Almost every second student at German music universities is a foreigner
In the office of piano professor Gerlinde Otto hangs a poster informing that students of the University of Music in Weimar can attend concerts and performances for free. Her students from Asia, however, do not often take advantage of this opportunity.
"I keep telling them how important it is to go to concerts and the opera to learn about classical culture. It is not enough to master the instrument perfectly," says Gerlinde Otto.
Germany, the country of classical music
E-Yun Choi earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance in South Korea. Then she came to continue her music education in Frankfurt. Now she sings at the opera house in Cologne. "There are many drama and opera theaters in Germany, there are many more opportunities here than in Korea," she says in an interview. "And the level is very high."
Japanese student Kasumi Itokawa is preparing for her master's exam in harp. "In Japan, the harp is mainly a solo instrument, but I wanted to learn to play in an orchestra too," she explains. "Here it is possible."
Indeed, Germany has about 130 publicly funded large orchestras, as well as dozens of chamber ensembles and specialized ensembles. In addition, the country has 80 opera houses.
In performance departments, the piano class is especially popular. Anyone who returns home from Germany with a concert performer diploma has good chances of making a career in an orchestra or becoming a music teacher. The prestige of studying in Germany is particularly high in Asian countries. Accordingly, there are many applicants.
Out of 300 people seeking a German higher music education in piano, only ten become students. Applicants must master not only the instrument but also the German language.
The situation is similar in the conducting department. Principal conductor of the orchestra of the University of Music in Weimar, Nicolas Pasquet, explains: "We have very strict criteria, including regarding knowledge of German. Anyone who wants to be a conductor here must speak German at least to communicate with the orchestra musicians."
Only foreigners
In Gerlinde Otto's piano class, there are currently only foreign students because they were better than others in the entrance exam. According to her, the overall level of applicants has noticeably increased in recent years, not least thanks to musicians from Asian countries.
German music universities not only accept foreign students but also actively participate in traditional international university exchanges. The University of Music in Weimar, for example, plans two additional conducting courses together with the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in the USA. In Weimar, students can work with numerous professional orchestras, emphasizes Jens Even, director of international relations at the Weimar university.
The largest conservatory in Germany is in Cologne. The University of Music and Dance in Cologne has 1,500 students. It specializes, among other things, in early music, composition, and jazz. Talented young vocalists have the opportunity to perform on a major opera stage.
Career in Germany or back home?
E-Yun Choi would like to stay in Germany. Her family is proud that she is making a career in Germany, and especially that she is participating in a new production of the opera "Carmen" on the big stage in Cologne.
Kasumi Itokawa wants to play in a German orchestra for some time after obtaining her master's degree, but then return to Japan or go to another Asian country. Competition is very high everywhere. Without successfully passing the concert performance exam, finding work in Asia is as difficult as in Germany. Kasumi Itokawa already has experience working with professional orchestras in Weimar and therefore hopes for success.