Raphael Amend leaves Bergische Musikschule - a new way in Bonn

Raphael Amend becomes the federal manager at the Association of German Music Schools

Raphael Amend, who has been head of the Bergische Musikschule since 2017, will take over the position of the Federal Managing Director at the Association of German Music Schools in Bonn on September 1, 2023. With this step he changes to a new, challenging role, but remains true to the topic of music school.

Amend, who grew up in Wuppertal and received his instrumental lessons there, has a long career in music education. After his diploma at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, he began, initially as a fee, before he was firmly employed in 2012 as a coordinator for school cooperation. In this position, he was instrumental in the expansion of the Jekit project, which enables children to learn instruments and to take part in cultural activities. His extensive experience and commitment to the music agency shaped his career at the Bergisches Musikschule.

In his new role in the Association of German Music Schools, Amend will continue to stand up for the development goals of musical education. He has already made significant contributions in North Rhine-Westphalia as deputy chairman of the state association, especially in the area of personnel development and talent promotion. In addition, he led the state committee of the “Jugend musiziert” competition at the state level and will now stand up for the interests of the music schools at the federal level.

"I would like to work for public music schools at the federal level, especially in politically challenging times. Cultural education should be accessible to everyone and plays a central role in the promotion of democracy," said Amend to his change. This conviction will guide him in his new function, while he is committed to the future of over 930 public music schools in Germany.

Culture head Matthias Nocke emphasized the importance of Amend for the Bergisches Musikschule and emphasized that his departure will leave a large gap. Nevertheless, the music school will continue to look for a suitable successor to continue the valuable work that Amend did there in its years. Before he starts his new task, he will look forward to the national competition "Jugend Musikt", which will take place in June 2023.