The Bayreuth University of Church Music Music is the relatively new, yet traditional and modern music university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria. Founded in November 1999 by church law passed by the regional synod, it began operations on 1 October 2000. It is the successor institution to the Bayreuth Academy for Protestant Church Music, which was originally founded in 1948 as a Church Music School in Erlangen. Artistic and music education courses complement the range of courses offered in the field of Protestant church music. Centrally located in the festival and university city of Bayreuth, it offers students ideal study and living conditions thanks to its spacious premises, excellent facilities and affiliated halls of residence.
30 years of the Popular Music Department
The 30th anniversary of popular music education at the University of Protestant Church Music will be celebrated with a diverse open-air concert, among other events. The concert will showcase a variety of genres and ensembles from the world of popular music.
Would you like to know more about 30 years of pop music?
Have we piqued your interest?
Open University Weeks from 3 to 25 May 2026
As part of the nationwide campaign "Discover Church Music," we are opening our doors from Sunday, 3 May to 25 May 2026 to anyone who is curious about music, studying and possible career paths.
Registration deadline: Friday, 24 April 2026
From childhood?
Symposium on organ teaching
How can young children be taught to play the organ? What technical solutions are available for short legs? What educational potential does this instrument offer? What about practising at home? What types of experiences are suitable for children and families?
These and many other questions will be addressed at the symposium from 18 to 20 June 2026 in lectures, workshops, children's concerts and practical examples led by international experts.
Details of the programme can be found in the programme, and you can find the contact persons here.
"Keyboard Journeys 2026" on organ and piano
This year, the university is once again organising a three-day academy for organ and piano in cooperation with the Association of Protestant Church Musicians in Bavaria. The target audience is young people (aged approx. 10–20) who want to discover great music and hone their skills together with like-minded peers under the guidance of professors Lucas Pohle, Martin Riccabona and Michael Wessel. Click here for the flyer and registration form(please register by 1 July 2026).
Aptitude tests for the summer semester 2026
Our degree programmes provide the best possible practical preparation for future careers. In particular, the church music programme, which opens up many paths as a "general study" of music, offers extremely favourable career prospects. The close networking of the degree programmes also enables multiple qualifications. Have we sparked your interest? Then please apply by 1 February 2026 for our aptitude tests, which will take place on Saturday, 14 February 2026 (additional dates may be possible). Click here for the qualification regulations. Of course, we also help with study preparation as part of a junior or guest study programme or as part of part-time formats. One more note: the start of your studies (winter or summer semester) can be freely chosen after passing the aptitude test.
Honorary professorship for KMD Ingeborg Schilffarth
KMD Ingeborg Schilffarth, long-time lecturer in choral conducting at the HfK, was appointed honorary professor at the university by the Landeskirchenrat (Regional Church Council) on the recommendation of the Senate – in recognition of her "outstanding services to choral conducting in educational teaching, church music practice and artistic profiling". We congratulate her and are very pleased!
University celebrates 25th anniversary
We are celebrating a double anniversary: this year, the university is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and popular music has been taught in Bayreuth for 30 years. Reason enough to celebrate both occasions with numerous concerts, workshops and festivities. We hope you enjoy discovering our programme of events. Feel free to drop by – and here you can find the film produced by tvo to mark the university's anniversary!
Album "With You I Abide" — out now !
To mark the 30th anniversary of popular music education at the University of Protestant Church Music in Bayreuth, the HfK is presenting the music production "With You I Abide" in collaboration with the Bayreuth University Big Band.
The eight tracks highlight different aspects of faith in the guise of gospel and jazz.
Contributors include students from the HfK, the University of Bayreuth and the pop choir "Stimmwerk" (conductor: Prof. Jochen Roth). Prof. Dr Victor Alcántara was responsible for the overall artistic direction (concept/arrangement/rehearsals). The entire project was made possible by the generous support of the Bayreuth Protestant Church Music Foundation. Many thanks for this – and enjoy listening!
Link to the streaming platforms: https://listen.music-hub.com/gULxPm
We are seeking an employee for our housekeeping department to start on 1 July 2026. You can find the job advertisement here.
The University of Protestant Church Music in Bayreuth is the only university in Bavaria that is run by the church and recognised by the state, training Protestant church musicians for Bavaria, the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) and beyond. Through networking with the cultural and church life of our region in the heart of Europe, our students experience culture as an open field of artistic, educational, religious and scientific activities. We train young people with the aim of guiding them towards outstanding professional competence, a broad educational horizon and a high degree of individuality and creativity for their future church ministry and their musical and music education tasks. In doing so, we strive to combine forces and promote holistic thinking and action through interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary work and the implementation of joint projects.
We address changing artistic, media, community and social requirements. That is why we develop high-calibre artistic and educational degree programmes and continuing education courses that respond to changing job profiles. Our graduates should be able to prove themselves in the tension between their own artistic and educational aspirations and the diverse expectations of professional practice, while finding and pursuing their own individual paths.
Respect and mutual tolerance, openness and artistic curiosity are our standards for our own work and the learning objectives of the programme. The shared commitment and responsibility of all members of the university to achieve these goals reflects the future viability of the University of Protestant Church Music as a versatile artistic and ecclesiastical educational institution in the German-speaking world.
Innovative study concept
Practical church music, educational and artistic degree programmes with individual options for customisation
ideals study conditions
Excellent facilities and equipment, own halls of residence
Study in Bayreuth,
... the festival and university city that is so liveable and lovable
International guest lecturers
Masterclasses and advanced training courses with renowned teachers
Elias Church music + piano
What I associate most with the University of Protestant Church Music in Bayreuth is a warm atmosphere and a comprehensive and varied range of courses. Here, I receive support in my musical development and have the opportunity to expand my skills in different areas.
Christine Bachelor of Church Music
For me, church music means making music not only for pleasure, but also for praise, and working together with many people to build God's kingdom. In Bayreuth, I can learn this at a university that is very well equipped in terms of both facilities and staff – in a personal and very warm atmosphere.
Deborah Bachelor's degree in Protestant church music
Music is one of the most beautiful ways to spread the gospel and honour God according to Bach's motto ("Soli Deo Gloria")! With its personal atmosphere and wide range of courses taught by qualified teachers, the University of Bayreuth is the ideal place to support me musically in this goal.
Sophie Master's degree in vocal training + conducting
In addition to its outstanding church music education, HfK Bayreuth also offers a wide range of other subjects. The possibility of combining individual courses is a particular advantage. Teaching is extremely individual and practical, and the very friendly atmosphere and integration into university life mean that students feel well supported and prepared for their career start.