Cologne as a training location combines tradition and innovation: since the 1950s, the development of historical performance practice has been largely based in Cologne and has gone out into the world. Numerous orchestras and ensembles have established themselves here in the heart of Europe over the decades. They lead a lively concert life in the region, in Europe and far beyond, thus ensuring a dynamic local music scene and the international artistic charisma of Cologne as a location for early music.

Our Institute for Early Music at the Cologne University of Music and Dance emerged from this environment. The Institute for Early Music sees itself as an interface between teaching, research and concert practice, where the latest findings in performance practice are also incorporated into teaching and projects.

16 teachers, 3 accompanists, all renowned specialists, and around 35 students work on music from the 16th - 19th centuries in a collegial atmosphere. The Bachelor's and Master's degree courses on offer cover almost all types of historical instruments and singing in a wide range of courses. This includes individual and group lessons, chamber music, baroque orchestra, basso continuo, performance practice and ornamentation theory.

Public concerts, interdisciplinary projects and regular collaborations with other departments of the Cologne University of Music and Dance or external institutions (educational institutions, event organizers, ensembles) contribute to a comprehensive musical education. The Institute of Early Music thus offers students an inspiring environment for their personal artistic development, endless joy in discovering, studying and performing "early music" and the best conditions for a successful musical career.