One of the main focus points for this programme is the stylistic interpretation of harpsichord music. Using the core baroque repertoire from approx. 1550 to 1770 as a foundation, students work towards achieving an expressive sense of voice on the harpsichord. The instrument-specific demands of the harpsichord, both in terms of technique and sound production, play a significant role here and students benefit from lessons on a range of historical keyboard instruments.

Students will discover, among other things, the different characters associated with the various national styles of harpsichord playing, as well as the diverse range of approaches to Baroque ornamentation, and will explore for themselves questions surrounding the role of rhetorical character in the repertoire. Engagement with pertinent sources from the 17^th and 18^th centuries is designed to encourage and inspire the students during their studies. Of course, the programme also takes into account the exciting and ever-expanding harpsichord repertoire of the 20^th and 21^st centuries.

The programme also focuses in particular on the stylish realisation of basso continuo parts. Here, too, the study of historical sources and consolidated analysis of surviving examples of realised continuo parts provides invaluable guidance in defining an approach to continuo playing that is as historically accurate as it is musically convincing.

During the eight-semester bachelor’s program, students work with the full range of lute music from the 16^th to the 18^th centuries.

The Renaissance and Baroque lute are the focus for soloists in the program. A comprehensive overview of all solo music for the lute is taught by examining pieces by the most influential individuals from different national styles of the 16^th - 18^th centuries. Instrument-specific interpretation principles are given the same importance in classes as interdisciplinary aspects of historically informed performance techniques. The secondary focus is playing basso continuo on the different instruments of the lute family using historical lute accompaniments for everything from solo pieces to Baroque operas.

Konrad Junghänel’s longstanding experience as a lutenist as well as his successful career as an ensemble director and opera conductor gives students extensive first-hand insight and information which can be very helpful when students start their careers.

The program focuses on the early the Italian Baroque period and English, French, and German styles of passion arias and cantatas.

Continuo work is another emphasis of the program. An additional focus is knowledge and mastery of various historical tunings, which are absolutely vital for the viola da gamba as a harmonic instrument.

Studying the viola da gamba may also suit historically-minded cellists who wish to expand their horizons and to be inspired by different sounds. National styles and rhetoric play a central part in the program.