Letter of the President (19.04.2022)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
On 28 March, I informed you about the Corona regulations that will apply from this semester.
Now this summer semester is already two weeks old and therefore we have also incorporated the current experiences and prospects into the revision of our lnfection Protection Concept.
Please note that due to the high number of infections in Weimar, we will continue to require masks if distances cannot be kept, based on the workplace ordinance and our house rules. This is intended to provide more safety in particular where the premises intended for face-to-face events do not allow the minimum distance to be maintained for the registered or actual number of participants.
Furthermore, for public and non-public events - based on a concrete assessment of the infection and risk situation - additional protective measures (in particular restrictions on the number of persons, testing and masking obligations) can still be stipulated.
Furthermore, by continuing to observe the AHA+ L rules, please help us to ensure that, despite the ongoing pandemic, we can offer all members of the university and the university staff the prospect of a largely "normal" and yet also largely safe semester of attendance.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the President (28.03.2022)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
Since March 21, the new SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulation passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat as well as the new Infection Protection Act have been in effect, by means of which all previous Corona protection measures have largely been lifted. The state of Thuringia is using the legally regulated transition period until April 2.
The law already applies in general to the University of Music:
- There are no longer any access restrictions for our buildings; the public has access again. The previously applicable maximum person limits for the rooms no longer apply.
- Contact data collection via QRoniton has been discontinued.
- The previous university internal testing centers are closed.
- While supplies last, 1 free self-test per week will still be handed out to university employees (upon presentation of thoska card). For times and locations of test distribution sites, visit www.hfm-weimar.de/corona
In addition to this, the following apply to teaching and events:
- Teaching shall take place in the summer semester 2022 in presence. The university cannot enact regulations that go beyond the legal regulations as an obligation.
- All previous restrictions on enrollment in courses will be dropped. Moodle is still being updated to reflect this.
- The major university ensembles (orchestras, choirs, big bands, large ensemble, etc.) should rehearse in the largest rooms whenever possible.
- The university recommends that everyone attend rehearsals tested and symptom-free.
- Public events in the Festsaal Fürstenhaus and the Saal Am Palais are still to be held with the previous number of persons until April 2, 2022. After that, an occupancy limit of 50 percent of the theoretically possible audience numbers will apply.
The university management appeals to all university members and employees to continue wearing masks in all university premises if a minimum distance of 1.50 meters cannot be maintained or if this is impractical (e.g. for wind players and singers).
The university's hygiene concept will be adapted accordingly and published at www.hfm-weimar.de/corona before the start of the semester.
With best regards,
Yours
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the President (26.01.2022)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
The State of Thuringia has changed its guidelines with regards to the fight against Corona. For this reason, the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar has also adapted its infection protection concept. You can find the revised concept here.
In detail, the following regulations have been changed:
- The 3G rule continues to apply for access to university buildings. If you have to show a negative test for this, it may now not be more than 24 hours old.
- The university's own test centres will remain open from Monday to Friday this semester. However, priority will be given to using the public test centres of the city of Weimar, information on this can be found here.
- The restrictions on access to public events at the university will be assessed individually for each of these events and announced in good time.
For the symphony concert of the University Symphony Orchestra on the 27th of January 2022, the 2G rule (vaccinated or recovered) will be applied as an access restriction.
For the upcoming exams and exam preparations, I urge you to comply with the known regulations. In particular, I would like to point out that the maximum numbers of people for the rooms used must be observed and that the QRONITON system must be used for contact tracking.
For the last weeks of the semester, I wish you much success and good health!
With best regards,
Yours Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the President (01.12.2021)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
with the new Corona regulations for the state (Sixth Regulation for the Amendment of the Thuringian SARS-CoV-2-Infektionsschutz-Maßnahmenverordnung), which was published on 24.01.2021, there have again been changes for our university.
Since the 25.01.2021, the 3G rule applies at the workplace. This means that employers are obliged to check and document proof of "vaccinated", "recovered" or "tested negative" for all employees and lecturers. More detailed information on this will be provided in a separate letter.
In order to be able to carry out the checks on the certificates as smoothly as possible, we would like to ask all those who have recovered and have been vaccinated - if they have not already done so - to have the internal university "2G certificate" issued and to keep it with them at all times when entering the university buildings.
Anyone who is not certified as vaccinated or recovered must be able to present a valid test certificate when entering the university buildings. It is possible to be tested internally at the university.
Based on the new legal regulations, the validity period of internal university test certificates is now 24 hours for permanent teachers, lecturers and administrative staff, and 48 hours for students. Please note that test certificates from external test centres may have a different validity period.
Every member of the university will continue to be provided with two additional tests per week free of charge. These are handed out at the university's internal test centres.
We strongly appeal to everyone's sense of responsibility to contribute to the containment of the pandemic by following the established measures and by their behaviour inside and outside the university. This includes, for example, using QRONITON for contact tracing, and showing (each other) the G-ID card before classes or other events and meetings. In addition, we urge all university staff to wear an FFP2 or medical mask wherever possible and reasonable. Compliance with the rules will continue to be monitored on a random basis.
In order to meet both the goal of reducing contact and the desire for as much presence as possible, the number of people allowed per room will be adjusted again. New signs will be placed at the gates of all classrooms, lecture halls and overhead signs will be placed at the gates of all classrooms. The new occupancy figures will apply from Monday, 06.12.2021.
University auditions will continue to be organised and prepared as planned.
With good wishes for a contemplative Advent season I am
your
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the President (09.11.2021)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
since Monday, 08.11.2021 a new general decree is valid in the city of Weimar. It requires that one of the two options 2G or 3G+ must be selected for public events. The university management did not choose either of these options because we do not want to exclude any university members from attending and participating in the events.
This meant: All events (concerts, conferences etc.) will therefore take place without the public until initially Nov. 24. 2021. Only those who have 3G-proof can participate or take part in events. Participation is not permitted for the general public. For the symphony concert on 11.11. 2021 in the Weimarhalle the 3G+ regulation applies (vaccinated, recovered, PCR test only). Please take note of the revised infection protection concept on our homepage, which has been adapted to the current regulation of the state.
In order to randomly check the regulations as announced, the university management has asked the Ordnungsamt of the city of Weimar for assistance. In the next few days, there may be very brief interruptions in classes/practice. Please have your proofs ready. The employees of the
Ordnungsamt are authorized to issue house expulsions if 3G-proofs are missing.
I thank you for your cooperation and appeal again to your responsibility. Help us to maintain the presence teaching and make sure that the infection control measures are followed.
Yours sincerely
Christoph Stolzl
President
Letter of the President (04.11.2021)
Dear colleagues, dear students,
as of today (Thursday, 04.11.2021), warning level 3 (red) is in effect.
With the new Corona Ordinance of the state (Fifth Ordinance Amending the Thuringian SARS-CoV-2 Infection Protection Measures Ordinance), which was published on 29.10.2021, there have also been changes for our university.
Essentially, these are:
- Access to the buildings of the university only with 3G proof (separate regulations apply for the employees of the administration).
- I.e. the 3G regulation applies to all events as well as to consultations and committee meetings and access to the library.
- Reduction of the period of validity of the self-tests in the university's own test centers to 48 hours
- there will be only one maximum number of persons per room
Please note that in the future there will be checks of the events or when entering the buildings. Have your university-issued proof of your G status (vaccinated, recovered, tested) ready for this. Since the validity period of the tests has been limited, the opening hours of the university's own testing stations will be extended. Please refer to the university website for hours of operation. The maximum number of persons per room is indicated on the respective door.
The generally applicable hygiene rules continue to apply (distance, hygiene, mouth-nose protection on all traffic routes, ventilation).
Please inform yourself regularly on the homepage of the university about the currently valid measures as well as about the currently valid warning level of the city of Weimar.
Yours sincerely
Christoph Stölzl
P.S. Please note that from now on, access to refectories and cafeterias of the Studierendenwerk is only possible with the university's own 2G proofs or a valid test and the thoska card.
Letter of the President (01.10.2021)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
I would like to welcome you to the winter semester 2021/22! We hope, with good reason, that we will be able to experience many personal encounters at the university this semester. We also hope that face-to-face teaching will be largely possible again, as we knew it before the pandemic.
The conditions for this have been created: The currently valid „Corona-Ordinance“ of Thuringia makes face-to-face teaching basically possible and declares it as the rule. I will explain to you in this letter which regulations these are and how we implement them at our university. Please also note that the infection protection concept of our university has been revised.
"3G rule" as a prerequisite for participation in classroom teaching
At Thuringian universities, only those persons may participate in classroom teaching who can provide proof of their status as "vaccinated", "recovered" or "tested" ("3G rule"). The implementation of this rule is obligatory for the university, and we are also obliged to monitor its implementation at least in random checks. The crisis team and the university management have decided that checks will be carried out regularly in larger courses in the first few weeks. This concerns the following courses:
- All ensembles with more than 8 participants
- all scientific-theoretical courses with more than 15 participants
How is the 3G rule implemented?
In order to make the necessary checks as quick and uncomplicated as possible, persons who have recovered or have been vaccinated will receive a 2G certificate from the university on presentation of appropriate proof. It is valid for the duration of the winter semester 2021/22, must be carried along to courses and presented on request.
- The status "vaccinated" is documented by a vaccination certificate. This certificate must show that the vaccination was carried out with one or more vaccines approved by the Paul Ehrlich Institute and that complete vaccination protection is given. All documents must clearly show that they have been issued for you. Valid proof of vaccination is the digital EU vaccination certificate as a pdf document or as a printed version or the presentation of the certificate in the form of a QR code in connection with name and vaccine (e.g. Cov-Pass app or Corona-Warn app). In addition, you must identify yourself with a personal document or the thoska.
- Persons who have been immunised with vaccines not authorised in the EU are considered to be unvaccinated according to the regulation.
- You can prove the status "recovered" via a corresponding medical certificate that proves the infection with the help of a PCR test.
- Teachers have already been informed about the issue of the certificates for teachers in the letter sent out on 1.10.2021.
- The issuing of the university-internal "2G certificate" for students will take place from Monday, 4.10.2021 during the usual office hours at the following issuing points:
- Administration building at the Platz der Demokratie: ground floor via the window (please note the signs outside the building!).
- Fürstenhaus: ground floor room 0.20
- hzh: Room 111 and Rooms 402 and 403 (Musicology Office)
- Belvedere: Beethovenhaus
Persons without a "2G certificate" are required to provide proof of a negative test, which must not be older than 72 hours. The university will make a supervised self-test available to all its members free of charge at two of its own test centres. These certificatesof a negative test result will only be valid at the university. The test centres have the following opening hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8-10 a.m.: Fürstenhaus, Cafeteria
- Tuesday, Thursday, 8-10 a.m.: hzh, cafeteria.
For data protection information on the collection, processing and storage of your personal data, please see our privacy statement on the implementation of 3G rule (PDF, only in German).
How is compliance of „3G rule“ monitored?
In the courses, the teachers supervise that only those persons are in the room who are authorised to do so with regard to the 3G rule. In individual lessons and in courses with small groups, this should be possible without any problems, especially after a few weeks.
For the access controls to the above-mentioned larger group courses, the lecturers receive support, if required, from assistants, whose deployment is organised by the event office. These assistants have the task of informing students if they are not allowed to attend the course and at the same time informing the lecturers. The lecturers are basically responsible for implementing the 3G rule.
Let me emphasize the following once again: The university is obliged to implement the 3G rule, in this respect the responsible support of all members of our university is absolutely important. We are aware of the fact that conflictual situations can arise. Should support be required in such situations, lecturers should contact the university management (03643 | 555 115) and students should contact the ASA department (on 03643 | 555 345 or by email to studservice(at)hfm-weimar.de).
Warning level system and room use
The State administration of Thuringia has developed a so-called warning level system, with the help of which the respective infection warning levels are displayed. We also use this traffic light system at the university and have defined the individual warning levels (green, yellow, orange, red) that apply in the respective areas of our university (e.g. teaching, artistic events, committees, administration, business trips). The overview of the warning level system is attached to this letter. The validity of the warning levels depends on which warning level applies in the city of Weimar. You will be notified by e-mail of a change from one warning level to another, and the respective status of the warning level is also displayed on the university's website.
The upper limits for persons are based on the respective traffic light phase. Updated information on the limits is displayed in all rooms.
Please also note: All members of the university are still obliged to cooperate in the collection of data for the purpose of contact tracing. Students and lecturers are required to use QRoniton to record contact details, while staff working in technology and administration are obliged to independently document the location, period of stay and contact persons individually if it is necessary to enter other buildings within the university. More information can be found in the infection protection concept under point 5.
Dear students, dear colleagues,
We all have to get used to the new requirements and the organisational measures derived from them, and I ask for your understanding if there is still a need for optimisation at the beginning.
Thank you for your support and best regards,
yours,
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the president (21.09.2021)
Dear fellow students, dear colleagues,
In my letter of September 8, 2021, I already announced that you would shortly receive information on the organisation of the winter semester 2021/22. I can very well understand that you all urgently want to know specifically under what conditions the winter semester will take place.
The crisis team and the university management are working at full speed with all the units involved to finalise the necessary specifications and organise the necessary procedures. We would like to present you with results that are as pragmatic and easy to handle as possible. For this we still need this week from until September 24.
Only last Friday we received the new Thuringian Corona Measures Ordinance, which has been in effect since Sunday, September 19, and on which we must base our semester organisation. I would therefore ask you to be patient until we can contact you with concrete regulations at the end of this week.
Best wishes,
yours truly
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president (08.09.2021)
Dear fellow students, dear colleagues,
the winter semester is just around the corner and planning for all kinds of events is well advanced. The pandemic continues to be a determining factor in these plans, and it is still very dynamic. That's why we always have to adapt to new conditions at short notice.
The winter semester should take place as far as possible with people present, and we wish that as many people as possible shall be able to meet in our buildings. In order to minimise the risk of infection, the 3G rule has also been in effect at universities in Thuringia since 24.08.2021: This means that only those people who have been vaccinated, recovered or tested are allowed to attend courses and take exams. This applies to both students and teachers. It is regulated in § 22 and § 11 of the new Thuringian Infection Protection Ordinance.
