Popakademie Baden-Württemberg


The Popakademie Baden-Württemberg is a German public conservatory for popular music based in Mannheim, Germany. Established in 2003 by the state of Baden-Württemberg, it was the first institution of higher education in Germany to offer academic degree programs focusing on popular music and music business. It offers three bachelor and two master degree programs.
Furthermore, the Popakademie is a centre of competence for all aspects of the music industry with numerous projects in the areas of international cooperation and regional development.

Academic Profile

The Popakademie Baden-Württemberg is divided into an artistic and a business sector. Each sector contains one accredited bachelor and one accredited master's degree program. In February 2015, the Popakademie established a new bachelor's degree program in World Music.

Conditions of application are equivalent of A-levels or international baccalaureate. Additionally, practical experience is required. To apply for the master's degree program, a bachelor's degree is required. Admission for the programs is only during the winter term. Studying at the Popakademie is free of charge.
Popular Music Department
Director: Udo Dahmen
Music and Creative Industries Department
Director: Hubert Wandjo
Among the 150 lecturers of the Popakademie, there are outstanding artists and experts of the music business. Business and music students as well as graduates of the Popakademie took part in successful collaborations, such as the German number-one-albums of Casper, Cro, Frida Gold and Tim Bendzko. Popakademie-related bands and artists like Abby, Crada, The Intersphere, Virtual Riot, Get Well Soon, Jewelz & Sparks and AudioDamn! played international shows and festivals such as Glastonbury and SXSW.
Graduates of the Popakademie work as musicians, composing artists, songwriters and producers or as artist managers, label owners, publishers and staff members in all relevant functions of music business companies.

International

The Popakademie is part of a worldwide network. It has partnerships and cooperates with many international conservatories and institutions. As a member of the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen, it promotes intercultural exchange of students and lecturers. The Popakademie has an Erasmus University Charta.
Regularly, projects and events such as the European Band- & Businesscamp, the International Songwriter Week and the International Summer Camp take place at the Popakademie in Mannheim.
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