The Protestant Pop Academy was founded by the Creative Church Foundation, the Protestant Church of Westphalia and the Protestant Church District of Hattingen-Witten. Since 2015, together with the University of Church Music, young talents have been able to study Popular Church Music Popular (BA/MA) in the university town of Witten an der Ruhr, a programme which is unique in Germany.

The academy adds both to the university landscape and to the independent scene in the Westphalian Ruhr region. It has a secure supporting structure and presents a range of music that is both education-related and production-related.

Its tasks include the nationwide promotion and strengthening of church/community popular music. The repertoire ranges from jazz to rock, pop and worship to gospel.

The Educational focus is on:

  • University studies (BA/MA)
  • Offers for honorary, part-time and full-time church musicians
  • Musik in children’s day care centres
  • Music education in social institutions (community music education)
  • International church music

The Hans Thomann Foundation supported the academy’s founding and has since then continued to support the operation of the Protestant Pop Academy by contributing donations to the equipment and by funding two scholarships which directly benefit students. This is how to get new sound into the church!

Information at: www.ev-pop.de