We know that it will hardly be possible to check this rule across the board, which is why the crisis team and the university management are working together on a concept for its implementation. In doing so, our goal is to provide you with the greatest possible safety, while at the same time we want to act with a sense of proportion and in an appropriate manner.
All events held before the start of the semester are already subject to this rule. Please observe the 3G rule now – to protect your own health and that of your fellow students and colleagues.
Numerous studies worldwide show that the Corona vaccination is a particularly effective tool for containing the pandemic. Therefore, please take the opportunity to get vaccinated at short notice! You can find out about the vaccination offers in Weimar and Thuringia on our Corona website. In this way, you can help to ensure that our university can operate more and more as we are used to and as we would all like it to.
Best wishes,
yours truly
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president (04.06.2021)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
The decreasing incidence numbers and the modified Corona regulations by the state of Thuringia give us hope to be able to return bit by bit to a more normal university routine. Since the curfew has been lifted, the opening hours of the university buildings will be extended again to 10:00 p.m. as of June 7. Night-time practice at the hzh will also be possible again as of that date.
Academic and music theory courses: With the exception of lectures, all courses in which participant interaction is necessary may again be taught in a face-to-face format; the maximum number of persons per room as well as sufficient spacing and all applicable hygiene regulations must be observed.
The teachers decide on the format in the remaining weeks of the semester in consultation with the participants of the courses.
Audiences at exams and auditions: Initially, until the end of the examination period, there will be no public concerts or events at our university. However, internal audiences are welcome to attend examinations and auditions from now on.
In principle, our hygiene and safety regulations continue to apply; in particular, the maximum number of persons in all rooms must be observed. All audience members must register with the QRoniton app when entering a concert room.
In the case of examination concerts, each examinee may also bring a few close relatives. These must be registered in advance with their address and telephone number at veranstaltung@hfm-weimar.de (do not forget the date/time of the event). The exam chairperson or the respective teacher is always responsible for ensuring that the maximum number of persons per room is observed.
On June 24, two concerts of the University Orchestra with concert exams (Konzertexamensprüfungen) will take place in the Weimarhalle at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm. These will also be open to the internal university public. Tickets at 3 euros are available from 14.6.21 at the tourist information office upon presentation of your thoska card.
Please check our website shortly before the concerts for any changes and applicable hygiene regulations of the Weimarhalle (e.g. mandatory testing).
I urge all of you to continue to act wisely and look forward to seeing many of you back on stage soon.
With kind regards,
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the President (07.05.2021)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
on 6 May 2021, the updated Thuringian SARS-CoV-2 Measures Ordinance came into force. According to this, artistic-practical training sections may take place in presence again.
This means that artistic individual and ensemble lessons in presence are possible with the maximum number of persons indicated at the room. This also applies to the larger ensembles. Recitals may take place, but the maximum of persons permitted in the room is also applicable.
The hygiene regulations must be strictly observed.
Although testing for classes is not obligatory according to the recent ordinance, I strongly recommend making use of voluntary testing for ensemble rehearsals (cf. My letter of 29.04.21). According to the Thuringian Measures Ordinance, tests are not obligatory for examinations, as the university guarantees sufficient infection control measures.
Yours sincerely,
Christoph Stölzl
President
Please visit https://thueringen.de/verkuendungen for the complete text of §33a of the "Dritte Verordnung zur Änderung der Thüringer SARS-CoV-2-Infektionsschutz-Maßnahmenverordnung".
Letter of the President on university operation starting Monday, May 3 (29.04.2021)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
over the past few days, the university management and the crisis team have discussed in detail the effects that the "federal emergency brake" will have on the work at our university. The purpose of the emergency brake is to restrict contacts even further as soon as incidence levels exceeds certain thresholds. Our immediate reaction was to cancel face-to-face lessons this week.
The science ministers (Wissenschaftsminister*innen) of all federal states have already informed the federal government last week that they will make face-to-face education possible under certain circumstances in accordance with the law. Accordingly, several music academies have already continued with limited face-to-face lessons.
On the basis of all these conditions, as well as the current situation, we will continue to make regular evaluations and decide for a period of 2-3 weeks at a time under which conditions university activities can continue.
The following regulations will be initially in effect from Monday, May 3 until May 24:
Classes, rehearsals and practice
Individual artistic lessons and lessons with up to six people (all participants included!) can again take place face-to-face, if teachers and students mutually wish so. The maximum number of people allowed per room must always be adhered to!
Rehearsals and joint practice are also possible in the appropriate rooms with a maximum number of six people. The same applies to internal class auditions/class lessons.
Even larger university ensembles such as orchestra, choir and big band can initially only rehearse divided into a maximum group size of 5 participants plus one teacher.
Examinations may take place.
If more than six people need to be in a room at the same time to prepare for or take an exam that must be taken before the 6/15/21 in order to graduate, the Examinations Office will decide on the feasibility on a case-by-case basis. Please notify the Examinations Office immediately if you are affected by this.
The members of the examination board are determined by the respective examination regulations. The number of members of ensembles must also be adjusted, if necessary, so that the maximum number of persons permitted in the respective room can be observed.
Auditions
All departments have already been asked in which form the auditions (2nd stage) should take place. If an audition person to person is planned, the university management expects the submission of a recent negative Corona test from all those present.
The university administration points out that face-to-face examinations may be cancelled shortly before the scheduled date should the general situation make it necessary.
Guests, persons from outside the university
Persons from outside the university are generally not granted access to university buildings unless their presence is absolutely necessary for the feasibility of teaching or they have an urgent task to perform for the university. Compliance with hygiene rules, registration via QRoniton is also mandatory for guests, the university management also expects the submission of a recent negative Corona test.
Library
University library hours remain in effect as posted on the website.
Appeal proceedings / interviews
Separate regulations apply to appeal proceedings and interviews, which are clarified individually with the respective managing directors.
Events
Until further notice, no public events will take place. For internal university events, the maximum number of participants of six must be observed until 24.5.
In the week of May 17, we will reassess the regulations for the weeks after Pentecost and adjust them if necessary. We urge you to support and comply with the tightened regulations until then. Based on positive indications regarding the vaccination pace, we remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to handle this semester well, despite all the restrictions.
With kind regards,
Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the Chancellor (29.04.2021)
Dear teachers, dear staff, dear students,
starting on Monday May 3, 2021, all university members on presentation of their Thoska card, will be able to obtain two rapid antigen tests (self-test) per week. The rapid antigen tests (self-test) will be distributed through a window on the first floor of the administration building at Platz der Demokratie.
Issue times:
Monday to Friday: 12.00 to 2.00 p.m.
additionally:
Monday and Thursday: 4.00 to 6.00 p.m.
Please note the following additional information:
- Every university member (teachers, lecturers, staff members, students) may receive TWICE rapid antigen test (self-test) per week. This is to be used exclusively for university related purposes only.
- The rapid antigen test (self-test) is primarily intended for university members who cannot work in a home office have to work in presence and have contact with other persons due to their activity.
- Use the antigen rapid test (self-test) in particular if you participate in internal university courses, meetings, appointments, etc. with more than 5 people in a closed room.
- Separate regulations apply to presentations in the context of contract negotiations. These regulations will be clarified with the respective dean's office managers.
- Note that the validity of the test result has a maximum validity of 4 to 6 hours. It is recommended to take the test no more than one hour before the before the meeting.
- Perform the test at home, if possible, and dispose of the used test utensils properly in the bag enclosed in the package.
- Used tests do not belong in the regular waste bins at the university. Use the collection waste bins in the hallways of the university buildings (compartment: Sonstige Reststoffe (Other Residuals)).
- If the test is positive, it is imperative to follow the instructions in the package (immediate self-isolation; call the Corona hotline: 03643 | 762 555 or the emergency medical service: 116 117).
- The rapid antigen test (self-test) may be distributed free of charge to all university employees twice a week. The funding is provided by the university from its budget. Please carefully consider whether self-testing is necessary for university purposes.
- Please continue to use the rapid testing centers of the city of Weimar (Weimar-Coronavirus tests)
- Performing the rapid antigen test (self-test) is voluntary.
- The performance of a rapid antigen test (self-test) is not required as an access authorization for courses, rehearsals, meetings, etc.
- The test is an additional safety offer. The tests do not enable further relaxation of other safety measures.
- The hygiene and safety regulations from our safety and hygiene plan still apply - in particular: Keep your distance, wear a mask, disinfect your hands, ventilate and use the contact tracing system Qroniton.
With kind regards,
Christine Gurk
Chancellor
Letter of the President (26.03.2021)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
The second summer semester under pandemic conditions is upon us. We want to make it as safe and as effective as possible. Unfortunately, there will continue to be many restrictions. I would like to thank all those in our university community who have contributed to the success of academic studies and teaching. By putting up with the restrictions, you have helped to keep teaching, artistic practice and research running.
The following continues to apply: limiting person to person contact is the top priority. Where personal contact cannot be avoided: Keep your distance! Wear mouth-nose covering! Ventilate the rooms as often and as intensively as possible! And above all: always use our contact recording system QRoniton!
For the summer semester 2021, the university management, in coordination with the crisis team, has decided on the following regulations:
Teaching events as well as events in the context of study and teaching
- Artistic lessons may take place in person individually or in ensembles, as long as all participating teachers and students agree on this. The applicable maximum number of persons per room must be strictly adhered to
- Courses offered by the Center for Music Theory are considered artistic lessons
- Class recitals may be held, but the applicable maximum number of persons per room must be strictly adhered to
- Larger ensembles with more than 15 participants (university orchestra, chamber choir, university choir, Collegium musicum, school music big band, large ensemble, early music ensemble) will not take place for the time being until April 19, 2021; for the time after that, it will be examined whether rehearsal dates can be made possible on the basis of negative quick tests of all participants; timely information will then be provided about the new regulations
- Courses in pedagogical and scientific study programs that do not have an artistic-practical component will not take place person to person
Examinations and auditions
- Artistic-practical examinations must be conducted in person; if no suitable form of examination can be found due to the applicable protection regulations (room size), the examination must be postponed
- The following applies to all other forms of examination: it is encouraged to make use of the possibility of modifying examination formats, even beyond the examination formats defined in the module catalogue
- In particular, written examinations with large groups should be avoided and replaced by other suitable forms of examination (e.g. smaller written forms during the semester)
- Auditions are to be carried out according to the specifications of the individual departments; in person examinations are to be kept to a minimum (as a rule, only 2nd level and minor subject examinations in music theory/aural training and piano)
Committee meetings, service consultations, etc.
Committee meetings, service consultations, and other meetings should not be held in person, unless the content of the events requires the presence of the participants (e.g. presentations in the context of appointment procedures, interviews for job vacancies).
University buildings: Opening hours during the summer semester
Please look for the opening hours on our website (PDF).
Library: Opening hours during the summer semester
- Main library and sub-library (am Horn): Mon-Fri, 10:00 - 16:00 every day
- In the case of closure of schools and kindergartens:
Main library: Mon-Fri, 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00
Sub-library: Mon-Fri, 10:00 - 16:00
Testing possibilities at the Bauhaus University / LISZT University
- In the coming week, a testing center (Bauhaus-Uni / LISZT University) will open for rapid testing at Bauhausstr. 7B (first floor).
- The following times for the first two weeks (before and after Easter) have already been fixed with the doctor responsible for the testing:
Tue. 30.03.2021 | 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. | 1.00 - 3.00 p.m. |
Thur. 01.04.2021 | 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. | 1.00 - 3.00 p.m. |
Tue. 06.04.2021 | 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. | 1.00 - 3.00 p.m. |
Thur. 08.04.2021 | 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. | 1.00 - 3.00 p.m. |
- During all opening hours, employees and students of the LISZT University and BU Weimar can be tested free of charge without an appointment. (This offer is expressly available for lecturers as well).
- The test result will be given to the person tested in writing. If a positive result is detected, a PCR test can be performed immediately at the test center. If this test is also positive, the "smear team" will take the necessary measures.
→ Further information about the rapid test centre
Sincerely yours,
Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the President (26.04.2021)
I am sure you have all been following the passing of the "Fourth Law for the Protection of the Population in the Event of Epidemic Situations of National Significance" (Vierten Gesetzes zum Schutz der Bevölkerung bei epidemischen Lage von nationaler Tragweite) on April 22, 2021 (Federal Emergency Brake (Bundesnotbremse)). This federal law also has serious consequences for us:
If the incidence value exceeds the threshold of 165 cases for three consecutive days, the following applies to schools and universities 2 days later:
Face-to-face classes will be prohibited.
As of the 27.04.2021 this applies in Weimar.
This means that from the 27.4.2021 no face-to-face teaching can take place at the HfM until further notice.
The university buildings will remain open for practice purposes, but only until 9 p.m. due to curfew restrictions. Night practice hours at the hzh will be cancelled.
Forecast:
The science ministers (Wissenschaftsminister*innen) of all 16 federal states are currently negotiating with the federal government on the urgently needed clarification of the regulations of the federal law for universities. We assume that a decision will be reached quickly. As soon as we are aware of this, we will inform you immediately of any amended regulations, including the resulting consequences for our university.
Until that time, I ask that you respect the unavoidable restrictions on our work.
Sincerely
Your Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Letter of the Chancellor (15.04.2021)
Dear teachers, dear staff, dear students,
in the letter from the March 26, the university management already informed you about the regulations that apply during the summer semester. As of the 19.04, larger courses as well as ensemble rehearsals for which person to person attendance is essential will be available again under the compliance of measures for the control of the pandemic, which continue to be strictly observed.
Academic/theoretical subjects will continue to take place in digital form. Administrative colleagues are also encouraged to work from home wherever possible.
The university will however introduce an additional security measure. Starting on Friday, April 16, 2021,from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, all university members on presentation of their Thoska card, will be able to obtain a rapid antigen test (self-test). The rapid antigen tests (self-test) will be distributed through a window on the first floor of the administration building at Platz der Demokratie.
Please note the following additional information:
- Every university member (teachers, lecturers, staff members, students) may receive ONE rapid antigen test (self-test) per week. This is to be used exclusively for university related purposes only.
- The rapid antigen test (self-test) is primarily intended for university members who cannot work in a home office have to work in presence and have contact with other persons due to their activity.
- Use the antigen rapid test (self-test) in particular if you participate in internal university courses, meetings, appointments, etc. with more than 5 people in a closed room.
