Hochschule für Musik und Theater München

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The Hochschule für Musik und Theater München (University for Music and Performing Arts, Munich) is one of the most respected traditional vocational universities in Germany specialising in the performing arts. It requires the Abitur as a prerequisite for admission.

[edit] History

First founded in 1846 as a private institute, it was transformed in 1867 by King Ludwig II into the Royal Bavarian Music School at the suggestion of Wagner. It was financed privately by Ludwig until it received the status of state institution in 1874. It has since been renamed several times; to the Royal Academy of the Art of Music, the State Academy of Music, and the Munich Music College. Its original location, the Odeonsgebäude, was destroyed in 1944.

The current building was constructed for the Nazi party by Paul Troost; it was called the Führerbau. Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler signed the Munich Agreement in 1938. Hitler's office, on the second floor above the entryway, is now a rehearsal room, but has been changed little since it was built.

The 1974 Bavarian University Act placed the Munich college, as well as all other Bavarian music colleges, on an educational par with art colleges.

[edit] Programs

Munich College for Music and Theatre offers courses for all instruments, as well as vocal classes, as well as specific instruction in the fields of music education and conducting. Those seeking instruction in writing, directing, or acting, are educated at the Theatre Academy, and there is also a cooperative agreement with the arts departments of the University of Munich.