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About the IB Career-related Programme at AMADEUS
All around the world, students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme to receive a personalised education with a more practical focus on specific fields.
At AMADEUS Vienna, the programme focuses specifically on music and provides the perfect pathway for students who wish to become professional musicians or aim to study music at a university level.
Why AMADEUS Vienna should be your first choice for top-level music education
AMADEUS Vienna will be the first school in Austria to offer the IB Career-related Programme and the only school in the EU that offers the music pathway of the programme.
Moreover, we are the first All-Steinway high school in Austria, equipped with 21 Steinway pianos (including one model D and three baby grand pianos), and we have more than 20 dedicated private music practice rooms. Students who are successfully admitted into the programme are also accepted as members of the AMADEUS International Youth Orchestra, directed by the renowned conductor, Christoph Ehrenfellner.
Background compositions by AMADEUS students Navid Owji and Rabbina Uzykhanova. Learn and listen to more compositions!
Which courses can I take and which diploma will I receive?
Students follow undergraduate music studies, and the two-years programme will provide the student with a Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Music.
Additionally, students will study a minimum of two academic IB Diploma Programme subjects, for which they will receive International Baccalaureate Certificates.
For more details, please see the below section as well as our FAQs further down the page.
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Music
Students are provided with a practical, real-world approached to learning designed to prepare them for a career in music or for further education at the tertiary or conservatory level. This qualification is delivered in partnership with Pearson Education’s BTEC.
- 1. Music Skills Development (students choose 2 out of 3)
- Module A1 – Performing as an Ensemble
Module A2 – Creating Musical Material
Module A3 – Using Musical Styles - 2. Global Music Industry
- Module C7 – Planning a career in the music industry
- 3. Personal Music Profile
- Module D9 – Producing a personal project
Module D10 – Using Material for Self-Promotion and Networking - 4. Collaborative Music Project
- Module E13 – Using creative collaboration to develop a project
Module E14 – Producing a collaborative project
(Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Music – Specification, Issue 2, pp. 10, April 2020)
In addition to the above music modules, students must complete:
- At least two *IB DP Academic Subjects (more subjects may be taken, depending on timetable and availability)
- Personal and Professional Learning
- Service Learning
- A Reflective Project
- Language Development
*Priority is given to studies in Mathematics and German as prerequisite entry requirements to Universities and music conservatories. Note that English is also available instead of German upon agreement. More than two academic IB subjects related to the Career-related Programme of study may be taken, depending on timetable and availability.
Access to Top Music Universities and Colleges
AMADEUS Vienna has a strong global network with alumni represented at more than 40 top universities and colleges in countries all over the world. A Specialist Music Education Certificate from AMADEUS can kickstart your musical career, as it has for many of our successful alumni, and give you the opportunity for further study at places such as:
- The Royal Academy of Music, London
- University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (MDW)
- University of Graz
- Mozarteum University, Salzburg
- Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna (MUK)
- Anton Bruckner Private University, Linz
- Jam Music Lab Private University, Vienna
- The Juilliard School, New York
- Berklee College of Music, Boston
- Berlin Music College (BIMM)
Find the full list of universities where our alumni have studied here.
Having experience supporting talented students achieve their dreams of entering the best universities and conservatories worldwide, we know what it takes to balance academics with time to practise.
With the additional IB academic courses, students can also decide to apply to non-music universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have gathered the most Frequently Asked Questions about the IB Career-related programme for you here. You can also find the general FAQs for studying at AMADEUS here. Please do contact us if you have any additional questions.
Who is the Career-related Programme for?
AMADEUS Vienna’s unique version of the CP has been developed for students who, during their final two years at the school, wish to focus on career-related, applied learning in a field which genuinely interests them before progressing to a higher education programme (and, ultimately, a career) in music.
What are the entry requirements?
AMADEUS Vienna currently takes in applications for the first class to begin in August 2021 (graduation date June 2023).
The entry requirements vary depending on the year of entry:
Student profile for entry into our Pre-IB Career-related Programme (Year 0):
- 14-16 years old
- has successfully completed Grade 9 or equivalent (previous reports)
- has a minimum of level A2 in English
- successfully completes a musical audition (online or face-to-face)
- 3 years minimum of instrumental lessons and/or music theory
- successful interview with the Head of Secondary
- has a valid guardianship arrangement or enters into the boarding programme
Student profile for direct entry into our IB Career-related Programme (Year 1):
- 15-17 years old
- has successfully completed Grade 10 or equivalent (previous reports)
- has a minimum of level B1 in English
- successfully completes a musical audition (online or face-to-face)
- 5 years minimum of instrumental lessons and/or music theory
- currently studying with a music teacher/professor
- successful interview with the Head of Secondary
- has a valid guardianship arrangement or enters into the boarding programme
Note: Direct entry into ‘Year 2’ is not possible.
What are the entry fees?
The following entry fees cover the tuition for the IB Career-related Programme (2021/22). For additional fees such as the medical insurance fee and uniform fee (only mandatory for boarding students), please visit our School Fee webpage.
What Universities can I get into with my IB Career Related Programme Certificate and BTEC Level 3 International Diploma in Music?
A growing number of renowned higher education institutions ‘like’ the CP, and the programme provides a strong foundation for future academic achievement. This is because successful CP learners combine skills and good habits such as time management and critical thinking with the subject knowledge obtained from studying DP courses and their career-based programme.
Admissions requirements vary from university to university. An up-to-date list of universities and other institutions of higher education which are known to accept the BTEC Level 3 International Diploma in Music and the Career-related Programme Certificate as entrance qualifications is available from the CP Coordinator. It is essential that your son or daughter checks the entry requirements for his/her chosen tertiary education programme before embarking upon the CP.
Often, there are additional requirements, such as SAT for American universities and auditions for many other music courses. Our Careers Counsellor supports all students through their application and admissions processes.
has a valid guardianship arrangement or enters into the boarding programme
Which academic courses do I have to take?
Students must choose a minimum of two courses; one from the IB Diploma Mathematics block (Group 5), and one from the IB Diploma languages block (Group 2). For students wishing to enter a conservatory or University in Austria or Germany, we recommend German Ab Initio or German B, though students wishing to continue their study in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia may prefer to focus on their English language development.
Can I continue to study with my own professor / music teacher?
Yes. You are welcome to continue to study with our current professor, be introduced to a professor from our Music and Art Academy, or not study with a professor at all.
Can I change back to the IB Diploma track if I change my mind?
January 1st in the student’s first year is the final day to switch tracks if students wish to change back to the IB Diploma from the Career-related Programme.
Do I have to play an instrument to a high level to complete this course?
Not necessarily. The course is designed for those wishing to pursue a career in the music industry. This need not be as a solo performer as there are many other elements making up the industry as a whole. However, within the course, there are elements of composition and music collaboration for which knowledge and skill in some areas will be beneficial.
Which is more challenging: the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme?
Both are demanding and rigorous: the Diploma Programme is known the world over as a challenging programme for academically-minded all-rounders, while the CP, with its focus on career-related learning, may best be described as a practice-oriented option for specialists who have discovered a specific interest at the age of 15 or 16. A large degree of commitment and motivation is essential for success in both programmes; the CP is definitely not the ‘easy option’.
We welcome the opportunity for prospective students and their families to visit AMADEUS Vienna and learn more about our unique programme and inspiring school environment. Contact our Admissions team to ask your questions or schedule a tour.