Popakademie renames major field of study

“By renaming it Percussion, we want to reflect the range of different percussion traditions taught at the Popakademie. In Joannie Labelle and Murat Coşkun, we have two highly qualified lecturers who are not only experts in various global percussion traditions, but can also combine these with electronic playing techniques,” says Prof. Dr. David-Emil Wickström, program director for Pop Music Design B.A. and Global Music B.A.

"Students can now study a wider range of percussion instruments, both in their traditional use and in the context of pop music. I look forward to sharing my knowledge of Latin American percussion and complementing Murat's offering on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean percussion," said Joannie Labelle, percussion lecturer in the Global Music B.A. program.

"We will offer an even broader spectrum in the future: in addition to the focus on Middle Eastern/Mediterranean percussion, we will add South America. I am very pleased that the students will benefit even more from Joannie than before!" said Murat Coşkun, lecturer and artistic/technical advisor and project supervisor for the Percussion major in the Global Music B.A. program.

The artistic idea, its implementation, and credibility are at the heart of the Global Music B.A. program. It is aimed at creative and talented instrumentalists, composers, ensemble leaders, and instrumental teachers. All areas of global music are covered in the accredited Global Music program: classical and traditional music, but also new connections with fusion, jazz, popular music, Western art music, etc.

The application phase begins with the Popakademie information day on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Starting at 1 p.m. on that day, there will be lectures and information about studying at the Popakademie, as well as academic advising from staff, faculty, and students. In addition, the information day offers insights into the Popakademie's project and competence areas.