Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln

A century of sound and motion

As one of Europe’s most prestigious music institutions prepares to mark its centenary, IAM delves into how the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln has evolved from a local conservatory for music and dance into a global cultural powerhouse, blending tradition with innovation to shape the international cultural landscape

Over the past century, the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (HfMT Cologne) has grown into one of the largest music institutions in Europe and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. What have been some of the key moments in its development, and how has it responded to the shifting dynamics of the global music and dance landscape?

Founded in 1925, the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (HfMT Cologne) has grown into one of Germany’s premier institutions. In 1927, it was among the first to bear the title “Hochschule”, reflecting its transition from a traditional conservatory to a more holistic approach to education. This shift included introducing a school music programme to train versatile musicians with both artistic and pedagogical expertise.

Key milestones include the founding of the Studio for Electronic Music in 1965 by Dr Herbert Eimert, later continued by Professor Hans-Ulrich Humpert. This pioneering initiative not only established Germany’s oldest electronic university music studio but also set benchmarks in both analogue and digital music production.

In 1980, the university launched its jazz course, followed by the establishment of a dance department in 1995, cementing its commitment to multidisciplinary excellence. Today, specialised departments for New Music and Early Music underscore its leadership in blending tradition with innovation.

The university offers an extensive range of programmes. How does this diversity in courses contribute to its reputation as a leading institution for music and dance education? 

HfMT Cologne’s diverse programmes are central to its reputation as a leading institution for music and dance education. Its offerings span classical instrumental and vocal training, musicology, jazz, pop, composition, music theory, church music and dance. This interdisciplinary range fosters creative synergies and equips students to innovate across genres and disciplines.

Graduates benefit from extensive opportunities, ranging from solo performance and composition to teaching and conducting, which enhances the institution’s standing as a launchpad for diverse music and dance careers. Its international collaborations and exchange programmes attract global talent, exposing students to varied traditions and broadening their artistic perspectives. Regular public performances—from classical concerts to experimental showcases—further enhance HfMT’s reputation by engaging audiences and showcasing the exceptional talent of its students and faculty. 

What role does the university play in shaping the cultural life of Cologne and the surrounding region? How do your students and faculty contribute to local cultural events and initiatives?

HfMT Cologne is a cornerstone of Cologne’s cultural life, hosting over 365 events annually, including concerts, opera and dance performances. These events, alongside collaborations with leading institutions like the Kölner Philharmonie, the Gürzenich Orchestra, the Cologne Opera and various theatres, bridge the university with the city’s vibrant cultural scene, providing students with professional exposure and enriching the region’s artistic landscape.

Students and alumni play an integral role in Cologne’s independent music and dance communities, particularly in new music, early music and jazz, forming ensembles and projects that connect the university to the broader cultural fabric. Educational outreach—through workshops, school collaborations and youth initiatives—engages young people with music and dance.

The university is internationally renowned. How do you foster international collaborations, and what impact does this global engagement have on both the students and faculty members?

The university fosters international engagement through extensive exchange programmes and collaborations with institutions worldwide, including partnerships with European and global universities and the European Academy of Music and Performing Arts Montepulciano. Meanwhile, initiatives such as ERASMUS and the admission of students and lecturers from over 50 countries strengthen its global reputation and create a diverse academic environment.

International events, such as the university’s prestigious singing competition, bring global talent to Cologne and offer students exposure to different musical traditions. These collaborations enable students and faculty to build cross-cultural networks, broadening their artistic and professional horizons while cementing the university’s status as an internationally respected institution.

What distinguishes HfMT Cologne from other universities and are there any specific aspects of its teaching philosophy or facilities that set the university apart?

HfMT Cologne offers an unparalleled range of programmes spanning artistic, musicological and educational disciplines. Its teaching philosophy emphasises a balance between artistic mastery, pedagogical expertise and academic rigour, ensuring graduates are equipped for multifaceted careers.

The university’s commitment to interdisciplinarity is evident in projects that bridge different musical and dance disciplines, fostering creativity and preparing students for the evolving demands of the cultural sector. Additionally, its strong international partnerships and practical focus, supported by collaborations with leading institutions, provide a uniquely comprehensive and future-oriented education.

As you look ahead to the next century, what are your hopes for the future of the university? How do you plan to continue innovating while preserving the traditions that have shaped the institution’s identity?

As HfMT Cologne enters its second century, its focus remains on blending tradition with innovation. The university’s expansion project aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities that reflect
its diversity while maintaining its central location near
Cologne Cathedral, symbolising its integral role in the city’s cultural fabric.

Future plans include deepening interdisciplinary collaborations and creating new formats for contemporary studies, enabling students to explore individual strengths and navigate increasingly diverse and evolving career paths. The university envisions itself as a beacon of tradition, creativity and inclusivity, contributing to an open and democratic society while inspiring future generations of artists and educators.

Finally, what special events and initiatives do you have planned to mark the university’s 100th anniversary?

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, HfMT Cologne has planned a year-long programme of events across its campuses in Cologne, Aachen and Wuppertal. Highlights include a 10-part chamber music series, each concert reflecting a decade of the university’s history, and performances showcasing milestones such as the founding of the dance department and jazz faculty.

Collaborations with cultural partners like the Gürzenich Orchestra, WDR Big Band and Museum Ludwig will bring the celebrations to life, with performances in urban spaces to engage the wider community. A festive week from 23 to 27 June 2025 will feature an opera directed by Dietrich Hilsdorf, a dance production and premieres by composition students at the 8 Brücken Festival für Neue Musik. Events for young artists, children and jazz enthusiasts ensure the celebrations honour both tradition and innovation while inviting the public to experience the university’s artistic excellence. 

For more details on HfMT Cologne’s centenary celebrations and its entire educational programme, visit the university’s homepage at www.hfmt-koeln.de