- Separate regulations apply to presentations in the context of contract negotiations. These regulations will be clarified with the respective dean's office managers.
- Note that the validity of the test result has a maximum validity of 4 to 6 hours. It is recommended to take the test no more than one hour before the before the meeting.
- Perform the test at home, if possible, and dispose of the used test utensils properly in the bag enclosed in the package.
- Used tests do not belong in the regular waste bins at the university. Use the collection waste bins in the hallways of the university buildings (compartment: Sonstige Reststoffe (Other Residuals)).
- If the test is positive, it is imperative to follow the instructions in the package (immediate self-isolation; call the Corona hotline: 03643 | 762 555 or the emergency medical service: 116 117).
- The rapid antigen test (self-test) may be distributed free of charge to all university employees once a week. The funding is provided by the university from its budget. Please carefully consider whether self-testing is necessary for university purposes.
- Please continue to use the rapid testing centers of the city of Weimar (Weimar-Coronavirus tests)
- Performing the rapid antigen test (self-test) is voluntary.
- The performance of a rapid antigen test (self-test) is not required as an access authorization for courses, rehearsals, meetings, etc.
- The test is an additional safety offer. The tests do not enable further relaxation of other safety measures.
- The hygiene and safety regulations from our safety and hygiene plan still apply - in particular: Keep your distance, wear a mask, disinfect your hands, ventilate and use the contact tracing system Qroniton.
With kind regards,
Christine Gurk
Chancellor
Letter to the students (12.01.2021)
Dear students,
due to inquiries, we would like to clarify the information from the President's newsletter from the 7th of January, especially with regard to the artistic-practical subjects.
Our common goal is, of course, to minimize all unnecessary interactions. However, the university is also obliged to ensure teaching, to make it possible to teach and to take examinations and tests.
What the federal and state governments agreed to in November 2020 still applies:
"Colleges and universities shall in principle (with the exception particularly for laboratory activities, internships, practical and artistic training courses and examinations) convert to digital education."
What does this mean in detail:
1) Course formats
All theoretical and academic courses will continue to be offered as online distance learning.
Artistic-practical teaching can take place in person if all participants agree to it. Teaching in person must be agreed to by both the instructor and yourself. Otherwise, an alternative form of teaching must be mutually agreed upon. This can be a video call, a telephone exchange or similar. Teaching can also be postponed within the semester (until the end of March) if the situation has improved.
The university management expects an open and fair dialogue between teachers and students here. If you have difficulties clarifying the teaching format and would like a neutral contact person, you can contact Dr. Jens Ewen (ASA, jens.ewen(at)hfm-weimar.de) and/or Lolina Neumeier (StuRa, lolina.neumeier(at)hfm.uni-weimar.de) or any other person you trust.
We will help you find solutions and can mediate if necessary. Of course, conversations can be kept confidential if you wish.
The principle that unnecessary contacts should be avoided also applies to auditions and rehearsals. In-class recitals should primarily serve to prepare for exams or auditions. Anything that can be postponed must be postponed.
2) Course crediting / retention of course entitlement
If classes could not be held in a suitable manner during the winter semester 2020/21, you can submit an application to the examination board to receive any course entitlements. In this application you have to justify why the learning objective of the specific course could not be achieved, e.g. if the lessons took place online very often (specify exactly how often) and therefore you could not make the necessary progress. Please ask the examination office for advice.
3) Examinations and examination deadlines
Classes in the WS 2020/21, especially in the artistic area, have mainly taken place in person, and most of the university facilities could and can be used. It is therefore in many cases also possible to conduct examinations. Therefore, there is no blanket suspension or postponement of examination deadlines beyond the end of the semester.
Nevertheless, there may be many individual reasons why an examination deadline should be postponed. Please submit an application to the examination board and ask for advice at the examination office.
We hope to be able to alleviate your worries to some extent with this information and would like to encourage you to contact the examination office, StuRa or a person you trust with your questions.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölz
President
Regulations for university operation starting Monday, January 11, 2021 (07.01.2021)
Dear students and colleagues,
With all my heart, I wish you all a healthy new year full of hope!
The tightened Corona measures will also affect our university. In particular, the larger university ensembles will not be able to rehearse. We won’t be able to hold any public concerts this semester either.
Exams which cannot take place in any other format, internal class performances, and artistic lessons (including chamber music) will be allowed in-person, on the condition that the same hygiene and security rules which have been very successfully applied so far, are followed. But we shouldn’t endanger the success we have had up to now. It stands or falls depending on the constant watchfulness and sense of responsibility of everyone inside and outside the university. This is why I am appealing to us all: keep our rules strictly and take distancing and mask requirements seriously.
University building access
All university buildings will be open again from the 11.01.2021.
→ Opening times (PDF)
Registration via QRonition
Every user must check-in and out via QR code when entering and existing a room. For further information please visit "Contact data collection".
Lessons and practicing
All security and hygiene rules, as well as the maximum number of people allowed in each room still apply. Student assistants will patrol the buildings to make sure that these rules are being followed.
All theoretical and academic classes will continue to be run digitally. The additional option to have practical lessons fully or partly digitally is still available until the end of the semester and they will count towards your semester credits. If there are concerns around having lessons in-person, teachers and students should agree on individual solutions.
Chamber music
Chamber music classes and rehearsals will be allowed, taking the maximum number of people allowed in the room into account. Apart from this, all classes and rehearsals with more than 4 and to a maximum of 9 people must be moved to the designated large rooms.
These are:
- The ‘Fürstenhaus’: Festival Hall and room 108
- University Centre: 301 and 304
- Palais: Hall ‘Am Palais’
- Belvedere: ‘Beethovenhaus’ auditorium and the Studio Theatre
- The ‘Notenbank’
Please reserve the rooms as required.
Class performances
Internal class performances can take place in the rooms mentioned above. Audience members must wear a mask in their seats. All the reservations which had been made for concerts in these rooms can be used for examination preparation, competitions, and rehearsals.
Auditions
Auditions will take place as planned. Front of house will show applicants to their warm-up spaces and assure that contact with students is avoided as much as possible. On days with auditions, there may be fewer classrooms available because these will be needed as warm-up rooms.
Course Examinations and Final Examinations
All planned Bachelor, Master, and postgraduate examinations will take place with a restricted number of attendees, helpers, and examiners. Course exams will also be possible. All planned examinations should be registered in writing with the Examinations Office by the 14th of January.
Examination deadlines for theses and final examinations remain in effect. Should individual students have had particular difficulties using the university facilities to prepare for, or hold, examinations, they should lodge an application with the examinations committee.
Meetings
Meetings should be held in digital format where possible. Instructions on how to do this are as followed: Cisco WebEx (PDF) and DFN (PDF) . For questions about technical support, please contact the IT department (support(at)hfm-weimar.de). Hybrid meetings (= multiple participants in one room plus further participants connected remotely) cannot be supported by university staff.
Library use and opening hours
Main library: 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm
During these hours, the reference section can only be used by a maximum of 4 persons at the same time.
Branch library: 10am-2pm.
During these hours, a maximum of 10 persons may use the library workspaces.
Events
There will be no public events or open university concerts until the end of the semester.
Despite everything, let us look ahead into the new year with optimism.
With warmest greetings,
your Christoph Stölzl
President
Rundmail des Präsidenten (14.12.2020)
Liebe Studierende, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
es fällt schwer, diesen Brief mit den traditionellen Beschwörungen der Einzigartigkeit des Weihnachtsglücks zu beginnen. Höhepunkt des Jahres, Fest des Wiedersehens mit unseren Lieben und Familien, Tage und Stunden, in denen all unsere Probleme einmal vergessen werden dürfen – das haben wir uns für die Weihnachtszeit gewünscht. Stattdessen ereilt uns wiederum die Einzigartigkeit eines Gemeinschaftsschicksals, das uns auf eine harte Probe stellt.
Dieser Brief handelt deshalb von den Pflichten und Zwängen des Alltags in der Pandemie. Denn der von Bund und Ländern verordnete harte Lockdown ab Mittwoch, 16. Dezember 2020 betrifft natürlich auch unsere Hochschule.
Ich rufe Ihnen deshalb zu:
Schicken wir uns in das Unvermeidliche! Helfen wir unseren Studierenden und unseren Kolleginnen und Kollegen, diese Zeit zu überstehen. Retten wir von unserer musikalischen und pädagogischen Mission das Unverzichtbare!
Folgende Maßnahmen gelten für unsere Hochschule ab Mittwoch, 16. Dezember bis einschließlich Sonntag, 10. Januar 2021:
Unterricht
Der Unterricht sowohl in den künstlerisch-praktischen als auch in den pädagogischen und wissenschaftlichen Studienfächern findet nicht in Präsenz statt, kann aber – mit Ausnahme der Weihnachtspause – in digitaler Form gegeben werden. Ausgefallener Unterricht kann bis Ende des Semesters (31. März 2021) nachgeholt werden.
Veranstaltungen
Im o.g. Zeitraum werden auch keine Klassenvorspiele, Aufnahmen, Institutskonzerte etc. stattfinden.
Üben
Bitte üben Sie unbedingt zu Hause, wenn Sie die Möglichkeit dazu haben!
Bitte holen Sie vor dem 18.12., 18 Uhr alle persönlichen Dinge, die Sie bis zum 10.01. benötigen, aus Ihren Unterrichts- und Überäumen, da ab dem 19.12. nur noch das Fürstenhaus zu bestimmten Zeiten geöffnet sein wird!
Es gelten folgende Öffnungszeiten:
16.12. – 18.12.2020 | Alle Gebäude sind geöffnet (9–18 Uhr), nur zum Einzelüben |
19.12. – 23.12.2020 | NUR das Fürstenhaus ist geöffnet (9–18 Uhr) für alle Studierenden, die keine andere Übemöglichkeit haben (nur Einzelüben!) |
24.12. – 27.12.2020 | Alle Gebäude sind geschlossen! |
28.12. – 30.12.2020 | NUR das Fürstenhaus ist geöffnet (9–18 Uhr) für alle Studierenden, die keine andere Übemöglichkeit haben (nur Einzelüben!) |
31.12.2020 und 01.01.2021 | Alle Gebäude sind geschlossen! |
02.01. – 10.01.2021 | NUR das Fürstenhaus ist geöffnet (9–18 Uhr) für alle Studierenden, die keine andere Übemöglichkeit haben (nur Einzelüben!) |
Ensembleproben
Bereits ab dem heutigen Montag, 14.12. pausieren alle großen Ensembles. Das betrifft die Chöre, die Big Band, das Collegium Musicum, das OPD, die Opernschule, das Consort und das Jazzensemble.
Einzige Ausnahme sind die Konzertexamens-Prüfungen mit dem Hochschulorchester am Dienstag, 15.12.2020 in der Weimarhalle.
Kontakterfassung
Nach dem Sicherheits- und Hygieneplan besteht für alle Nutzer*innen die Verpflichtung zur Dokumentation der Nutzung der Hochschulgebäude und -räume. Da die bisherige papiergebundene „Kontaktdatenerfassung“ sowohl für die Hochschule als auch für das Gesundheitsamt sehr aufwändig und zudem datenschutzrechtlich bedenklich ist, wird diese ab Mittwoch, den 16.12.2020 auf ein QR-Code-basiertes elektronisches Verfahren umgestellt.
Mit „QRoniton“ hat sich die Hochschule hier für ein Konzept entschieden, das insbesondere für den Einsatz an Hochschulen konzipiert worden ist und auch bereits an anderen Thüringer Hochschulen erfolgreich im Einsatz ist. Näheres zur Nutzung und Arbeitsweise des Systems sowie zum Schutz Ihrer persönlichen Daten finden Sie auf der Seite "Kontaktdatenerfassung".
Sitzungen
Sitzungen von Gremien, Arbeitsbesprechungen etc. sollen möglichst in digitaler Form stattfinden.
Nutzung der Bibliothek
Für die Bibliothek gelten folgende Regelungen: Die Hauptbibliothek im Fürstenhaus bleibt ab Mittwoch, dem 16.12.2020 mit eingeschränkten Öffnungszeiten zugänglich (täglich von 10–12 Uhr und von 13–15 Uhr).
Die Teilbibliothek im Hochschulzentrum am Horn ist bis Freitag, den 18.12.2020 wie gewohnt geöffnet, bleibt dann vom 19.12.2020 bis zum 10.01.2021 geschlossen. Medien aus der Teilbibliothek können aber nach Vorbestellung in der Hauptbibliothek abgeholt werden. Bitte kontaktieren Sie dazu die Mitarbeiterinnen per Mail oder Telefon.
Sobald wir Näheres über die Zeit nach dem 10.01.2021 wissen, informieren wir Sie sofort.
Meine Gedanken sind bei Ihnen.
Ich teile mit Ihnen die Hoffnung, dass wir, bevor das Neue Jahr sich rundet, wieder gelassener in die Zukunft schauen können.
Mit sehr herzlichen Grüßen
bin ich
Ihr
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
Präsident
Letter of the President (02.12.2020)
Dear students, dear colleagues,
at this special time of Advent, we all share the responsibility of celebrating Christmas in a private setting that we all desire.
That is why I would like to urge you today: Take this responsibility seriously and let us work together to keep the university running - within a level-headed and legally feasible framework.
In this newsletter I would like to give you an overview of the decisions made by the university management for the coming weeks.
General rules of conduct
Naturally, the regulations of the safety and hygiene plan continue to apply. From my own observations I know that mask requirements are not always followed. I therefore urge you once again to wear a mouth-nose cover wherever the necessary distances cannot be maintained.
What is true in the private sphere is also true for us: Avoid group formations and gatherings in and in front of buildings. Please observe the required minimum distances in the classrooms, in the offices and on the thoroughfares, and ventilate the rooms in which you are staying regularly.
Please also read the guide to Covid-19 from the University (PDF), which was sent out on November 27.
Courses
Teaching will continue under modified conditions in December and until mid-January for the time being: All artistic/ practical courses can be held in person. For larger ensembles (e.g. choir, orchestra, big band) the conditions that have been in force since the beginning of the semester apply. In additional to this, all courses of the Centre of Music Theory can take place in person.
All courses in which artistic/ practical interaction does not take place (e.g. academic courses) will be converted to digital formats. From December 7 onwards, the wearing of a mouth-and-nose cover is obligatory for all participants even during the courses, as long as this does not prevent practical exercise (e.g. for wind players and singers).
