements

Frequently asked questions

Static answers for the most common questions about applying to this program.

Country & application steps

Step by step, from choosing a federal state to your residence permit in Germany.