Focus on excellence
Inaugural visit by Minister of Education and Science Christian Tischner to the Music University
On Wednesday, 4 June, the FRANZ LISZT University of Music in Weimar presented its special features and unique selling points, from individual artistic lessons to elementary music education, to its "employer". During his inaugural visit, Christian Tischner, Thuringia's Minister of Education, Science and Culture, gained a comprehensive picture of the Weimar model with its artistic practice, pedagogy and science.
Accompanied by the university management, Christian Tischner was first welcomed in the Senate Hall of the Fürstenhaus, where he was given an explanation of the special focus on practical piano playing in teacher training. In the Festsaal Fürstenhaus, Prof. Gero Schmidt-Oberländer gave a vivid introduction.
The delegation then moved to the University Centre on the Horn, where Minister Tischner gained insights into lessons in elementary music education, conducting and opera répétiteur studies, trombone, jazz and musicology. The field of music research was illustrated by Professor of Transcultural Music Studies Dr Matthias Lewy, who used non-European instruments, among other things.
‘The University of Music, Franz Liszt Weimar is a jewel in Thuringia's university and cultural landscape – a place of academic excellence, artistic achievement and international appeal,’ said Minister Christian Tischner at the end of his visit.
‘It not only attracts outstanding young musicians from all over the world, but also conveys values such as cultural participation, openness and democratic coexistence. As the Ministry of Science, we will continue to provide targeted support for the university's development – as a strong academic institution and as a driving force for musical life throughout Thuringia.’
‘I am delighted that Minister Tischner has come to see for himself the research and teaching at the University of Music,’ said the President of the Weimar Music University, Prof. Anne-Kathrin Lindig. ‘We see this detailed visit and the openness shown to us as an expression of the special appreciation for the only music university in the Free State.’
[4 June 2025]