Language of instruction: English

Inspiring Creativity - International Networks 

The Hochschule für Kunst, Design und Populäre Musik (hKDM) is where acoustic design meets visual design. We offer a wide and contemporary range of creative disciplines in our curriculum - from music, illustration, photography, video, painting and graphic arts, producing, sound design, to games.

Our focus is on developing an intercurricular learning experience while working in small groups with individual tutors which enables knowledge transfer and allows you to build networks with other creative fields and industries.

Already today we benefit from an international network not only through our educational partnerships with other universities (e.g. we are the exclusive German partner of the renowned Berklee College of Music, longstanding member of the International Association of Schools of Jazz and partner in the ERASMUS exchange-program), but also based on the fact that one third of our graduates come from abroad. These factors contribute to the preparation of our students for the challenges of the globalized society. In the international program we offer our courses in English language, support our foreign students in matters of housing, visa issues and include a cultural program.

Experience And Know How In Education
The University of Arts and Applied Sciences - hKDM - was founded in 2011. Its shareholders, the Jazz und Rock Schulen Freiburg and Freie Hochschule für Grafik-Design & Bildende Kunst Freiburg have more than 25 years experience in educating and training musicians, designers and fine artists. To date, we have hundreds of successful graduates, who have passed their training. Alumni

Creative Studies In Freiburg
The city of Freiburg provides an ideal environment for the hKDM. Freiburg is a very lively and inspiring location - the thriving city hosts over 40,000 students, has a rich cultural heritage and broad diversity. This is reflected on our campus: in addition to the 3,000 square meters of rooms for teaching and rehearsal, we organize regular student programs on our live stage, whilst mingling with the crowd at the latest Freiburg hot-spot club „Schmitz Katze“.

Popular Music - Bachelor Of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in „Popular Music“ is a four year program. It focuses on the artistic development of the student’s preferred musical instrument, honing the skills in courses tailored to both individuals and group/band interactions.
Practical training is embedded in our theoretical coursework, for example: harmony, ear training, composition as well as pop music history. In addition to the practical training, students gain valuable insight into music production, they learn about stage and studio equipment, at the same time broadening their expertise in managerial and strategic knowledge, media and legal issues regarding the “business” of music and the industries involved.

Five day workshops are run twice a year allowing full-time dedication to improve practical skills and teaching the know-how in working with professionals from the design, video and games industries.

Beginning in the 5th semester students specialize in a particular field of interest, such as performance, musical education, songwriting and producing. The individual’s field of expertise is complemented by a final research project (Bachelor thesis).

Admission Criteria
Applicants must have successfully completed a high school diploma or an equivalent education. Applicants without these qualifications will require additional verification. Applicants are required to pass the audition, consisting of a test on the major subject, a theoretical test and an ear training test. Applicants require a proof of nationality and proof of proficiency in English.

Download International Program as pdf file

Download modules and courses as pdf file

Download application form as pdf file

Download a general description of the auditions as pdf file

Test examples for the Audition

As a special and cost-free service to those interested in taking the entrance exam, the hKDM has put together example questions from the ear training and theory tests. Simply take part and try them!

Ear training assignments – Sound examples

Here are the examples, as pdf download

Answers to the ear training test, as pdf download

The sound examples are:

Interval dictation, as download

Scale dictation, as download

Melody dictation, as download

Rhythm dictation, as download

Triad inversions, as download

Seventh chords, as download

Theory test:

Here are examples from the theoretical part of the the auditions, as download

And here are the answers to the theoretical part of the audition, as download