The mdw’s worldwide renown is owed especially to its longstanding tradition and expertise in the training of highly talented classical music performers. But beginning in the winter semester of 2026/27, our institution will be expanding its broad range of degree programmes by a first-ever two-year Master of Arts in Popular Music Performance.

This past summer semester, ipop – Department of Popular Music head Ralf von Appen taught a first-ever mdw seminar focused on the American singer Taylor Swift. Von Appen subjected Swift to close academic scrutiny together with academic assistant Mira Perusich and 23 students.

Nach der Gründung des österreichischen Forschungsnetzwerks PopNet Austria fand von 1. bis 3. Dezember 2016 erneut eine Tagung zur Popularmusikforschung in Österreich statt.

The leading team of ipop explains what would be missing from Austria’s musical landscape without the department.