Ensembles

In addition to lessons in the main artistic subject, studies at the Jazz Institute of the HMTM also focus on artistic practice with an emphasis on orchestra and ensemble playing. All students therefore have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of ensembles – from duos and quartets to big bands – in order to gain performance experience in a wide variety of formations.

Munich University Jazz Orchestra

The Big Band of the Jazz Institute of the University of Music and Theatre Munich

The Munich University Jazz Orchestra – MUJO for short (formerly U.M.P.A Jazz Orchestra) – under the artistic direction of Prof. Claus Reichstaller has been the flagship of the Jazz Institute at the University of Music and Theatre Munich for several years. The repertoire ranges from classic big band literature to modern, contemporary arrangements and compositions.

In numerous concerts in the »Jazz in Concert« series and the traditional »Jazz Nacht«, the top-class big band impresses with its groovy sound, fiery rhythms and compact brass sections. Changing programmes with guest lecturers such as Joe Haider, Dusko Goykovich, Jiggs Whigham and international star guests such as Patti Austin, Jane Monheit and Klaus Doldinger further enhance the appeal of the big band.

All students at the Jazz Institute are required to participate in a jazz orchestra. In addition to the Munich University Jazz Orchestra, which is the big band’s concert ensemble, there is also the Rehearsal Big Band, which is less focused on actual concert performances and more on developing an extensive repertoire.

Small Ensembles

With »Small Ensembles« covering a variety of styles, from straight ahead, bebop, modern and free to Latin, fusion and soul, students are offered a wide musical spectrum.

Through their work in ensembles, students learn, among other things, how to handle sheet music professionally, how to develop an individual sound on their instrument, how to improvise in different styles and, above all, how to play together with other students within the ensemble. In addition to standard works, students also compose and arrange their own pieces for ensemble work.

Concerts with the ensembles are held regularly in the Kleiner Saal at Gasteig HP8 and in the Jazzclub Unterfahrt in order to achieve the highest level of performance practice during the course of study. Improvisation is the focus of the monthly jam session held by the Jazz Institute at Munich’s Milla Club.