Although the Mannheim University of Music only became a state institution in 1971, it can look back on a successful tradition of more than 200 years.
As far back as 1756, Mannheim's electoral court supported the Seminarium Musicum of the Jesuit theological college at which "poor palatine students" (including J. M. Kraus) were taught vocal and instrumental music. The announcement in a Mannheim newspaper dated 12.09.1776 of the first "Public Chair of Musical Thought and Art "at the "Mannheim Tonschule," founded by Abbé Vogler, a top international standard was achieved. The "Tonschule" was approved and financially supported by music enthusiast Elector Carl Theodor and helped professionally trained musicians. It is generally considered the predecessor of present-day music conservatories and universities (as stated in the encyclopedia of music, "Music in the Past and Present ").
It was the height of the worldwide famous Mannheim Court Orchestra, the so-called "Mannheim School, "which is recognized as the most important musical link between the Baroque period and the Vienna Classic period. The establishment of the "Tonschule "was indispensable as fresh talented musicians trained to the highest standards were required in large numbers to constitute the court orchestra. At the same time, the court orchestra was also able to engage some of the very best teachers.
The "Mannheim Tonschule "was the model for numerous conservatories and universities of later founded music. Abbé Vogler's teachings' great success is reflected in the long list of his famous composition students, for example, Carl Maria von Weber and Giacomo Meyerbeer.
The Mannheim Academie de Danse likewise dates back to the eighteenth century (1762). It is one of the oldest European dance academies and was highly involved in the eighteenth century's excellent ballet reform (change towards theatrical ballet). "The ballets are indeed magnificent and complete" (often over 80 performers), "and all the dancers are trained here." (Gothaer Theatre Calendar 1777).
The Electoral Palatinate's cultural tradition remains of great importance for the Mannheim city of music to this very day. The Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts is a critical player in its upkeep.
The work of the "Tonschule" and the "Academie de Danse" was continued by the Mannheim Conservatoire and later by the Mannheim University for Music and Theatre. The Heidelberg Conservatoire was founded in 1894 and was then integrated into the Mannheim University in 1971.
Lecturers that have taught here include Wilhelm Furtwängler, Max Pauer, Ernst Toch, Richard Laugs, Friedrich Wührer, Karl Heinrich Wörner, Erika Köth, Heinz Hoppe and Hans Vogt.
After a new building was completed in 1999, all study institutions were then transferred to Mannheim. The University of Music is now equipped with state of the art teaching rooms and has developed into the second-largest institution of its kind in Baden-Württemberg
‑ which is also thanks to its advantageous geographical location and transport connections‑.
The Academy of Dance is the only institute of higher education in Baden-Württemberg that trains dancers. Study courses that are offered include Dance and Children's Dance Pedagogy (6 semesters) and the postgraduate study courses Artistic Training Dance / Stage Practice and Dance Pedagogy for Professional Dancers (2 semesters).
The subjects Musicology and Music Pedagogy offer students the option of gaining a doctorate.
Some 500 events organized by the University every year enrich the range of cultural events held in the Rhine Neckar area and provide the public with comprehensive information about our work and give our students experience with audiences at an early stage. In addition to concerts and theatre performances, academic conferences and symposiums are vital and masterclasses held by international artists and teachers. Furthermore, the University holds regular competitions, and the students also make many of their CD productions.
Joint events are frequently held together with other universities, theatres, orchestras, music schools, concert organizers, and other cultural institutions. This includes joint performances in all areas and numerous internships by students that enable them to transition as graduates into their professional life seamlessly. Together with four professional orchestras from the region (Rhineland Pfalz State Philharmonic Orchestra, Mannheim National Theatre, Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra, Palatinate Chamber Orchestra), the University founded the "Rhine Neckar Orchestra Academy". This is the first orchestral academy to be jointly maintained by a university and orchestras.
An issue of particular importance is the encouragement of highly talented young people. To this end, the University has founded the Amadé network, which is the only one in Germany.
The high quality of the education and training received at the Mannheim University of Music. Performing Arts are reflected in the numerous stories of success from our students and graduates as well as through the international prizes that the University has secured in competitions (e.g., ARD competitions), leading positions held by our graduates in renowned orchestras (e.g., the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra) and the appearance of vocal soloists at prestigious establishments (e.g., Bayreuther Festspiele).
