Vienna, Austria

Summer - Music History & Performance

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment

Credits:

6 to 10 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Study in a city recognized around the world for its influence on the development of classical music. Enroll in two to four courses for a total of 6 to 10 credits on the subjects of music history, music performance, and German language. 

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Music History Classes

Learn about history rooted in the rich musical tradition of the city.

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Vocal & Instrumental Performance Workshop

Expand your repertoire and performance skills.

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German Language Studies

Study the German language at beginning and intermediate levels.

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World-Famous Opera House

Ssee a performance at the incredible Viener Staatsoper.

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

May 24 - July 05

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
8,688

Program Advisor

Headshot of Alicia Emerich.

Alicia Emerich

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

A view of Vienna, Austria's landscape at sunset.

Why Vienna?

Study in a city recognized around the world for its influence on the development of classical music. Vienna has been home to many of history's greatest composers, and to this day, the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Musikverein, and the Staatsoper continue to help make Vienna a true "city of music." As an important crossroads between North and South, East and West, this city became a natural melting pot for new ideas. Out of this cultural richness has emerged a wealth of artistic accomplishments and innovative thinking—a heritage that we explore in our summer programs.

Learn More About Vienna

Get to Know Your New City

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Experience an Opera at the Wiener Staatsoper

See world-class opera performances for only a few euros.

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Relax Along the Danube Canal

Enjoy late afternoon sun while taking in this waterway.

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Visit a Museum or Two on a Rainy Day

At least one of the 100+ museums of Vienna will interest you.

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Sip Wine at an Authentic Heuriger

These Viennese wine taverns serve locally-produced wines.

The Student Experience

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Housing

Housing in Vienna, Austria.
  • Apartment

Apartment

Studio – Live in your own one-room studio apartment with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen. Other amenities include a gym, WiFi, on-site laundry, roof terrace, bike racks, and more.

Shared – Shared apartments offer fully furnished spaces for students and up to five roommates. The classically Viennese shared apartment comes equipped with 1-2 twin beds per bedroom, WiFi, access to laundry, and a shared kitchen, bathroom, and common space. You may live with a Vienna Cultural Assistant (VCA).

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. Specially designed for Music students, the Vienna Summer Music Program allows you to explore Music History and Music Performance in a city internationally recognized for its historical role in the development of classical music. 

You'll enroll in two to four courses in Music History, Performance Studies, and/or German language for a total of 6-10 credits (an extra fee applies for students taking more than 6 credits).  German language instruction is optional, and beginning German is available for students with less than one year of college-level German. 

Courses

Music History (optional, 3 credits)

Each summer the Music History component focuses on a different topic and period rooted in the rich musical tradition of the city. These topics rotate on a four-year basis so that you can return year after year and continue to expand your horizons. 

  • 2022: Music of the Biedermeier Era 
  • 2023: Music of the Late 19th Century and Fin-de-Siècle 
  • 2024: The Second Viennese School and the Early 20th Century 
  • 2025: Music of the Viennese Classical Period 

Vocal & Instrumental Performance Workshop (optional, 3 credits)

The Music Performance Workshop (MS390) allows you to expand your repertoire and performance skills as you immerse yourself in the cultural surroundings and performance traditions of Vienna. You must audition to participate. 

In addition to group sessions and lectures, the performance studies component includes individual technical training (up to six hours of private instruction is included in the program fee) and participation in master classes. The concluding event of the summer is a public concert held in the Baroque performance hall at the IES Abroad Center. 

Individual Performance Studies (optional, 1 credit)

You'll have private lessons ideally suited to your needs as a performer—six lessons are included in the program cost. 

German Language Study (3 credits)

The program allows you to study the German language at the beginning and intermediate levels. Part of the German language curriculum covers topics related to music and musical terms.  

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Summer 2024

Tuition
$
6,653
Housing
$
1,900
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
8,688

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Vienna Center is an elegant, early 18th-century palace called the Palais Corbelli, and is in a bustling central part of the city. Whether you’re visiting any number of the museums, taking in a show at a historic theater, or finding a park to study in, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Vienna
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Vienna. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Vienna before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Summer 2024

Program Dates:

May 24 - July 05

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
  • Music major or minor preferred. In the case of non-music majors/minors with serious experience, some exceptions can be considered. All applicants must have at least one year of study in music theory or the ability to read music and follow a score.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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