Exams
All types of exams will continue to be carried out in person, and their implementation must of course comply with the applicable safety and hygiene plan. In addition to the maximum number of persons allowed in the respective room, the following applies: In addition to the examiners and the exam commission, only members of the student's own class or department may be present at exams, but not more than 15 persons in total.
Events
All events that do not directly serve teaching purposes will be cancelled up to and including January 17, 2021. The public is still not allowed to enter the university buildings.
Class recitals, as well as department and examination concerts, etc. can be held within the circle of one's own main subject class or department, provided that no more than 15 people are present.
The only exception to this rule are the examination concerts with orchestra in the Weimarhalle on December 17. Irrespective of this, the upper limit for the number of persons in each room applies.
I wish you a contemplative and harmonious Advent season despite all adverse circumstances.
You are warmly greeted by
Christoph Stölzl
Bitte beachten Sie auch den bereits am 27.11.2020 verschickten .
Lehrveranstaltungen
Der Lehrbetrieb wird im Dezember und bis vorerst Mitte Januar unter veränderten Bedingungen fortgeführt: Alle künstlerisch-praktischen Lehrveranstaltungen können in Präsenz durchgeführt werden, für größere Ensembles (etwa Chor, Orchester, Big-Band) gelten die seit Semesterbeginn bekannten Konditionen. Außerdem können alle Lehrveranstaltungen des Zentrums für Musiktheorie in Präsenz stattfinden.
Alle Lehrveranstaltungen, in denen eine künstlerischpraktische Interaktion nicht stattfindet (z.B. wissenschaftliche Lehrveranstaltungen) werden auf digitale Formate umgestellt. Ab 7.12. ist das Tragen einer Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung für alle Teilnehmenden auch während der Lehrveranstaltungen verpflichtend, sofern diese nicht die praktische Ausübung verhindern (z.B. bei Bläser*innen, Sänger*innen).
Prüfungen
Alle Arten von Prüfungen finden weiterhin in Präsenz statt, ihre Durchführung muss selbstverständlich dem geltenden Sicherheits- und Hygieneplan entsprechen.
Zusätzlich zur maximal zulässigen Personenzahl im jeweiligen Raum gilt: Bei Prüfungen dürfen neben den zu Prüfenden und der Prüfungskommission nur Mitglieder der eigenen Klasse bzw. des eigenen Instituts anwesend sein, insgesamt nicht mehr als 15 Personen.
Veranstaltungen
Alle Veranstaltungen, die nicht unmittelbar Lehrzwecken dienen, werden bis einschließlich 17. Januar 2021 abgesagt. Die Öffentlichkeit hat zu den Hochschulgebäuden weiterhin keinen Zutritt.
Klassenvorspiele, Instituts- und Prüfungskonzerte u. Ä. können im Kreis der eigenen Hauptfachklasse bzw. des eigenen Instituts durchgeführt werden, sofern maximal 15 Personen anwesend sind.
Die einzige Ausnahme von dieser Regel bilden die Prüfungskonzerte mit Orchester am 17. Dezember in der Weimarhalle. Unabhängig davon gilt die für den jeweiligen Raum geltende Personenobergrenze.
Ich wünsche Ihnen eine trotz aller widrigen Umstände möglichst besinnliche und harmonische Adventszeit.
Herzlich grüßt Sie Ihr
Christoph Stölzl
Dealing with already planned concerts and events in November 2020 (04.11.2020)
Dear colleagues, dear fellow students,
artistic and scientific practice is an important part of teaching at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar. For this reason, in the month of November all already planned auditions, class and concert evenings, department concerts, chamber music events, examination concerts etc. may take place as internal university courses, with all associated rehearsals and lessons. Individual guests are welcome to participate.
Students and staff of the university may attend these events. All listeners are required to wear a mouth and nose protection at the venue. The maximum number of people allowed in the respective halls is still valid.
Non-college students are not admitted in November.
The events are supervised by the Events Office as planned.
Unfortunately, I cannot predict at this time what the regulations will be like in December. I recommend to continue with the preparations for the events planned for December.
Best regards,
Anne Lindig
Vice-president of Performance Practice
Wichtige Informationen zum Lehrbetrieb ab dem 9. November 2020 (03.11.2020)
Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, liebe Studierende,
das aktuelle Infektionsgeschehen in Weimar zwingt uns, unsere bisherigen Festlegungen für den Unterrichtsbetrieb zu Überdenken. Nach wie vor ist unser Ziel, den Präsenzunterricht so lange wie möglich aufrecht zu erhalten. Da dieser vor allem für die künstlerisch- und pädagogischpraktischen Fächer unverzichtbar ist, hat die Hochschulleitung in Absprache mit dem Krisenstab und den Dekan*inen und Prodekanen folgende Festlegungen getroffen: Ab Montag, dem 9. November 2020, sind alle wissenschaftlich-theoretischen Lehrveranstaltungen mit mehr als 15 angemeldeten Studierenden auf ein alternatives, digitales Format umzustellen.
Mit dem Wegfall der Belegung des Hörsaales durch Vorlesungen wird es möglich, diesen für einen großen Teil der verbleibenden Präsenzveranstaltungen wie Seminare und Übungen zu nutzen. Wissenschaftlich-theoretische Lehrveranstaltungen mit kleineren Gruppengrößen können ebenfalls in digitaler Form angeboten werden. Bitte fragen Sie in diesem Fall bei Ihren Studierenden ab, ob sie über die notwendigen technischen Voraussetzungen verfügen.
Grundsätzlich ist zur Minimierung potentieller Infektionsketten das Tragen einer Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung bei Unterschreitung des vorgeschriebenen Mindestabstandes von 1,50 m absolute Pflicht. Darüber hinaus wird zum Schutz aller Anwesenden das Tragen der Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung während der gesamten Lehrveranstaltung angeraten.
Künstlerischer Einzel- oder Kleingruppenunterricht findet vorerst weiter in Präsenz statt. Künstlerische Ensembleunterrichte wie Chor, Orchester, Bigband u.Ä. sollen - soweit wie möglich - in kleinere Gruppen geteilt werden.
Diese Maßnahmen dienen der Verringerung der Kontakte und damit der Ansteckungsgefahr in den Gebäuden der Hochschule. Sie bleiben voraussichtlich bis zur Weihnachtspause in Kraft.
Unterstützung beim Umstellen des Lehrangebotes auf ein digitales Format können Lehrende (und Studierende) bei Frau Dr. Stamm (moodle(at)hfm-weimar.de) erhalten.
Bei Bedarf an technischer Ausrüstung wenden sich die Lehrenden bitte an die Kanzlerin Frau Gurk (kanzlerin(at)hfm-weimar.de) und den Leiter der IT-Abteilung Herrn Riek (thomas.riek(at)hfmweimar.de).
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Ihr Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
New regulations from Monday, 02.11.2020 (30.10.2020)
Dear teachers, dear students, dear colleagues,
You are all familiar with the new regulations, which will apply nationwide from Monday, November 2, 2020. As things stand at present, nothing will change for our practice at the HfM - with one exception: concerts and events can no longer be held in public.
With our regulations and the changed concert and event practice, we act in accordance with the new ordinance of the city of Weimar from 29.10.2020.
As soon as we receive new information or regulations from the state of Thuringia, we will inform you immediately.
I appeal to everyone to strictly adhere to the regulation regarding the obligation to wear masks. If the distance of 1.50 m cannot be kept, masks must be worn.
With kind regards
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
Angepasste Regelungen zum Ein- und Auschecken in den Gebäuden der Hochschule (22.10.2020)
Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, liebe Studierende,
die Leitung der Hochschule ist ständig bemüht, trotz der stark eingeschränkten Möglichkeiten, beste Arbeits- und Studienbedingungen für uns alle zu schaffen. Die Pflicht zur Kontaktnachverfolgung ist gesetzlich vorgeschrieben und von uns allen einzuhalten. In meinen letzten Briefen hatte ich angekündigt, dass es ggf. Änderungen geben kann, wenn unsere Regeln sich nicht oder nur teilweise bewähren.
Es hat sich nun gezeigt, dass es vor allem im Palais und im Hochschulzentrum am Horn zu Staus am Einlassdesk kommt. In diesen Gebäuden finden fast alle Lehrveranstaltungen mit größeren Gruppen statt. Zudem wechseln in diesen beiden Häusern die Studierenden häufiger die Unterrichtsräume, was wiederum zu längeren Wartezeiten am Einlassdesk führt.
Aus diesen Gründen kommt es ab Montag, 26.10.2020 zu folgenden Änderungen mit unterschiedlichen
Regelungen für die einzelnen Häuser:
Fürstenhaus: Listensystem (wie bisher)
- Lehrende und Studierende: Ein- und Austragen am Empfang für Lehre und Üben in die Raumlisten (rot) und für andere Anlässe in die Zutrittsliste für Hochschulangehörige (grün)
- Sitzungen: Sitzungsorganisator*innen hinterlegen am Tag der Sitzung eine Teilnehmerliste am Empfang, um den Anmeldeprozess zu beschleunigen.
- Chor- und Orchesterproben (z. B. HSO, Collegium Musicum, Kammerchor, Hochschulchor): Probenverantwortliche hinterlegen am Tag der Probe eine Teilnehmerliste am Empfang, um den Anmeldeprozess zu beschleunigen.
- Bibliothek: Interne Besucher*innen tragen sich in Zutrittsliste (grün) für Hochschulangehörige ein. Externe Besucher*innen tragen sich in Gästeliste für Externe (blau) ein.
- Gäste und externe Dienstleister: Ein- und Austragen in die Gästeliste für Externe (blau) (wie bisher Erfassung mit Kontaktdaten)
hzh und Palais: Kontaktzettel (ACHTUNG NEU!)
- Lehrende und Studierende: nehmen sich ALLE!! am Einlassdesk einen vorgedruckten A6-Zettel (Kontaktzettel), füllen diesen während ihres gesamten Aufenthaltes im Haus aus und werfen ihn beim Verlassen des Hauses in die vorbereitete Box im Eingangsbereich ein. Dies gilt auch für Vorlesungen, Sitzungen, Chor- und Orchesterproben, Bibliothek. Damit wird der Einlassprozess beschleunigt und Kontaktsituationen im Haus können besser dokumentiert werden.
Zur Absicherung der Kontaktnachverfolgung muss der Kontaktzettel bei jedem Aufenthalt ausgefüllt werden! Ausgenommen sind kurze Frischluftpausen.
- Gäste und externe Dienstleister: Ein- und Austragen in die Gästeliste für Externe (blau) (wie bisher Erfassung mit Kontaktdaten)
- Unterstützung durch Einlassteam
Der Einlassdesk wird länger besetzt sein, nämlich werktags von 8.00 bis 20.00 Uhr. Ab 20.00 Uhr sind die Häuser nur mit Thoska zu betreten. Bitte halten Sie sich an die Regeln zur Kontaktverfolgung, auch wenn der Einlassdesk nicht besetzt ist!
Haydn,- Bach,- Wagner- und Beethovenhaus: Listensystem
- Es wird keinen „betreuten“ Einlassdesk in den Häusern Belvederes geben.
- Die Zugangstüren zu den einzelnen Häusern sind verschlossen und nur durch freigeschaltete Thoska zu öffnen (beim Beethovenhaus ist ausschließlich der hintere Eingang zu benutzen).
- Lehrende und Studierende: In jedem dieser Häuser gibt es am Eingang ein Buch mit fortlaufenden Listen („Belvedere-Hausliste“ (orange)), in die sich ALLE!! ein- und auszutragen haben. Beim Austragen sind alle Räume zu ergänzen, welche aufgesucht wurden.
- Gäste und externe Dienstleister: Ein- und Austragen in die Gästeliste für Externe (blau) (wie bisher Erfassung mit Kontaktdaten). Zudem werden an die Eingänge der Häuser zur Kontaktaufnahme Telefonlisten der Mitarbeiter*innen gehängt.
Mitarbeiter*innen der Verwaltung und Hochschulleitung sorgen bitte eigenständig für die Dokumentation ihrer Aufenthalte in den anderen Hochschulgebäuden, beispielsweise durch das Notieren von Besprechungen, Terminen in Outlook oder anderen Kalendern. So können im Ernstfall potentielle Kontakte mit einer infizierten Person nachvollzogen werden. Das Ein- und Austragen in Listen ist dann nicht notwendig.
Die Listen und Kontaktzettel werden entsprechend den gesetzlichen Vorgaben aufbewahrt und
anschließend vernichtet.
Hinweis: Die Systeme zur Kontaktnachverfolgung sind kein Raumreservierungsprogramm. Es lässt sich derzeit leider nicht vermeiden – wie vor Corona auch –, dass sich Studierende einen freien Raum durch Herumgehen suchen müssen. Die Hochschulleitung arbeitet an einem zeitgemäßen Raumbuchungssystem, das unkompliziertes Reservieren von Räumen zukünftig ermöglicht. Um dieses zu installieren, bedarf es aber noch längerer, grundsätzlicher infrastruktureller Vorarbeit.
Nochmals mein Appell! Dokumentieren Sie gewissenhaft, wo und wann Sie sich in den Gebäuden der Hochschule aufgehalten haben. Nur so können im Ernstfall alle betroffenen Personen benachrichtigt und eine komplette Schließung des jeweiligen Hauses vermieden werden. Die Regeln dienen zu Ihrem und unser aller Schutz! Bei Nichtbeachtung muss mit deutlicher Verkürzung der Öffnungszeiten gerechnet werden.
Ich bedanke mich bei allen, die unsere Regeln einhalten, die aktiv mithelfen, dass es zu keiner Schließung oder starken Einschränkungen kommt.
Herzliche Grüße
Anne Lindig
Vizepräsidentin für künstlerische Praxis
Information on concerts and events in the winter semester of 2020/21 (30.09.2020)
Dear colleagues and students,
The winter semester is almost upon us. At the moment, we are very happy that it looks like concerts, auditions, and events will be able to happen in a small capacity. The events office has created a concept (PDF) for this which was approved by the city today. The maximum number of people has been calculated for every room at the university. This must be respected, both when practising and teaching as well as for public events! Each room has a corresponding sign on the door.
