There are two general tendencies in music university administration in the German-speaking countries. First, more and more institutions are led by music theorists and composers (Berlin, Freiburg, Hamburg, Mainz, Munich, Nuremberg, Würzburg). Second, an increasing number of principals and deans are female (Augsburg, Dresden, Hanover, Rostock, Stuttgart, Trossingen; a significant peak in Austria: Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna; none in Switzerland). I feel positive about both of these developments. Let me know what you think!
Farewell from University
I am announcing here that I will no longer teach at the Berlin University of the Arts, Faculty of Music. My decision to quit is the result of a number of developments and personal experiences during the last months and years. However, this farewell has absolutely nothing to do with my students who belong to the most devoted, curious, and amiable persons I encountered at university. If you would like to learn more about my thoughts on lectureship at UdK Berlin and on academic teaching and precarious work in general, please read this paper (in German only).
Social Media and Teaching
My colleague Benjamin Vogels published an excellent study on the applicability of social media in academic teaching, particularly in the context of music theory. The article is available in the current issue of the journal of the Gesellschaft für Musiktheorie (ZGMTH). An exciting read, and highly recommendable for faculty and students open to present-day teaching methods.
Besides, my own article on Vincent d’Indy’s Cours de composition musicale has recently been published in the first volume of Bärenreiter’s new dictionary of music theory treatises and textbooks.
Summer Solstice Stuff
Two events to come on the following weekend. I will be presenting some of my »Vokalsalat« pieces in an event named Slam The Library, part of the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften at Berlin Technical University – Saturday, June 24, poetry slam starting at 10pm in the Volkswagen Library. The following day, the Chamber Choir of the Berlin University of the Arts will perform motets by Josquin, Schütz, and Reger in a choral concert at St Mary’s Cathedral, Gransee – Sunday, June 25, 5pm, with free admission. Come around, it’s gonna be quite a treat!
Some Music for Organ
It’s an organ transplantation! I felt that my music could use a bit of ecclesiastical reverberation, so I arranged my keyboard piece November Lament for the queen of instruments. If you are an organist aiming to enlarge your repertoire with an affective secular composition, please find the sheet music here.