tonebase Music Festival: Münster

tonebase Music Festival: Münster

September 15th 2025
 - 
September 19th, 2025
Full Session: 
September 15th 2025
 - 
September 26th, 2025
Session 1: 
September 15th 2025
 - 
September 19th, 2025
Session 2: 
September 22nd, 2025
 - 
September 26th, 2025

Announcing the tonebase Music Festival Münster/Germany!

Refine your technique, artistry, and performance skills at the tonebase Music Festival Münster, an immersive, multi-instrumental program hosted at the Münster University of Music in Münster/Gemany. This intensive offers a transformative opportunity to learn from world-class musicians, engage in private lessons and masterclasses, and connect with a community of passionate artists in a state-of-the-art musical environment.

We are offering instruction for the following instruments:

Piano / Violin / Viola / Cello

Complementary Chamber Music Track

We are excited to offer a Complimentary Chamber Music Track.

Whether you’re attending solo and would like to be matched with like-minded musicians in a duo, trio, or quartet, or you’re coming with a pre-formed group, this track provides a unique opportunity to explore chamber music.

Along with performance opportunities throughout the festival, each session our world-class artists will offer one chamber music coaching per ensemble.

Why Attend?

World-Class Instruction

Learn from renowned tonebase artists and faculty through private lessons, masterclasses, and interactive workshops designed to refine your technique and deepen your musical expression.

An Inspiring Musical Environment

Immerse yourself in one of the historical centers of Germany in the heart of Europe. The University of Music Münster grants us access to their entire facilities with practice rooms, recital and concert halls, with the historical city center of Münster in front of its doorsteps.

Holistic Musicianship Development

Expand your knowledge beyond the instrument with special presentations on performance psychology, interpretation, and composition, tailored to help musicians of all levels unlock their full potential.

Vibrant Community of Artists

Connect with fellow musicians, collaborate in ensemble sessions, and engage in discussions on music, culture, and artistic identity within a supportive and inspiring community.

A Transformative Musical Experience

The tonebase Music Festival Münster is more than just an educational program—it’s an opportunity to hone your craft, challenge your artistry, and gain invaluable mentorship in one of the country’s historical centers in the heart of Europe. This program is for everyone! We welcome all ages and levels. Whether you're an aspiring professional, dedicated amateur, or lifelong learner, this intensive provides the tools, inspiration, and network to take your playing to the next level.

Your Experience Includes:

  • Daily private lessons and masterclasses – One-on-one lessons with an "open door policy" for observation, and masterclasses from a variety of musicians.
  • Special presentations and workshops – Covering topics such as interpretation, technique, performance psychology, and more.
  • Exclusive access to practice spaces – Dedicated daily practice rooms to support your learning and progress.
  • Engaging faculty interactions – Roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to connect with leading musicians.
  • Explore the heart of Münster – Take advantage of Münster's vibrant historic city, from lavish parks to museums, authentic restaurants, and cultural experiences.

Join Us at Münster for an Unforgettable Musical Journey

This intensive is designed for musicians looking to refine their artistry, challenge themselves, and build connections in a world-class setting. Whether you’re attending as an individual or with a group, you’ll leave inspired, enriched, and equipped with new insights to elevate your playing.

Secure Your Spot
Location
Musikhochschule Münster – Ludgeripl. 1, 48151 Münster, Germany
Date & time
Full Session:
September 15th 2025
 - 
September 26th, 2025
Session 1:
September 15th 2025
 - 
September 19th, 2025
Session 2:
September 22nd, 2025
 - 
September 26th, 2025

Meet Your Instructors

Dominic Cheli (Session 1 + 2)
Dominic Cheli (Session 1 + 2)

Dominic Cheli, an “inspired keyboardist” (ArtsFuse), has performed at Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and major festivals. Head of Tonebase Piano, he champions accessible music education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Christian Kim
Christian Kim

Violinist Christian Kim has performed worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician, winning top international prizes. He leads Violin & Viola content at Tonebase and teaches at Münster University of Music.

Filip Pogady
Filip Pogady

Violinist Filip Pogády, praised for his virtuosity, has performed at top venues worldwide. A Manhattan School of Music graduate and protege of Pinchas Zukerman, he debuted at 11 and is currently based in New York City.

Heribert Koch
Heribert Koch

Prof. Heribert Koch is an internationally acclaimed pianist, lecturer, adjudicator, and pedagogue. A former President of the European Piano Teachers Society, he teaches piano at Musikhochschule Münster.

Peter von Wienhardt
Peter von Wienhardt

Peter von Wienhardtis an award-winning pianist with a vast international career. Since 2006, he has been a professor of piano and crossover in Münster and serves as artistic director of the Aaseerenaden Münster.

Koh Gabriel Kameda
Koh Gabriel Kameda

Koh Gabriel Kameda, is a globally acclaimed violinist and professor. He performs with top orchestras, successfully mentors competition winners, and plays the 1727 Stradivari “Holroyd.”