Class performances and concerts can take place in the “Fürstenhaus” festival hall and the concert all “Am Palais” again. In addition, we’ve hired the hall at the “Notenbank” (Steubenstraße 15) for classes in the mornings and it will be available for auditions some evenings.
Room reservations can be made via the appropriate form at the events office as usual. This semester, it is vital that these forms are filled out with great care. This is especially important in regard to the number of people involved as this is necessary for planning!
For free concerts, there will be a set number of blank tickets which will be available at reception/with the stage manager 30 minutes prior to the start of the event. Concert tickets for sale will only be available at the tourist information centre.
Our concert halls will not be generally available for external hire this winter semester. The Studiotheater Belvedere is available only for the Department of Vocal Studies and Theatre’s events and classes. Reservations can be made with Mr. Hoffmann/ Ms. Horn.
The security and hygiene concept which has been created in cooperation with the city of Weimar must always be followed in our buildings. We are all happy that we can loosen the tight corset of the past semester. This is why I wish to appeal to your sense of responsibility to others all the more: Keep the rules and follow the hygiene concept so that we can avoid having to go back to stricter rules or even close the university. Many thanks!
Warmest greetings,
Anne Lindig
Letter of the President (18.09.2020)
Dear colleagues and students,
We have all had to learn that our university of music in Weimar is part of a world-wide drama – the fight for authentic music, live music, and the survival of our institution during these times of the pandemic. We follow the news from concert halls, theatres, and other universities of music anxiously. What are the others doing? Where might there be legitimate and practical scientific data on making music and giving concerts without endangering musicians or audiences? What do we dare do ourselves? I have to admit that, being a professional optimist, back in the spring I wanted to believe that we would be over the worst by the start of the semester. Now we know: it’s too early to give the all-clear. But we also know: we can’t go on without the elixir of life that is concerts! That’s why we will be trying out brand new formats for this in the coming autumn and winter. More on that later!
The university will be running in-person again for the start of the semester. We are extremely happy that ensemble classes and lectures can happen face-to-face again. But we still have to follow many rules with great discipline. These include the general distancing and hygiene rules, but also documentation on who is in what university building when. All members of the university are responsible for making sure this happens!
Entry and opening times
The registration system we introduced in September will continue in modified form: in general, every person must register when they enter a university building and put their names on the list for the relevant room.
In the “Fürstenhaus”, registration is at the reception. The “hzh”, “Palais” and the “Beethovenhaus” will have a registration counter during peak hours. Outside peak hours, everyone who enters the building must add their name to the available room-lists themselves and write down the time when they leave. This will be the case all day in “Haydnhaus” and “Bachhaus”.
Opening times and the availability of check-in staff can be found in this table (PDF).
Participant lists for lectures, seminars, and ensemble classes, as well as choir and orchestra rehearsals have to be handed-in at the registration counter 20 minutes before the start of class at the latest. This will make it quicker for everyone to get into the building. If there is no list, each student will have to register for the room individually, which can lead to significant delays and late classes.
If you have booked a rehearsal or ensemble class at the “Notenbank” you will get the key and a participant list at the “Fürstenhaus” registration counter. Please fill-in the list and hand it in when you return the key.
All lists will be stored at the events office for the period required under law and then destroyed.
You will receive a letter from the Vice President of Performance Studies in the coming week. This will detail the rules for concerts and public events starting in October. Information on using the library and building opening times can be found in this table (PDF).
Returning from a high-risk area
Many of you will be travelling to Weimar from all over the world. Because of the current state regulations in Thuringia relating to the Corona pandemic, please note the following:
- If you have been to a high-risk area, you are required to put yourself in home quarantine as soon as you arrive in Weimar/your place of residence. This quarantining is compulsory. It does not matter whether the place you were in was only declared a high-risk area after you arrived or not.
- Those returning from high-risk areas are required to register their return immediately with responsible health department/ via the Corona hotline (762 555). This is the case, even if you were already tested upon arrival (at the airport for example). Not registering can result in a fine.
- A Corona test is free and compulsory for those returning from high-risk areas.
- The areas counted as being high-risk can be found on the Robert Koch Institute’s website.
I am looking forward to seeing you all again and wish you a successful and healthy semester!
Warmest greetings,
Yours, Christoph Stölzl
Circular on planning and teaching classes in the winter semester of 2020/2021 (19.07.2020)
Dear colleagues and students,
You have all managed an exceptional semester with great dedication. The university administration and, above all, the students are very grateful. Sadly, conditions in the upcoming winter semester 2020/2021 will still be far from ‘normal’. You must be wondering what form face-to-face classes can happen in when planning and preparing your classes now.
The university is aiming for face-to-face classes in order to re-establish (and maintain) the all-important in-person contact and academic discourse between students and teaching staff. In the current situation this should be essentially possible.
Please note that every classroom at the university will be allotted a set maximum number of people in order to maintain distancing rules. To offer as full a curriculum as possible despite this, we will need agood measure of flexibility when it comes to structuring classes, communication, and solidarity with each other when booking rooms.
When planning your classes, specially seminars, practicals etc., please see if it makes sense to limit the number of participants and if it is possible. The corresponding NB should be made in the course catalogue. Where a larger number of students are enrolled, blended face-to-face and digital teaching, every other week for instance, would be a suitable option (by the way, many universities are planning classes in this way for the coming winter semester).
The university requests that large rooms be used as optimally as possible. Please organise room allocation and management amongst yourselves well in advance so that we can create the best possible conditions for a successful winter semester for our students.
For you to be able to plan classes for this winter semester, we would like to draw your attention to the room conditions and security and hygiene rules.
- The specified maximum number of people per room must be followed! This is the only way to assure that distancing can be maintained – especially for wind instruments and singers.
- 1.5 metres distance must be maintained between all musicians. There must be at least 4 metres in front of wind instruments and singers.
- Rehearsal sessions for large ensembles are to be no longer that 75 minutes. Another 75 minutes are allowed after an airing break of at least 30 minutes.
- Lectures, seminars, and all other classes can run for their usual time
- There must be one music stand per musician
- The final decision on performances with an audience will be made in September as these performances will require their own concept.
Use of festival hall this winter semester
- Rehearsals for the university orchestra, university choir, Collegium Musicum, and the chamber choir in the winter semester 2020/2021 will be in the festival hall.
- University choir: Tuesdays 6:30-10pm
- Collegium Musicum: Wednesdays 7:30-10pm
- University orchestra: Thursdays 10am-1pm
- Chamber choir: Thursdays 6-9pm
- The festival hall stage will not be raised but will remain flat. There will be no alterations made to the stage so that chairs can be set quickly and flexibly. There are 35 chairs in the hall as this is the maximum number of people allowed there.
- The festival hall will be used primarily for classes with a large number of students and meetings of the senate
- Sadly, the standard department opening times for the hall are still suspended.
Other rooms
- The rules for the Saal Am Palais are the same as for the festival hall. There will also only be individual chairs there
- Free spaces in the lecture halls at the hzh will be marked. Additional seating possibilities will be created on the left- and right-hand sides of the rooms
- All other large rooms can be used flexibly within the designated maximum number of people for ensemble rehearsal, lectures, and meetings.
- In addition, we have been able to hire the hall in the ‘Notenbank’, Steuben Str. 15, for a limited number of hours per day. This room is well suited to chamber music and ensemble classes, playing in front of the class, ensemble rehearsals with up to max 22 persons/18 persons for singers and wind instruments.
For all questions relating to maximum room usage and the use of further facilities outside of the university, please contact vizepraxis(at)hfm-weimar.de or staff at the events offices.
We wish you a lovely summer.
With warmest greetings,
Prof. Dagmar Brauns | Prof. Anne-Kathrin Lindig |
Vice-president of Studies and Teaching | Vice-president of Performance Practice |
Circular regarding opening times and room usage in August and September, July 14, 2020
Dear colleagues and students,
With a revised Corona room plan, we want to further ease working conditions in our buildings step-by-step. August and September will be a trial for the rules this coming winter semester. We will gather information from this experience and use it to develop our concept starting in October. Success depends on you following our rules responsibly.
Please find building opening hours for August and September in this table.
To be safe, university buildings will remain closed to the public. Teaching staff and students who wish to speak with the administration have to make an appointment.
Updates on practising and teaching
- Starting in August, you no longer have to register when practising or attending a class. However, it is still absolutely vital that all teaching staff and students sign in/out when entering/exiting a building. This can be done at the reception in the ‘Fürstenhaus’ and at the entry counter in the other buildings via entry lists run for each room. There is an example attached for viewing.
- Ms. Nickol will take on the room management for seminar rooms 1 and 2 and the lecture hall in the ‘hzh’ again. Room 304 in the ‘hzh’ will be managed by faculty 2 Dean’s office.
- Starting in September, all rooms will be available. Every member of the teaching staff will be able to, once again, use their normal room.
- If practising students have to leave a room because a class will be taught in there, they must register at the appropriate entry counter because room changes also have to be documented.
- Every room will get a door sign showing the maximum number of people allowed in there. There has to be at least 7 square metres (9 square metres for singers and wind instruments) per person per room. 5 square metres have been estimated for seated gatherings where no music is played.
- Starting in August, the security team will no longer air and disinfect rooms. Users are now responsible for doing this themselves, Disinfectant will be made available in all buildings. This is still not allowed to be used on keyboard instruments, as it causes a lot of damage.
Information on exams in August/September
- Exams with three people on stage will be allowed in September
- Exam concerts will also take place in September without an audience
- Bookings for exam times will be taken until the 28th of July: via the events office for room 108 in the ‘Fürstenhaus’ and room 301 in ‘hzh’, the faculty 2 Dean’s office for room 304 in ‘hzh’, with Ms. Gläßl for the ‘Beethovenhaus’, and with Ms. Schenke for the Palais.
Bookings made after the 28th of July will be disregarded
Outlook for winter semester 2020/21
We are working on the assumption that social distancing will be with us for some time.
From our current perspective, classes with ensemble work e.g. choir and orchestra as well as lectures will only be possible with a greatly reduced number of people.
Nevertheless, our aim is to run as many classes as possible again – and that includes public performance practice – under conditions that assure the highest possible security for all the members of the university and our guests. We are working on a separate concept for events with an orchestra.
Starting in October, the Festsaal Fürstenhaus will be available for all teaching staff again. This room is still desperately needed for other things in September.
Information for administrative and technical personnel
- Offices in all buildings will be available as usual in August and September
- As is now customary, staff using time logging will show their identity card when entering their own building. When entering another building they will register at the entry counter or reception as per usual.
Will have all been able to ‘practice’ hygiene rules since May and must now be very good at them. That is why my most important appeal goes out to your own sense of responsibility:
All those who are already following the rules for thorough handwashing, distance, and wearing a mask are helping to stop the whole university from closing again. Our loosened Security and Hygiene Concept is based on Government requirements and expert recommendations.
Many of you have thanked us, the crisis team, and the university administration over the past weeks. This has helped and encouraged us to keep working on the things we have never had to tackle until now. Thank you!
I wish you all restful summer days which you are hopefully able to use for some badly needed time to breathe.
Warmest regards,
Yours,
Anne Lindig
Vice-president of Performance Practice
Letter of the president, June 19, 2020
Dear students, dear colleagues,
I am pleased to begin this letter with some good news: After the very positive experience with our strict safety and hygiene plan, we have decided to cautiously expand the music practice possibilities:
From June 29th onwards, teaching and music-making will be possible with a maximum of three participants. I ask all those who wish to participate to maintain the same discipline as before.
1. Classroom teaching
The number of coronavirus infections in Germany has risen slightly in the last two days. We remain cautious for good reason, but will nevertheless implement certain relaxations in practice and teaching.
As you can already see from the Vice-President's circular letter of 18 June, there are now additional daily practice opportunities in our buildings. In addition, from 29 June onwards, we will also allow practice and teaching by third parties after appropriate advance notification.
However, there is no obligation to do so: the decision on teaching and learning in groups of three is made jointly by the parties involved. All other regulations concerning the organisation of rooms remain unchanged until 31 July.
The requirements of our safety and hygiene plan must continue to be observed. The disinfection of hands, the keeping of distance and the regular airing of the rooms will become even more important. We all bear the responsibility for each other!
2. Examinations
The organisation of the artistic-practical final examinations of those students who have been granted an examination entitlement for the summer semester is about to be completed. After the institutes have returned their responses, a room plan for the examinations to be held will be drawn up, initially by the end of July.
In the meantime, a detailed spatial concept for the academic examinations in the Hochschulzentrum am Horn as well as the Altenburg has also been drawn up. These are to be held between 14 and 31 July, parallel to the practice and teaching activities.
The Centre for Music Theory is also working on a room concept for its examinations in the University Centre and the Palais.
It is currently being examined whether the number of possible examinations in the artistic-practical field which complete a "teaching subject" (e.g. the minor subject piano) can be slightly increased. A corresponding query by the ASA department is currently underway.
3. Opening hours of our buildings
I would like to inform you about the opening hours of our buildings in August and September to give you the opportunity to plan your practising hours.
In August, the Fürstenhaus will be open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the hzh from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for practice and lessons. Separate opening hours apply for technical and administrative staff.
The Beethovenhaus and the Palais will be added in September. The exact opening hours will be announced later.
From today's point of view, we assume that from October onwards all the houses will be available again for lessons and rehearsals.
The admission procedure will be considerably simplified from August. We are currently in intensive planning discussions on this and will inform you as soon as a decision is made.
4. Opening hours oft he library and using of copy machines
The university library has developed a security and hygiene concept for an extended use of the sub-library in the university centre at the Horn and the main library in the Fürstenhaus.
According to this concept, it should be possible to use the sub-library in 45-minute blocks from 29 June at the latest, subject to prior notification. The planned opening hours for the sub-library are Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The detailed concept for the use of both library locations will soon be available on this Corona website.
The photocopier in the cafeteria of the Fürstenhaus will again be accessible to all persons registered in the building. We are thus making a second attempt to open it and appeal above all to the students to use this room exclusively for copying.
The same applies to the photocopier in the cafeteria of the Hochschulzentrum am Horn, which will also be accessible again from Monday, 22 June.
5. Recognition arrangements
Since we are constantly confronted with questions regarding the goodwill regulations for the possible nonrecognition of a "Corona Semester", I would like to clarify one aspect at this point:
By taking the exams, the teaching entitlement is settled. This means that the semester can be repeated in its entirety, but not courses that have already been examined.
