t o n m e i s t e r _ i n n e n s t u d i u m

The Tonmeister_innenstudium diploma programme will end in winter semester 2024.
From now on, there will be a Bachelor's and Master's programme for Tonmeister studies.

Established in 1997, the mdw's Tonmeister_innen programme is an equally artistic and technical training programme. It teaches comprehensive skills in electroacoustic sound processing with a focus on recording management, sound direction, film and video sound and radio. The opportunity to specialise in individual subject areas after a wide-ranging basic education can be considered unique in the German-speaking world. The aim is to train both artistically profiled and technically competent sound engineers for every field of activity in today's media world.

Course of study:

The 1st study phase comprises 4 semesters. During this period, students learn musical and technical basics in the subjects of music theory, form analysis, aural training, instrumental theory and instrumental lessons, as well as acoustics, recording analysis, studio technology and sound engineering theory.

The 2nd study phase of the programme extends over 6 semesters and builds on the fundamentals taught in the 1st stage. In addition to the music theory subjects (historical composition techniques, basics of applied music and sound design, jazz theory and arranging, pop arranging, electroacoustic music, form analysis) and the technical subjects (studio production, theory of sound engineering and electroacoustic equipment theory), students specialise in the following areas – tailored to their interests.

s p e c i a l i s a t i o n s

Tonmeister_innenstudium

s o u n d d i r e c t i o n

The focus is on the areas of sound reinforcement, conference technology and live electronics. It teaches the planning, dimensioning and installation of sound systems for events of all kinds. This includes theatre, musicals, open air events and multimedia events. The focus is on understanding musical and dramaturgical processes, which enables students to competently advise composers, musicians and event organisers and actively participate in the artistic process. With the creation of sound concepts for plays, musicals, contemporary music and multimedia installations and in the context of renowned organisers such as the Vienna Festival, the course proves to be both high-profile and practice-oriented.

f i l m a n d v i d e o

The Film and Video specialisation deals with all areas of set and post-production. Starting with the soundtrack, the course deals with the processes involved in film production. This includes working on set with regard to post-production, sound post-production and sound design, as well as the theory of image editing and book and dramaturgy. In practice, students are responsible for the entire audio section of the Vienna Film Academy's projects. This includes sound recording during filming, sound editing and sound design through to mixing. The sound engineer is the contact person for all audio issues for the director and producer.

r e c o r d i n g m a n a g e m e n t

This specialisation is strongly based on classical Tonmeister_innen training. The aim is to prepare students technically and musically for careers in recording management, music production or balance engineering. This includes the opportunity to work on recordings in established concert venues such as the Musikvereinssaal and the Konzerthaus. In addition, seminars with international experts enhance the lessons.

r a d i o

In addition to broadcasting and operations, Tonmeister_innen also work as programme designers, programme consultants and presenters. The training imparts dramaturgical knowledge, especially with regard to radio drama and radio art, so that the radio producer also knows the basics of journalism in addition to technical skills. In subjects such as speech training or moderation, the media-appropriate preparation of content is taught in particular.

The Tonmeister_innen programme also offers supplementary subjects such as communication and behavioural training, law, business administration, safety and ergonomics. Finally, in collaboration with the AES Student Section, there are excursions to renowned production facilities such as the Steinwayhaus Vienna, the Sony Presswerk Salzburg, the Vienna State Opera and the Bregenz Festival.

further information:

Semester schedule
Guidelines of 2nd diploma exam
Overview of all persons working at IKT