General information

In choosing a career, many young people must decide if they should follow their intellect or their heart. Society, friends and family usually urge us to be practical and choose the most “secure” career. It’s a fact, however, that many occupations that fitted that category in the past are not secure today, since the job market changes constantly. Therefore in the long run, it seems more sensible to choose an occupation that is really interesting and that brings enjoyment. An important prerequisite for a successful musical career is, to be sure, a certain amount of talent, but a lot of diligence is also necessary, because only dedicated, goal-oriented and patient self-improvement will result in attainment of mastery.

Hardly anyone would describe a musical career as “secure”. In most cases, the monetary income fluctuates greatly – there are good and bad months. Long-run contracts are exceptions to the rule, and a musician is often employed only on a fee basis, without social fringe benefits. A regular family life is made difficult by unusual work schedules and the need to travel. One can never “rest on his laurels,” and must always be in form. That requires regular practice to further develop and redefine one’s musical identity.

If a person decides to make music a career, despite the obvious difficult prerequisites, insecurities and pressures, it will readily be apparent that he/she has chosen the most beautiful and interesting life’s work there is. As in all artistic professions, individuality is very important. A musician is usually his/her own master, and has a lot of room for personal development. The work is very satisfying, and when success comes – for example, when an audience cheers – the feeling of happiness is indescribably beautiful and exciting. If one is talented, diligent, communicative, and well organized, it’s possible to make a good living in music, and with a little luck it’s also possible to become very successful and even become famous.

The training at the International Music College Freiburg (IMCF) is geared toward giving young musicians a good start in preparing for a career.

A modern, practically-oriented and optimal curriculum, developed since the school’s founding in 1984, guarantees the basis for long-term success.

The colleagues of our first-class instructor team consider it their task not only to convey basic musical know-how, but to also promote sensitive and individual creativity and flexibility in the students. With this striving for creativity, however, the critical dealing with and the respect for music tradition is also emphasized.

Stylistic diversity is stressed. The official name “Rock/Pop and Jazz Areas” covers the whole palette of modern rhythmic music, including styles such as hiphop, salsa and musicals. We try to convey to our students a musical understanding devoid of any stylistic “blinders.” Our philosophy is that only this attitude, and the corresponding acquiring of stylistic knowledge and abilities will allow students to be later successful live and studio musicians, composers, song writers, arrangers, and music teachers.

The instructional use of the most modern media (video, audio and computer), as well as music business training to become self-employed independent entrepreneurs, give students additional ways and means to flexibly react to constantly changing career demands.

Moreover, we consider our main responsibility is to teach the students how to learn. Although the completion of the training is an important phase, it is not the end of the development to become a musician. It is necessary that one continually works on his/her artistic identity in later life. All teaching activities at the IMCF focus on this goal.