You will find more detailed explanations on this topic shortly under our FAQ on this Corona website.
6. Financial aids for students
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is now helping students who are in distress due to the corona pandemic with direct grants that are distributed through the Studierendenwerke.
The aid is aimed at students who are demonstrably in an acute pandemic emergency situation and need immediate help.
For the months of June, July and August 2020, up to 500 euros will be paid out in each case as long as the pandemic-related emergency situation continues. A new application for bridging aid must be submitted in each of the three months.
The Studierendenwerk Thüringen decides on the granting of the bridging aid. You can apply for the grant online here: www.ueberbrueckungshilfe-studierende.de
We have listed further possibilities for support at www.hfm-weimar.de/corona/finanzielle-unterstuetzung.
7. Corona warning app
Since a few days the Corona-Warn-App is available as an offer of the federal government.
I would like to strongly recommend that you voluntarily download the app to your mobile devices, as it may also serve and function as a kind of early warning system for our university operations.
Further information and download: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/corona-warn-app
Yours sincerely,
Christoph Stölzl
Letter on practising and teaching, June 18, 2020
Dear colleagues and students,
We have given a lot of thought to how we can make teaching and practising easier for you without lifting our rules which we still have to respect.
We ask that everyone understand: our present sign-in system forms the basis of our hygiene and security concept. It may be a little inflexible, but please do not view it as ‘busy work’ or a waste of time. We are convinced that it allows us to maintain the hygiene and security rules as well as current state and city conditions. These are the requirements for us to be allowed to teach in-person.
1. Practising: Information on the supplementary allocation of spaces not currently in use.
Requests for practice rooms are increasing. In order to keep up with this growing demand, we have come up with the following possibilities so that we can allocate what free space we have left:
- For now, the current rules regulating responsibility for rooms and their use for teaching and practice will stay in place until the 31st of July. This is necessary to assure that there are enough rooms for teaching and that students are guaranteed the time slots which have been planned in advance.
- In addition, there is the following update: from building-opening Mondays to Fridays, students can book free spaces available with the team for their building (where they have their individual lessons). Due to organisational and fairness concerns, room bookings can only be made for that day and for a maximum duration of 2 hours. We believe that we will be able to distribute the few hours which remain better this way.
2. Teaching: three people in one room are allowed again
Starting on the 29th of June 2020, three people are allowed to work together in our rooms. This could be a teacher plus two students, three students, or two teachers and one student. This makes classes in accompaniment, small chamber music ensembles, and exam preparation possible. This provision is already possible in our planning system, as our room plans already have three columns.
Importantly, we want to appeal to your own good judgement and sense of responsibility: neither teachers nor students are required to work together with three people in one room if they do not feel comfortable with the situation.
Please still keep the require distance of at least 1.5 metres. Large rooms are still primarily for singers and wind instruments. More than ever, please remember airing breaks and follow the chain of hygiene.
With warmest greetings,
Anne Lindig
Vice-president of Performance Practice
Information on exams in the summer semester 2020, June 11, 2020
Dear teachers, dear students,
the safety concept of the university and the still valid infection protection measures as well as the associated spatial and organisational conditions do not allow for regular examination procedures in this semester. All examination dates already planned and registered before the start of the Corona pandemic have been cancelled. It has become apparent that the overall concept for the examination procedures can only be planned taking into account all the exams planned. This requires good communication, willingness to cooperate and flexibility on the part of all parties involved.
Rooms and examination periods are allocated centrally during this semester.
There are two possible examination periods until the end of the summer semester:
- 13.07. until 31.07.2020
- 07.09. until 30.09.2020
Specific examination dates for both periods are already being planned. The procedures described in this letter will initially be applied for the examination period until 31.07.2020. Depending on the conditions then prevailing, the processes will be adjusted again for September if necessary.
In addition, the first six weeks of the winter semester 2020/21 can and should be used for taking examinations.
Examinations in scientific/theoretical courses of study or scientific/theoretical modules
In contrast to the artistic/practical examinations, all examinations in scientific/theoretical subjects as well as in scientific/theoretical modules that belong to artistic or pedagogical courses of study are to be made possible by the end of the summer semester (30.09.2020), even if they are not related to the degree in the summer semester 2020. Student registrations for these examinations are currently underway.
The teaching staff at the Department of Musicology and Arts Management and at the Centre for Music Theory are currently working on concrete forms of examination for each course and are designing the basic concept for the necessary logistical processes.
In consultation with the Department of Musicology, the Centre of Music Theory and the Examinations Office, the Events Office examines the premises at the Hochschulzentrum am Horn for suitability depending on the type of examination and the specific examination procedures (with or without preparation, examinations, oral examinations, etc.) and draws up the room concept after the exact number of candidates has been determined.
If necessary, the seminar building of the Weimarhalle can be used for examinations.
Attention should be paid to this: Examinations without the presence of the student or pure online examinations will not be possible this semester due to the unclear legal situation.
Exams in modules with artistic instruction in artistic and pedagogical study courses
Only examinations with a maximum of two examination actors can take place. The size of the examination board shall be limited to the minimum number of examiners required for the subject according to the examination regulations.
In the university buildings currently open for teaching, the following sufficiently large rooms are available for the examinations:
- Main building: Room 1.08
- hzh: Room 3.01
- Palais: Room 3.12, Saal am Palais
- Belvedere: Studio theatre, assembly hall
The Examination Office has checked the feedback from the institutes for examination eligibility and has drawn up a list of possible examinations for July, September or the winter semester 2020/21. This overview will be sent to the institutes by the Examination Office on 12.06.2020 - already with distribution to the corresponding university buildings and rooms. For further planning of the examinations, the respective chairmen of the examination commissions should contact the person responsible for the rooms in "their house" and agree on the specific examination days and times.
A 15-minute break for airing after each test specimen is mandatory and must be taken into account. The (limited number of) lessons in the respective examination room that serve to prepare for the examination must also be coordinated with the room managers. Students must organise the recording or preparation on the day of the examination independently and in good time (using the usual room plans).
The room managers in the buildings are:
- Main building: Mr Vezure
- hzh: Prof. Forst
- Belvedere: Mrs Horn
- Palais: Mrs Schenke
The complete examination plans must be submitted to the event office (veranstaltung(at)hfm-weimar.de) in collected form for each building by 26.06.2020 with the following information:
- Type of test
- building and room
- Name of the examination candidates and any accompanying persons
- Members of the Commission
- Date of the test
- Start/end of each unit verification
If you have any questions regarding study and examination law, please contact the ASA department (Dr. Jens Ewen, +49 3643 555 156, jens.ewen(at)hfm-weimar.de). For organisational questions please contact the staff* of the event office (veranstaltung(at)hfm-weimar.de)
Prof. Dagmar Brauns
Vice-president of Studies and Teaching
Letter of the president, May 29, 2020
Dear students, dear colleagues,
the babble of voices in the German public about the right way forward in the pandemic crisis is getting louder week after week, even more dissonant. This is quite normal, because experience shows that the phases in which a single common sense of solidarity prevails in pluralistic democracies are always short.
Democracy is not only a competition for ideas, but also a dispute among people. We should keep a clear head in all this and remember the basic facts that have not changed:
- Corona is still a highly infectious disease, dangerous for all age groups
- neither a therapy nor a vaccination is available
- Keeping a distance and strict hygiene remain the only means of effective prevention
Our crisis management team thinks daily about how to arrive at a practicable set of rules under these premises. The state of things today is this:
1. Teaching in presence
In our university buildings, practicing and teaching now function almost without a hitch. I would like to thank all members of the university for their patient cooperation in complying with the rules! After all, we are one of the very first German music academies that have been offering private lessons again for several weeks.
Further relaxation, such as playing and singing in small or larger ensembles or holding seminars and lectures, is not possible at the moment for organisational, hygiene and safety reasons.
With a heavy heart, we on the crisis committee have agreed that the regulations now introduced for individual lessons and practice in our buildings must remain in place until 31 July.
However, we are confident that after the summer break, further avenues will open up for a gradual return to a more "normal" university life.
Of course, we will continue to react flexibly to all forthcoming changes in the hygiene and safety regulations of the state of Thuringia and the city of Weimar and adapt them to university operations according to our own considerations.
2. Practical Examinations
Due to the limited teaching activities, examinations are also only possible to a limited extent. This is mainly for organisational reasons, as there are only a few rooms available which are large enough to comply with the applicable distance and hygiene rules when a maximum of two actors and the examination board are present.
At present, the Department of Academic and Student Affairs is conducting a survey to determine which students are required to complete their studies in the 2020 summer semester and must take artistic-practical examinations for this purpose.
Based on this database, we will create the prerequisites to make these absolutely necessary tests possible. Detailed information on this will be provided by the ASA department shortly.
Should students, despite all efforts, still experience disadvantages in their studies, the resulting effects should be kept as low as possible. In this context I would like to point out once again that the current summer semester may not be counted towards the standard period of study.
3. Examinations in scientifical and theoretical subjects
Together with the Department for Musicology Weimar-Jena, a concept is also being developed for taking examinations with a larger number of students in the academic and theoretical subjects during the current summer semester. More information on this will also be available shortly.
4. Documentation of teaching
After intensive debates, we have moved away from our original plan to create a new form for the attendance and digital teaching. So we will stick to the usual teaching reports and corresponding notes on the class lists. However, as in the past, the given teaching must also be documented in a suitable form.
This self-documentation can be very informative for a future assessment or evaluation of the digital teaching formats in terms of effort and benefit.
5. Key cleaning of upright and grand pianos
Unfortunately, after three weeks of lessons and practice, it has become apparent that the hourly cleaning of the keyboard with disinfectant leaves significant damage to the upright and grand pianos. It is certainly understandable to everyone that we urgently need to change something in order to prevent damage running into millions.
Therefore, once again, we urgently request all users of our upright and grand pianos to wash and disinfect their hands thoroughly before lessons or practice and also afterwards.
Disinfectants and soap are available in sufficient quantities in all houses. From now on, our security teams will only clean the keys once a day with the specially provided disinfectant.
Please note: Never use your own disinfectant for the keys!
An additional protection against infection can be the wearing of mouthguards by all persons in the room, even during lessons. (Except of course our wind players and singers). Thank you very much for your understanding and your support in preserving the valuable instruments of our university!
6. Racism in times of Corona
The university is clearly committed to its internationality, openness to the world and a pluralistic society. We all know: The coronavirus as a global pandemic knows no borders and no culprits. A globalised and networked humanity must respond to this virological intruder with unity and solidarity.
That is why the university management and the crisis management team expressly welcome the planned musical actions of the StuRa in the cityscape, which is a reaction to the nationwide increasing cases of racist resentment and xenophobia. The university will support the activities and will provide more detailed information shortly.
7. Documentation of the crisis
The HfM plans to document these extraordinary corona months in a LISZT special magazine. I would like to ask all students and teachers who, for various reasons, currently have to teach digitally to send pictures or screenshots.
I would also be grateful to the employees of the administration if they could provide any existing photos of their work in the Corona crisis. They have maintained service operations in this special situation and have adapted flexibly to the unusual conditions.
Please send the photos to presse(at)hfm-weimar.de for the attention of Mr. Kreyßig.
8. Offer of the Studierendenwerk
Finally, some good news: From Tuesday, June 2, the Studierendenwerk will offer an out-of-home sale and "in-house" supply in the cafeteria Coudraystraße and in the tent (near Mensa am Park) from 11:00 to 14:00 hrs.
You can inform yourself about the menus here:
www.stw-thueringen.de/mensen/einrichtungen/weimar/cafeteria-coudraystrasse.html
www.stw-thueringen.de/mensen/einrichtungen/weimar/mensa-am-park.html
Until further notice, these offers are only available to students of both universities and university employees. The payment is exclusively cashless via thoska. Charging devices are located in the cafeteria area or in the lecture hall building next to the tent.
Best wishes, yours sencerely
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president, May 15, 2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
for weeks, it was silent in and above my office in the Fürstenhaus, at last the usual sounds of Dvořák’s cello concerto sip through the roof again, which fills my heart with joy.
I went up to the room, and when the door opened, I witnessed a lesson with exemplary distancing, for which I thanked the student and teacher – of course whilst keeping a safe distance and without taking off my mask.
I would like to send this gratitude to all who fill our university with sounds again!
At the same time, I urge all to respect our safety measures to the greatest detail!
Unfortunately, the number of cases where the rules are not respected, the necessity of opening of the windows is questioned, spontaneous changes in the room planning are demanded, are rising.
I want to state the following:
“Business as usual” does not apply to our situation.
Entering buildings and rooms is still only allowed when registered. These registrations have to be sent in until Thursday 9:00 am of the week before (next week, because of the holiday on Thursday, until Wednesday!).
The security teams can only let people into the building when registered.
The administration doesn’t have the capacity to make short-term changes to the complex planning and communicate them with the teams at the building entrances.
The strict admission control is also applicable to council meetings, only the registration process is a little bit different. In case of confusion, the Veranstaltungsbüro will be happy to help.
Our country is in an emergency situation. When we don’t respect the rules which are applicable in Weimar, our university could be closed again at any moment! That’s why we must discipline ourselves and accept the regulations and constraints of these times.
1. Live classes
Since two weeks, we can offer live classes in our buildings. The entrance and hygiene procedures have become a routine, but the daily challenge of mastering the logistics of the complex planning, remains.
I have the biggest respect for all dedicated students in the security teams as well as for all the colleagues of the Veranstaltungsbüro, who try to keep a clear head despite the great complexity of their work.
Our strict hygiene concept has ensured that to this day, we have no confirmed coronavirus infection in our university.
Some practical changes make will make the processes easier in the coming week: at the entrance, the daily statement is replaced by a list with signatures. This doesn’t only save time, but also a lot of paper.
Besides that, the administration personnel will help the security teams in the coming weeks.
As announced in the last email, from May 18th, practicing with two persons in one room will be allowed without the presence of a teacher.
We are currently investigating how we can organize the artistic exams and their preparation.
2. Accountability of teaching
Both live and digital classes can be credited on all teachers’ teaching duty. Teaching is only allowed for students with tuition entitlement.
