General Information
The idea for a conservatoire in Weimar came from none other than Franz Liszt. As early as 1835, he formulated ideas for the founding of "progressive schools of music". When, as Court Kapellmeister in Weimar between 1849 and 1853, he endeavoured to establish such a conservatoire, it ultimately failed.
It was not until 1872 that Liszt's basic idea became reality in a completely different, grassroots way. Under the direction of the church musician Carl Müllerhartung, the first orchestral school in Germany was established with very close ties to the Hofkapelle - all the teachers came from there on a part-time basis - a vocational school for 14- to 18-year-old young men. In 1876, the training of young women of the same age as piano and singing teachers was added, as well as a pre-school for 10- to 14-year-old boys and girls.
Beginnings of virtuoso training beyond this from 1891 onwards did not receive greater emphasis until the 1920s, which finally led to the renaming of the State Music School as the State Academy of Music in 1930. During the National Socialist era, it stagnated considerably (around 1939 it was the smallest German conservatoire), but after 1946 it attained its usual profile and size. Since 1956 it has borne the name of Franz Liszt. However, adequate staffing and space did not become a reality until the 1990s.
In the 1990's, the four historically important centres of the university which were scattered around the city were interlocked. All the buildings were renovated and furnished to provide suitable conditions for music tuition.
Today, the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar is an institution rich in tradition for young musicians, scientists and music educators from all over the world. With its integration into the musical heritage of the city, its close relations with the regional cultural creators and its modern equipment, it offers attractive study conditions for approximately 850 students and an interesting working environment for the approximately 400 teachers and employees.
The university stands on three strong pillars: practical music training, teaching and (artistic) research. Furthermore, more than 300 concerts and performances are organised each year, plus the traditional Weimar Master Classes and four international competitions for piano, violin and chamber music.
Our mission results from the lived musical cultural heritage that we are constantly renewing and carrying forward. Teaching, art, and research are free and create a space for studying, experiments, and renewal.
Our graduates are well-educated in music, teaching, and research. They act autonomously, and energetically to take-on social responsibility. The ever-changing job market is our incentive to provide our students with practical preparation for working-life. With our work, we combine an expectation of excellence with the wide-ranging impact of music.
We view ourselves to be a ‘community of responsibility’ and carry this attitude with us into society. Lecturers, students, administration, and technical staff learn from – and with – each other, creating a communicative and healthy work climate. Our community is characterised by diversity and we meet each other with respect and esteem. We live a culture of openness, which animates students to become self-confident members of the university.
