From February 2026, the Bundesakademie Trossingen will offer a new part-time qualification for conducting accordion orchestras in cooperation with the German Harmonica Association (DHV).

The B-course is aimed at people with musical conducting experience or corresponding previous training and imparts practical knowledge in conducting technique, rehearsal methodology, repertoire work and ensemble pedagogy. The aim is to strengthen the artistic and pedagogical quality in the direction of accordion orchestras in the long term.

Lecturers:
Dr. Alexander Drčar,
Silke D’Inka,
Stefan Hippe,
Hans-Günther Kölz,
Olivia Steimel,
Claudia Quakernack
Nicholas Reed
Ian Watson
Prof. Matthias Anton

Target group:

• Conductors of accordion orchestras who want to acquire a B qualification or who want to update their existing experience and further education
• Conductors of wind orchestras and symphony orchestras with an interest in conducting accordion orchestras
• Teachers with ensemble conducting duties at music schools and general education schools
• Students of accordion and ensemble conducting
• Interested parties without completed musical vocational training with several years of experience in a corresponding music education professional field/as a conductor in an accordion orchestra

Entry requirements:

• At least one completed C-course in conducting accordion orchestras or C-course in conducting or
• University studies accordion, accordion orchestra conducting, ensemble conducting or school music at a music college or a comparable institution (vocational school, vocational college, conservatory, music academy) or
• Several years of experience in conducting accordion orchestras and confidence in dealing with conducting techniques

Course objectives:

• Ability to lead accordion orchestras professionally: motivating rehearsals and innovative didactic approaches
• Reflection on one’s own role as a conductor and confrontation with other perspectives
• Acquisition of sound knowledge in the areas of work development, conducting technique and musical design
• Teaching skills for ensemble conducting: understanding of the score, stylistics, interpretation criteria, etc.
• Expansion of one’s own repertoire of literature for accordion orchestras in various styles
• Design of cooperations and implementation of joint projects

Registration deadline is: January 6th, 2026.

For further information email: mail@bundesakademie-trossingen.de