Again, we have to communicate that the following principle doesn’t change: all live artistic classes have to be taught in the buildings of our university.
Only because of medically confirmed reasons or problems with entering Germany, the classes can be given digitally (and be accounted for).
Crediting the teaching duty of artistic group lessons is possible when the alternative is given in a pedagogically useful and creative way.
The teachers will have to state all given classes and motivate every digital lesson.
3. Accessing copying machines
As from Monday May 18th, copying will be possible in the Hochschulzentrum am Horn only. Previous registration is not necessary.
To access the machines, you only have to identify yourself with the thoska card at the entrance desk.
The copying machine in the main building is not available anymore, because the room had to be closed. Contrary to the rules and the barriers, tables and chairs were put together in a cozy get-together way, which we can not allow.
4. Written exams
All exam deadlines which began before the pandemic and are currently on hold, are prolonged with another two weeks and begin to count from June 2nd.
The countdown for written essay deadlines in all Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees will be reset on May 18th. This date will be reconsidered in case the accessibility of the necessary resources (for example the library) should be restricted again.
If individual problems arise due to the pandemic, students have to contact the Prüfungsamt to request a prolonging of the deadline. These requests will be examined mildly.
Conducting written exams is possible when organized under the infection prevention rules. For this purpose, the responsible teachers are currently developing a concept and concerned students will be informed in due time.
5. Council meetings
On May 11th we have conducted our first senate meeting with the possibility for guests to attend via a live stream. I would like to thank the Recording Studio and the IT staff for making this possible.
On this occasion, I would like to repeat that teachers and employees are requested to fulfill their council duties, also in corona times. The university has to remain capable of acting and functioning.
Participating in the live councils, which are organized under all security measures and rules, is obligatory for all. This is especially necessary for senate and faculty council meetings, as well as for appointment committees.
The presidium can only accept the association with a risk group if this is proven by a medical attestation.
If such an attestation can be provided, the president will apply the necessary security measures so meetings can be attended digitally, for example.
However, affiliation with a risk group doesn’t mean that a binding request of being present can be neglected. In reasoned cases, the respective deputy chief can claim personal attendance of teachers and personnel.
Best regards,
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president, May 8, 2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
in the last days I had several telephone calls with Weimar’s Mayor, Peter Kleine, whom we informed thoroughly about our hygiene and security concept before we started with the live courses.
Our chancellor also informed the mayor about the hygiene rules for Thuringian universities, which were imposed by the government in Erfurt.
We want to have full transparency between our university and the city about our precautions, constraint or easing measures and contact rules. Peter Kleine told me that the city of Weimar is very pleased with our exemplary responsibility and our strictly detailed though practical regulations.
We all hope for the pandemic statistics in Weimar to keep stabilizing and improving. Weimar is pleased about the low infection rate compared to the rest of Germany, and a sinking number of ill people to this day.
The following developments have occurred in the past week:
1. Live classes
Since Monday May 4th, artistic live classes are possible again. We want to thank the students and teachers, who patiently obey the hygienic and security regulations and show deep commitment.
The first pictures of the lessons, which were photographed by Maik Schuck and published on facebook, open our hearts: this shows very clearly that we all longed for the authentic music experience.
The security teams in the buildings which are open take great care of the registration and disinfection regulations. A special thank you to these enthusiastic students!
Even when some classes couldn’t start yet, there will be enough time to catch up on the missing lessons: the summer semester will end only on September 30th. Another recommendation: because there are only 60-minute blocks at the moment, you can use them as double units to compensate the missing lessons in advance or retrospectively.
I can already announce a new rule: starting from May, 18th, it will be possible for students to practise in pairs in the classrooms without the participation of teachers, naturally in compliance with all distance and hygiene regulations.
Holding classes in private locations, houses, etc… is not allowed – not only in corona times, but generally.
2. Digital lessons
The principle that individual artistic classes have to be held live, can be exempted for students or teachers which are part of a risk group.
When a medical certificate can provide proof of this condition, digital classes may substitute the live classes.
The certificates have to be emailed to kanzlerin(at)hfm-weimar.de.
3. Closure times and usage of the library as well as the copying machines
The university buildings will remain closed on the official holidays of Ascension (May 21st) and Pentecost (June 1st).
The services of the library will remain active in the current form until May 22nd. Starting from May 11th, some items can also be laid out and looked at in the main building as well as am Horn. This is possible after contact with the library staff (bibliothek(at)hfm-weimar.de).
Bringing back borrowed items is possible (and desirable!) from May 11th as well. There will be a yellow box in the entrance area of the main building where the books can be put into.
Starting from June 2nd, inter-library loaning will be possible again as well.
Using the copying machines is allowed. Students and teachers who wish to use them outside of their teaching or practicing times have to register using veranstaltung(at)hfm-weimar.de. This has to be done 24 hours in advance, stating the desired building and time. Prior and after using them, disinfecting the hands is obligatory.
4. Goodwill regulations
Students have the possibility to decide if they want to count this “corona-semester” as a regular semester, or not. This decision can be made until the end of the regular study period.
It is very important for us to point out that this is a voluntary decision of the student, under no circumstances the professors can pressure the students to take or not take this decision. This also applies to the vacancy semester which can be applied for subsequently.
5. Entrance examinations
During the conference of the emergency council on May 4th, the following regulations were discussed and decided upon:
The entrance exams can be organized either digitally (the deadline for sending in videos will be June 29th) or as a live audition in September or be moved to the next exam period in January. For Konzertexamen, there will be no entrance exams in the summer semester.
The program and length of the exam remain the same, only the medium of presentation (live or video) is eligible. Important: if there can be no live exams in September because of pandemic prevention, these application will keep their validity for the “next round” in January 2021.
6. Council meetings
The council meetings can and will be organized live in the big rooms of the university. The Festsaal Fürstenhaus and the Hörsaal am Horn are available for this purpose.
The Festsaal Fürstenhaus was converted to a real meeting room by our team from the Tonstudio, so conferences with digitally present participants is possible.
Participating in these council meetings, which take place regarding all necessary measures, is still obligatory for all members of the University.
Best regards
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president, April 30, 2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
”Expect the unexpected” – we all agree that artists do well to have this motto in mind. When the unexpected (like this pandemic) knocks at the door, philosophy is still valuable, but pragmatic and rational actions take the lead.
I am very grateful to all the members of the emergency council and the volunteers who help wherever they can. Grateful for their commitment, for their quick actions. Our university has swiftly accommodated itself to this unusual situation.
We will be able to pass this test, if we all keep these things in mind:
First of all; the common sense, the obligation to hygienic discipline and regard for all other humans surrounding us.
Then our own personal goals, in second place. Unfortunately, fulfilling all wishes to one hundred percent will not be possible for the moment.
Next Monday, we can start our Summer Term by following these steps:
1. Individual musical lessons
We start our Summer Term in these unusual corona times with the individual musical lessons. The one-to-one situation from teacher to student can be facilitated under strict hygienic and safety rules in these buildings: Fürstenhaus, Hochschulzentrum am Horn, Palais and the Beethovenhaus/Studiotheater Belvedere.
To enable a fair distribution of the rooms, we decided to allocate all institutes a fixed number of rooms and ask them to make a planning of the individual lessons and practice times. The remaining time will be given to students of keyboard and percussion instruments, who can’t practice at home.
2. Hygiene and security precautions
All our buildings remain closed for the general public. They can only be entered by people who are pre-registered on the admittance lists. Carrying a mask which covers mouth and nose is obligatory in the hallways. This obligation starts when entering the building.
In the entrance areas, on all floors as well as in all bathrooms, there will be a disinfectant available for everyone. There will be teams composed of students and university personnel to surveil the compliance of these rules.
During the individual classes, the minimum distance of 2,5 meter between student and teacher must be respected at all times. For wind players and singers, we are providing our biggest rooms to ensure a minimum distance of 4 meter. Students and teachers who are part of a risk group should be particularly protected. A doctor’s certificate will liberate these persons from live classes.
All people who have access to the buildings can use the copying machines in the hallways, always whilst respecting distancing rules. A disinfection of these devices is currently not possible, so it is advised to thoroughly wash your hands after usage.
3. Entrance exams
The emergency council has decided that all entrance examinations to the Winter Term, which were due to take place in the beginning of June, will be held digitally in July or postponed to live auditions in September.
Entrance exams for Konzertexamen will be postponed to January 2021, because of their complicated planning.
All details concerning the entrance exams will be decided upon in the emergency council’s meeting on Monday, May 4th.
4. Digital classes
Students should be able to attend classes and take exams beyond the individual classes using the digital platforms. The university has committed itself to flexibility and will try to interpret the current rules to the best interest of the students. Generally, a long-term obligation for real-time communication should be avoided in the digital classes.
5. Exams and exam concerts
Organizing exams is not forbidden, but it can’t be generally allowed either. Some exams, but not all, are allowed to take place. The possibility of digital and/or online exams is currently being analyzed.
Until August 31st, all concerts and other events are canceled. However, the university is searching for possibilities to organize necessary exam concerts in a reduced form, without an audience. Under what circumstances this will be, is still to be decided.
6. Internal councils
The regular meetings of the internal councils (senate, faculty councils, etc…) will be resumed. The dates will be coordinated with the event management office, because they have to be organized in spacious rooms.
Best regards, stay healthy,
Christoph Stölzl
Letter of the president, April 24, 2020
Dear Students and Colleagues,
to characterize what you and all of us, indeed the entire University has experienced during the past few weeks as a “challenge”, would be a very mild description. It was also an “imposition” put upon us by destiny. It has forced us to mobilize all of our courage.
Answers must be found to questions that we wouldn’t have dreamed of asking three months ago – how long ago that seems now!
The situation changes almost daily and will continue to change. I heartily thank the entire “Franz-Liszt-Community”, the administration, the teachers and the students, including all of their families, for their ingenuity, their patience, their perseverance and their unshakeable optimism.
We have now arrived at a turning point. We want to begin the summer semester not only using media learning tools, but also by tapping the core of our pedagogical mission, namely personal teaching.
Once again music will sound throughout the buildings of the HfM – we have all been longing for that more with every passing day! And in order to ensure the success of this decisive step, we must all commit ourselves to the strictist discipline.
Please take time to carefully read the guidelines and regulations that have been meticulously worked out by the crisis committee, the administration and the faculty administrators.
The basic rule behind it all is: Health first! Our summer semester can only be successful if each of us adopt this principle as our personal goal and work on it with each other on a daily basis.
We will be informing you by email every week about the newest developments and decisions.
In order to plan the summer semester under the current circumstances, the crisis committee met with the deans and vice deans last Monday (20.04.2020). Their results are becoming more and more concrete.
1. First Steps
We are aware of the huge demand for practice rooms. Beginning on Monday, 27 April 2020, practicing space will be made available for keyboard and percussion instruments at the Fürstenhaus and the Hochschulzentrum am Horn on a limited basis under strict observation of the hygiene requirements.
Students and teachers will receive individual instructions with details. We are currently working on opening practice rooms to additional groups of students.
2. Semester Structure
The teaching and examination period for the summer semester has been defined as the period from 4 May 2020 until 31 July 2020. Forfeited lessons and pending examinations from the winter semester can be made up until the end of the summer semester on 30 September 2020.
Students who are not able to travel to Weimar by 4 May 2020, should contact their teachers and reach out to the ASA.
In accordance with the national and state decisions taken towards loosening restrictions, it is now possible for us to resume artistic private lessons as long as the regulations in regard to security and hygiene are observed.
The entire university derives its existence from the combination of personal teaching and self-study. We all agree that artistic lessons in particular cannot be replaced by digital formats.
To that end, artistic private lessons will be resumed step-by-step beginning on 4 May 2020, under observation of the strict regulations on the basis of our securiy and hygiene policy.
Apart from artistic private lessons (1:1), no other personal lessons are permitted at this time. As soon as lessons can take place in small groups (seminars, lectures, etc.), we will let you know as soon as possible.
Even though private lessons may resume, that does not mean that the university buildings will be officially opened in general.
Lessons must be registered in advance including the names of the teacher and the students, and will take place under observation of the required security distances and hygiene measures according to the specific characteristics of the subject being taught.
Initially, these rooms will be assigned centrally. We will let you know more details about how the teaching will be organized for the individual buildings and study areas by the beginning of next week at the latest.
There are special protection measures for teachers and students who belong to a risk-group, or who live in a household with especially vulnerable persons.
In these cases, there is to be no personal private teaching. These individuals should give or receive digital lessons as appropriate. The same principle applies here: The teaching offering is to be guaranteed, in the case of exceptions in digital form.
Many other courses are being offered in various digital formats. Please inform yourself about them beginning on 29 April 2020 using the new study program here.
3. Accommodating arrangements
Unfortunately, the teaching program for summer semester 2020 cannot be offered on the normal scale. We endeavor to keep the students’ disadvantages to a minimum. For that reason, the following regulations apply to summer semester 2020:
After the conclusion of the summer semester 2020, students can choose between two options:
- If they are satisfied with their completion of the study program, they may count it is a regular semester.
- If they are NOT satisfied with their completion of the study program, then they may apply to have the semester NOT included in their regular study period (Regelstudienzeit).
In addition, applications to take the semester off may be submitted until 11 May 2020, even though students may have already registered to return for this semester.
This means that if credits were earned during the semester, they remain valid. At the same time, students are entitled to attend lessons and courses for an additional semester.
This allows the greatest possible flexibility: adding credits is possible, but not mandatory. The application to do so can be submitted at the end of summer semester 2020 at the earliest, and before the end of the regular study period (Regelstudienzeit) at the latest. The development of the application form is in progress.
4. Hygiene and Infection Protection
We have developed an extensive securiy and hygiene policy for the university and the teaching and practicing activities in particular. Details for each subject area will be sent separately at the beginning of next week.
5. Alternative (Digital) Teaching Formats
The university supports the establishment and use of digital learning formats by furnishing the learning platform moodle as well as the video conference service Cisco WebEx and DFNconf.
The Vice President for Study and Teaching informed the teaching staff in detail about this in her letter of 21 April 2020, and has furnished instructions for installation and use, and named contacts for support. The university administration is aware that all of these platforms are only able to provide limited satisfaction of the demands of excellent education.