Elly Suh
Elly Suh

Elly Suh, praised as “a sensitive and absorbing interpreter” (Musical America), established herself as a leading violinist of her generation. She performs globally, redefining classical boundaries with innovative projects.

Sumina Studer
Sumina Studer

Award-winning violinist and entrepreneur Sumina Studer, Juilliard alum and founder of ANIMUS, a social media agency specialized in classical musicians, captivates global audiences both live and on social media, bridging classical music with millennial culture.

Elizabeth Fürniss
Elizabeth Fürniss

Elisabeth Furniss, a Düsseldorf-born cellist and educator, studied under Gabor Rejto and William Pleeth. A former Münster Symphony Orchestra principal, she now teaches at Musikhochschule Münster, pioneering music psychology and youth programs.

Lea Birringer
Lea Birringer

Lea Birringer, praised for her “verve, passion, and full-blooded commitment” (Gramophone), is a leading violinist and professor. A soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist, she has performed worldwide and collaborated with top orchestras.

Eszter Haffner
Eszter Haffner

Over the last 25 years, Eszter Haffner has captivated audiences worldwide with her superb musicianship. She is a Professor of Violin at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, and the Royal Academy of Music Copenhagen, Denmark.

Benedict Klöckner
Benedict Klöckner

Benedict Kloeckner, is an acclaimed German cellist known for his expressive artistry and technical brilliance. He performs globally with renowned orchestras and serves as the artistic director of the International Music Festival Koblenz.

Florian Leonhard
Florian Leonhard

Florian Leonhard is a world-renowned luthier and leading expert of fine string instruments. His London-based atelier restores, authenticates the finest string instruments, serving top musicians, collectors, and institutions globally.

Dorran Alibaud
Dorran Alibaud

Dorran Alibaud, a French cellist, has led major orchestras as principal cellist and toured globally with elite ensembles. A Deutsche Grammophon artist, he studied under Jean-Guihen Queyras and now directs Norway’s Dirigentløftet program.

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Main Event Activities

Learn about the activities that will be taking place.

A World-Class Learning Experience at Münster

The tonebase Music Festival Münster is centered around private lessons and masterclasses, designed to refine your technique, artistry, and performance skills. Participants will work closely with renowned tonebase artists and master teachers, receiving personalized guidance while also having the unique opportunity to observe others' lessons, fostering an immersive and collaborative learning environment.

Masterclasses and Clinics with Renowned Artists

Participants have the opportunity to sign up to perform in masterclasses and specialized clinics led by some of the world’s most distinguished musicians. Each session offers a variety of instrument-specific, chamber music and all-instrument workshops.

This festival provides unparalleled opportunities to grow as a musician through hands-on mentorship, world-class instruction, and a dynamic learning experience at the University of Music Münster.

The One-on-One Lesson Experience

  • Two Private Lessons Per Session – Each participant receives two personalized private lessons tailored to their artistic and technical growth.
  • One Chamber Music Lesson per Session
  • Faculty Selection – Participants can select their preferred faculty for private lessons.
  • Priority Placement – Participants who enroll with the Premium Pass receive priority in faculty selection and scheduling.

Open-Door Policy: Learn from Every Lesson

All private lessons follow an open-door policy, allowing participants to observe any session. This immersive approach fosters a collaborative and inspiring learning environment, where musicians can gain valuable insights from different teaching styles, techniques, and interpretations—not just for their instrument, but across disciplines. Watching a variety of lessons helps deepen musical understanding, offering new perspectives on phrasing, technique, and artistry.

1st International tonebase Violin Competition

The tonebase Music Festival Münster will host the live Finale of the inaugural International tonebase Violin Competition on the 19th of September!

Two Divisions

  • up to 17 years old
  • 18 and older

Online Preliminaries

Final Round on the 19th of September

  • live at tonebase Music Festival Münster

Fully transparent judging process

  • each committee member's scores will be made public
  • committee members are not allowed to score their own students/affiliates

Stay tuned for more exciting news and the official announcement of the 1st International tonebase Violin Competition!

Schedule of Events

What does a day at the event look like?

8am -1pm: Lessons and Practice

Mornings are dedicated to private lessons and individual practice, allowing participants to refine their repertoire with guidance from faculty.

1pm - 3pm: Lunch Break

Time to enjoy some of the local restaurants and cafés in the historic city center of Münster, only steps away from the University of Music!

3pm - 5pm: Spotlight Event (masterclasses, presentations, discussions)

A rotating session featuring masterclasses, faculty presentations, and engaging discussions on interpretation, technique, and performance insights.

5pm - 7pm: Lessons, Practice, and Studio Classes

Additional lessons and practice time, alongside studio classes where participants can share performances and receive feedback in a supportive group setting.

Ready to invest in your passion?

First 20 signups get 10% off with our early-bird pricing! Click below to get started:

register NOW

Join us for a week of learning and enrichment.

We look forward to hosting you!
Secure Your Spot
Frequently Asked Questions