In 2025, the Rectors' Conference of the German Universities of Music in the HRK (RKM) decided to conduct a cross-university study on manifestations of abuse of power at German universities of music. This study is now being carried out by the external and independent Institute for Practical Research and Project Consultancy Munich (IPP) at the 22 participating universities of music. The study is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

The study consists of a nationwide anonymous online survey of all students and teachers at the 22 participating conservatoires (including the HfM Würzburg) as well as qualitative case studies at four selected conservatoires. The results of the study are expected to be published by the RKM in spring 2027.

Online survey for students and teachers

The anonymous online survey will take place from 4 to 31 May 2026 as part of this nationwide study. All students and teachers at the HfM Würzburg are also invited to take part.

Students and teachers will receive a link to the questionnaire and a TAN for access from the HfM Würzburg on 4 May. The e-mail will be sent to the individual HfM mailboxes. Participation in the online survey is voluntary. Participation or non-participation has no disadvantages.

The survey is also completely anonymous. It is guaranteed that neither the IPP Munich nor the HfM Würzburg can link individuals and their answers. It is not possible to draw conclusions about specific individuals. The university does not receive any information about who has taken part.

The HfM Würzburg only processes e-mail addresses to send the invitation and the access code and to remind participants of their participation.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study is to gain the first comprehensive and reliable findings on the extent and manifestations of abuse of power at German conservatoires. It also aims to analyse the structural characteristics of conservatoires and examine the effectiveness of existing preventative and sanctioning measures at conservatoires.
On the one hand, qualitative findings are to be obtained, differentiated according to subject areas and university-specific characteristics. Furthermore, structural characteristics of teaching formats, such as individual artistic lessons or small group lessons, will be analysed with regard to possible risks and protective factors. Finally, the effectiveness of existing preventive and sanctioning measures at the university will be examined - also in the context of the recommendations for action on dealing with abuse of power at music universities adopted by the Rectors' Conference of German Music Universities (RKM) in May 2024.