Working at MHT, your next career step!

🎼 Overview of Musikhochschule Trossingen

Musikhochschule Trossingen (MHT), located in the charming town of Trossingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, stands as one of the country's premier institutions for music education. Established in 1946 initially as a specialized school for brass instruments in Stuttgart, it relocated to Trossingen in 1963 and has since grown into a full-fledged state music academy. Nestled near the Black Forest, MHT combines rigorous artistic training with a supportive environment, attracting over 850 students from around the world to its bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in performance, composition, conducting, jazz, popular music, and music education.

The university's history reflects Germany's rich musical tradition, evolving from post-war reconstruction efforts to a hub for orchestral musicians. Today, with around 80 professors and a focus on practical performance, MHT prepares graduates for careers in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and academia. For those seeking university jobs in Europe, particularly in music, MHT represents an ideal blend of tradition and innovation in higher education.

Trossingen itself offers a serene setting ideal for focused musical study, with excellent acoustics in its concert halls and proximity to major cities like Stuttgart (1 hour away) for performances. This location enhances the appeal for faculty jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen, providing a high quality of life amid Germany's vibrant cultural scene.

Job Opportunities at Musikhochschule Trossingen

Jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen primarily revolve around teaching and artistic roles, given its specialized focus. Professorships (Professuren) are the cornerstone, full-time positions teaching specific instruments such as violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, trumpet, trombone, piano, organ, voice, or composition. These roles involve one-on-one lessons, ensemble direction, masterclasses, and contributions to orchestral projects.

Lecturer positions (Dozentenstellen) offer part-time opportunities for emerging talents, often in jazz improvisation, popular music, or music theory. Administrative jobs include positions in student services, concert management, library curation for sheet music and recordings, and technical maintenance of instruments. Research roles, though less common in performance-focused institutions, may involve musicology or pedagogy studies. For a full list of types of positions available at universities like MHT, explore our comprehensive guide.

• Instrumental professor: Leading auditions and recitals.
• Conducting lecturer: Directing student orchestras.
• Music education specialist: Training future teachers.
• Administrative coordinator: Managing international exchanges.

Current openings are posted on the official MHT website and platforms like higher ed jobs aggregators. The institution values candidates with international experience, aligning with its diverse student body from over 30 countries.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen fully, here are key terms defined:

• Musikhochschule: A German state university of music (conservatory), emphasizing professional performance training over general academics.
• Professur: Permanent professorship, akin to a tenured faculty position with full teaching and artistic responsibilities.
• Dozent: Lecturer or instructor, often part-time or contract-based for specialized teaching.
• Staatliche Hochschule: Publicly funded higher education institution, like MHT, offering stable employment under civil service regulations.
• Audition (Pristination): Performance-based selection process for faculty hires, requiring live demonstrations of teaching and playing skills.

Required Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills for Jobs at MHT

Securing jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen demands a combination of artistic prowess, pedagogical expertise, and academic credentials tailored to music higher education.

Required Academic Qualifications: A master's degree (Master of Music) in the relevant field is minimum; a doctorate (Dr. phil. or equivalent) or habilitation is preferred for senior roles. For performance professors, equivalent professional achievement substitutes formal PhDs, such as prizes from international competitions like ARD or Leeds.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Emphasis on performance practice, historical informed performance (HIP), jazz theory, or interdisciplinary music studies. Faculty often lead research in brass acoustics or contemporary composition techniques.

Preferred Experience:

• International concert career with recordings on labels like Deutsche Grammophon.
• 5+ years teaching at conservatories, with student successes in orchestras like Berlin Philharmonic.
• Grants from DFG (German Research Foundation) or DAAD for international projects.
• Publications in journals like Musiktheorie or ensemble direction credits.

Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced instrumental proficiency and improvisation skills.
• Strong mentoring abilities, curriculum development.
• Language skills: German (C1 level required), English advantageous.
• Digital tools for remote teaching and score analysis software.

These align with Baden-Württemberg standards, ensuring hires contribute to MHT's reputation.

Application Process and Tips for Jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen

The hiring process for jobs at MHT follows German academic norms: public tenders (Ausschreibungen) published 6-12 months in advance.

1. Monitor Trossingen jobs and MHT's site.
2. Prepare dossier: Artistic CV, 20-minute video lesson, references.
3. Submit online by deadline; late applications ignored.
4. Audition: Teach mock lesson, perform solo/concerto excerpts.
5. Interviews with search committee, rector.
6. Appointment by state ministry.

Actionable Tips:

• Tailor repertoire to MHT's strengths (e.g., brass focus).
• Network at festivals like Trossingen Jazz Festival. Use free resume template for CVs.
• Highlight student outcomes; include academic CV tips.
• Learn basic German if non-native.
• Follow up professionally post-audition.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Musikhochschule Trossingen

MHT actively advances diversity as part of Germany's higher ed push. Key initiatives include:

• Gender equality plan targeting 50% female professors by 2030, with mentoring for women in conducting.
• International Office supports non-EU faculty visas and integration courses.
• Accessibility for disabled musicians, adapted practice rooms.
• Scholarships for underrepresented groups, partnerships with global conservatories.
• AfD-free declaration and anti-discrimination workshops.

These foster an inclusive environment, with 40% international students.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life at MHT

Trossingen offers exceptional work-life balance for faculty. The 20-hectare campus features state-of-the-art halls like the Kurt-Blaukopf-Saal, individual studios, and a library with 40,000 scores. Workload: 18 contact hours/week, ample rehearsal time.

Benefits: 30 vacation days, flexible hours, child care subsidies. Town perks: Low cost of living (€2,500/month family), hiking in Black Forest, proximity to Zurich (1.5 hrs). Cultural life includes weekly concerts, collaborations with SWR orchestra. Faculty report high satisfaction due to focused mission and collegial atmosphere.

In summary, jobs at Musikhochschule Trossingen blend passion and profession. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, or university jobs. Institutions post openings via recruitment services.