However, we hope you understand that we are not able to support more tools because of the technical equipment available, personnel capacities, and also due to data protection safeguards. Nevertheless, we will constantly be looking for further opportunities to augment these resources in this rapidly developing sector.
Because of diverse security issues and the lack of a contractual basis, you should not use external programs (Skype, Zoom, etc.) - which by no means are able to replace personal lessons, but can only supplement them, at most - for your online communication with students.
In particular, you should be aware that the problems and risks associated with the collaboration with these providers cannot be assumed by the university.
Should you elect to use these tools for your teaching activity as an exception, then only if it is documented with the express written approval of your students – for your own protection.
6. Committee Meetings
Committee meetings are not prohibited by the currently effective Thuringian SARS-CoV-2-Eindämmungsmaßnahmenverordnung (Containment Measures Act) of 20 April 2020.
If necessary, meetings are to be held in accordance with distance regulations and under observation of the required room size. More detailed information will be separately distributed.
However, it is recommended to hold such meetings without physical contact between participants (by video- or telephone-conference). In order to ensure the continued operation of the university, Senate meetings are to take place as planned. To satisfy the necessary distancing regulations, the meetings will take place in the Festsaal Fürstenhaus.
7. Entrance Exams
The deans and vice deans have discussed the question of whether it will be possible to hold entrance exams for the winter semester 2020/21. It was not yet decided whether to do so or, if so, in what form and when they would take place.
8. Concerts and Events
All events with large ensembles (orchestra, choir, music theater, early music, big band, etc.) are cancelled for the entire summer semester. Also, concerts in small instrumentations (solo or chamber music concerts) have been cancelled until further notice.
With warm regards,
Yours sincerely,
Christoph Stölzl
→ Information in German on the official video platforms supported by the HfM (PDF)
Letter to the students, April 24, 2020
Dear students,
even though there still are a lot of restrictions in public life, we can soon start with some parts of our study program for the summer term. In this email you will find further information.
The classes and tuition will begin on Monday, May 4th, and will end on Friday, July 31st. There are important regulations to be observed.
- Only individual classes for performance studies (2 persons in 1 room maximum) will start as live classes. There will be rules about infection prevention, which will be communicated in due time. Besides the individual tuition, there will be no live classes until further notice. As soon as group tuition will be permitted you will be informed on time.
- IMPORTANT: If you are not able to travel to Weimar, please contact your teacher. The missing classes will be postponed and done later. Please note: The German government hass et out strict immigration regulation. In particular it is necessary to be in quarantine at home for two weeks when you come from abroad.
- Even though individual classes will take place the school buidings will not be opened generally! Classes must be registered and will take place according to a allocation plan. You will get further information about the organisation of the classes by the beginning of next week.
- Occasions for practicing will be organized for selected instruments beginning with Monday, April 27th. You will get further information by the end of this week.
- IMPORTANT: If you are not able to travel to Weimar, please contact your teacher. The missing classes will be postponed and done later. Please note: The German government hass et out strict immigration regulation. In particular it is necessary to be in quarantine at home for two weeks when you come from abroad.
- Many classes for which a digital conversion is thought to be useful and practical, will be offered online.
- From Wednesday April 29th, the courses catalog ("Vorlesungsverzeichnis") will include information on planning, timing and inscription.
- For the digital classes, the university has bought the platform Cisco Webex. If a class takes places digitally, you will receive an attendance link of the teacher after application. Only with Cisco Webex the observance of data protection rules can be guaranteed.
Please note: the using of moodle is possible only with your HfM-emailing account.
- From Wednesday April 29th, the courses catalog ("Vorlesungsverzeichnis") will include information on planning, timing and inscription.
As we are not able to provide the full program of the summer term 2020, you will not be able to attend all planned classes. We will try everything to minimize the negative effects on your study planning. In order that the summer term 2020 would not be a lost semester for you, the university has taken the following decisions:
- After the summer term, you can decide:
- If you could follow all desired classes in a way that is satisfying for you, the semester will count as usual
- If you could NOT fulfill your study program in a way that was satisfying for you, you can apply for the procedure which doesn't count this semester as a regular semester (Regelstudienzeit). This means: all gathered Credits will be counted, entitlement to classes will be prolonged for one semester. You can apply for this special regulation after the summer term and this has to be done before the end of standard period of study. We are currently developing a special application form.
- If you could follow all desired classes in a way that is satisfying for you, the semester will count as usual
- Even if you already re-registered yourself for the summer term ("Rückmeldung"), you can apply for a vacancy semester ("Urlaubsemester") until Monday, May 11th 2020. For this purpose, please use the customary form.
With this solution, we believe to provide you with the greatest possible flexibility: You can count this semester as usual, but it is not obligatory.
In case of questions, please contact your teacher or studium(at)hfm-weimar.de.
We are looking forward to seeing you, have a safe trip to Weimar, maybe only virtually, and stay healthy!
Best regards,
Dr. Jens Ewen
Head of Academic and Student Affairs
Letter to the students, March 27, 2020
Dear fellow students,
in these days – amongst many other things – you may be asking yourself under which circumstances your studies will continue in the summer semester. Today we would like to inform you about our present considerations regarding the summer term 2020.
In the current situation we assume that we will not have a usual summer semester this year. However you can expect that your teachers will support you in the best way possible. We are all called to be as flexible as possible in organizing the semester and the rest the year.
Today’s status is as follows: As teaching in the summer semester will start on May, 4th 2020, it is highly probable that it will not end on July, 10th 2020 as originally planned. It is possible that the teaching will start even later and it may go on untill September 2020. We can assure you that on the basis of our regulations you will not have any disadvantages from this situation concerning the credits of your academic results.
Digital learning will play a stronger role in our teaching in the future. We are working hard to provide the technical support needed – and our teachers will support your self-studies as good as they possibly can. Especially in the field of higher music education it won’t be possible to replace face to face teaching in a digital way. Nevertheless we take the current situation as a chance to experiment with digital formats of teaching and learning.
Please rest assured: We will try our best to support you in this challenging time, all your questions will be answered as good and as fast as we can.
Stay safe and optimistic!
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
President
Brief an die Lehrenden (23.03.2020)
Liebe Kolleginnen and Kollegen,
die Auswirkungen der Corona-Pandemie werden uns noch lange beschäftigen. Hochschulleitung und Krisenstab arbeiten kontinuierlich daran, Lösungen für alle Bereiche unserer Hochschule zu finden. Auch erreichen uns von Ihnen verständlicherweise Fragen, wie wir unsere Studierenden in den nächsten Wochen bestmöglich betreuen und begleiten können. Dies bewegt die Hochschulleitung ebenso wie Sie. Durch unsere regelmäßigen Nachrichten möchten wir so eng wie möglich mit Ihnen in Kontakt bleiben and hiermit nochmals einige wichtige Punkte aufgreifen.
Verschobene Vorlesungszeit
Noch gehen wir von einem Start der Vorlesungszeit des Sommersemesters 2020 am 4. Mai 2020 aus. Zuverlässige Aussagen über das Ende der Vorlesungszeit können wir heute noch nicht treffen. Wir wissen, dass uns ein verschobener Semesterstart vor große Herausforderungen stellen wird. Aber wir Sind uns sicher, wir werden Lösungen finden, um den Lehrbetrieb organisatorisch and inhaltlich dann in geeigneter Weise abzusichern. Hierbei denken wir auch und insbesondere an unsere Lehrbeauftragten, die diese Situation auch finanziell hart trifft. Die Hochschule prüft
derzeit alle Möglichkeiten der Unterstützung. Bitte haben Sie aber Verständnis dafür, dass zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch keine belastbaren Aussagen möglich sind.
Gremienarbeit
Zu unser aller Schutz haben Hochschulleitung und Krisenstab entschieden, alle Gremiensitzungen, laufende oder geplante Berufungsverfahren bis auf Weiteres auszusetzen.
Begleitung and Unterstützung der Studierenden
Besonders wichtig erscheint uns derzeit, dass wir alle engen Kontakt zu unseren Studierenden halten, sie unterstützen und ein Ohr für ihre Fragen and Sorgen in Bezug auf ihr weiteres Studium haben. Für fachliche Belange sind Sie die ersten and besten Ansprechpartner*innen, denn Sie können am besten abschätzen, wie man „am Ball" bleiben kann, auch wenn keine Lehre stattfindet und die Hochschuleinrichtungen geschlossen sind. Durch Übehinweise, Literaturempfehlungen und fachlichen Austausch sollten Sie Ihre Schüler*innen und Studierenden durch diese schwere Zeit begleiten. Deshalb nochmals ausdrücklich der Aufruf: Nehmen Sie Kontakt auf, geben Sie „Hausaufgaben" auf, tauschen Sie sich aus, experimentieren Sie mit Online-Formaten und begleiten Sie Ihre Studierenden damit so gut es geht aus der Ferne. Nur auf diese solidarische Weise schaffen wir es, die Studierenden jenseits des zur Zeit nicht möglichen, regulären Semesterbetriebs zu unterstützen!
Alternative Lehrformate
Viele von Ihnen machen sich jetzt verstärkt Gedanken über die Nutzung innovativer Lehrformate aus dem Bereich der digitalen Lehre. Die Hochschulleitung begrüßt das ganz ausdrücklich. Es kann ein guter, in die Zukunft weisender Nebeneffekt sein, wenn wir aufgrund der aktuellen Krisensituation die Chance nutzen, auf diesem Gebiet zu experimentieren und unsere Angebote weiterzuentwickeln.
Zur Frage einer Umstellung auf digitalen Lehrbetrieb lässt sich jedoch Folgendes sagen: Unsere Hochschule lebt in allen ihren Bereichen von der Präsenzlehre in Kombination mit dem Selbststudium. Derzeit sind wir noch nicht so ausgestattet, um selbst geeignete Lehrveranstaltungsformen digital anbieten zu können, und sei es auch nur für kurze Zeit. Die Hochschule arbeitet aktuell intensiv an Lösungen und an der Bereitstellung von Informationen speziell zur Lernplattform Moodle. Bitte melden Sie sich, wenn Sie die Möglichkeiten von Moodle nutzen möchten oder anderweitig technische Unterstützung wünschen. Wir werden Sie nach Kräften unterstützen.
Unsere Hochschule soll nicht verstummen!
Die Hochschulleitung möchte noch einen Wunsch an Sie, verehrte Kolleginnen and Kollegen, herantragen. Für unseren Facebook-Kanal wünschen wir uns kurze Musikvideos, die in diesen Tagen spontan zu Hause entstehen könnten oder vielleicht schon entstanden sind. Sicher haben einige von Ihnen unseren Aufruf auf Facebook schon gesehen. Wir würden uns freuen, wenn Sie uns Ihre Videos zur Verfügung stellen würden - so kann die Musik auch weiterhin Menschen verbinden. Bitte beachten Sie dabei die Rechtefrage: Wir können unkompliziert und spontan nur Werke von Komponist*innen, die länger als 70 Jahre tot sind, rechtefrei ins Netz stellen, sowie gerne auch eigene Kompositionen, für die Sie uns die Rechte überlassen würden. Die Videoaufnahmen senden Sie bitte an: online(at)hfm-weimar.de.
Seien Sie versichert, dass Präsidium und Krisenstab mit allen Bereichen der Hochschule in enger Abstimmung sind und beständig an weiterer Unterstützung und guten Regelungen arbeiten. Bitte informieren Sie sich regelmäßig über neue Nachrichten auf unserer Homepage bzw. die Ihnen per Mail zugehen.
Seien Sie herzlich gegrüßt, schützen Sie sich and andere and bleiben Sie gesund!
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stolzl
Präsident
Brief an die Lehrbeauftragten (16.03.2020)
Sehr geehrte Lehrbeauftragte,
Sie haben sicherlich von der Verschiebung unseres Semesterbeginnes gehört, die der Ausbreitung der Corona-Pandemie geschuldet ist. Alle Thüringer Hochschulen sollen voraussichtlich am 4. Mai 2020
wieder geöffnet werden.
Uns ist bewusst, dass dieser rigorose Einschnitt in den Hochschulkalender besonders in Ihr Leben tief eingreift. Bitte seien Sie gewiss, dass wir bei all unseren Überlegungen auch das Schicksal der Lehrbeauftragten im Blick haben. Sie sollen so schnell wie möglich sichere Planungsgrundlagen erhalten.
Unser Ziel ist, dafür zu sorgen, dass bis zum Beginn des Wintersemesters die für das SoSe 2020 vorgesehenen SWS in vollem Umfang realisiert werden können.
Die ganz besondere historische Situation erfordert von uns allen (von Lehrenden und Studierenden) größte Flexibilität. Wenn wir solidarisch handeln, sollten alle diese Probleme lösbar sein.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Ihr
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
Präsident
Rundbrief an Studierende und Mitarbeiter*innen (13.03.2020)
Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
liebe Studierende,
die Thüringer Hochschulen haben gemeinsam den schwerwiegenden Entschluss gefasst, die Hochschulen des Freistaats bis zum 4. Mai 2020 zu schließen.
Der Grund dafür ist:
Deutschland steht vor der Riesenaufgabe, durch eine radikale Veränderung unseres Alltags die täglich schneller werdende Ausbreitung der Coronavirus-Pandemie zu stoppen. Sie ist eine tödliche Bedrohung für uns alle, vor allem aber für die Risikogruppe der Alten, Kranken und Schwachen.
„Sie müssen wir schützen“, hat Bundespräsident Steinmeier in klaren Worten gesagt: „Ihnen müssen wir unsere Solidarität zeigen. Das ist die Aufgabe der Stunde. Das ist die Probe für unseren gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt. Jeder Einzelne muss sich jetzt fragen: Was kann ich tun, um die Ausbreitung zu verlangsamen? Unsere Selbstbeschränkung heute wird morgen Leben retten.“
Die Schließung unserer Hochschule greift bis zum 4. Mai 2020 tief in unser Hochschulleben ein. Sie verändert unser aller Berufs- und Studienleben.
Sie fordert von jedem und jeder von uns Verzicht auf selbstverständliche Gewohnheiten. Jetzt ist der Moment, wo unsere Hingabe an die gemeinsame Aufgabe, wo Flexibilität und tagtägliches Engagement gefragt sind.
Ich bin sicher, dass wir gemeinsam diese Herausforderung meistern werden.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Christoph Stölzl
Präsident