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Tobias Kraft in front of the organ: "An incredibly beautiful feeling"
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The start into working life is exciting, exhausting - and often completely different than planned. In the series “My first year in the job”, young professionals tell how they experienced this time. This time: Tobias Kraft, 26, studied at the Protestant University for Church Music and is now in his practical year as a cantor.
“It's an incredibly nice feeling to play this big, loud and perhaps the most difficult instrument. The organ fascinates me because it can simulate an entire orchestra. But it also has its pitfalls: I have to operate the pedals with both feet at the same time, and the so-called manuals with both hands. Incidentally, the human ear can reach its limits when it comes to organ music. Because both in depth and in height, the organ produces tones that some can no longer perceive at all.
Although my parents are not musicians, I was already enthusiastic about classical music when I was three or four years old.
First I learned the violin, after elementary school I decided to go to an arts high school.
In addition to the violin, I played the organ and French horn there.
During upper school, in addition to my high school education, I was able to complete a two-year guest study at the University of Protestant Church Music - in the subjects of organ, piano, singing and composition.
That ended with my Abitur.
Four years for the Bachelor of Church Music
The choice to study was difficult for me. I vacillated between music and teaching, film music and church music. I really wanted to make music myself, and because church music works best, I finally decided to study at the Evangelical College for Church Music in Bayreuth. The Bachelor of Church Music takes eight semesters, the Master four. Before that, I had to pass an entrance exam. It was assessed whether my musical skills are sufficient for the course. They did.
During my studies, in addition to the main subjects of organ, improvisation, conducting and music theory, I also learned the basics of modern instruments such as guitar and drums.
During this time I also took out disability insurance for my hands, which are, after all, essential for the practice of my profession.
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Since March of this year
I'm in Fürth for my practical year as a cantor, that's the originally common name for church musicians: inside.
The practical year is intended to facilitate the transition to professional life.
I get a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros for this.
Later, depending on the employment, it will be between 3,000 and 4,000 euros gross per month.
I work around 40 hours a week on six days, and more on major religious holidays and at Christmas time.
In addition to my main activity of playing the organ, I lead choir and orchestra rehearsals.
In addition, there are organizational tasks such as coordinating musical events or creating a musical annual plan.
That this organizational part takes up so much time is a bit of a hassle and I wouldn't have thought during my studies.
Many want to hear what touches them
I attend baptisms and weddings on the weekends, and funerals during the week.
Relatives or bridal couples often come up to me beforehand and say: I want this one song because it touches me.
Then of course I play that.
While I'm sitting at the organ, people don't see me, but I come into contact with them through the music.
A particularly nice time of the year is coming up now: the services on Christmas Eve.
I am very pleased that they can take place despite Corona.
But of course I support all measures that are taken to protect people.
Christmas is an important time for many people, including me.
I want to create a particularly festive atmosphere and therefore include vocal choirs, trombone choirs and instrumentalists in the services.
So I'm not nervous, rather full of anticipation.
Although the church is losing membership and fewer and fewer people are coming to services, I am not worried that the audience will run away from me.
In addition to the traditional works, such as those by Johann Sebastian Bach, the modern aspect also plays a role in my job.
These can be gospel evenings or concerts with works from popular music.
I really enjoy working with different styles of music, for which I have around 800 years of music history at my disposal.
As a cantor: I think you should have a certain bond with the faith.
After all, most of the time you translate theological content into music.
I'm not afraid of my professional future.
Some congregations are being merged, which may reduce the number of free places.
But there are many older cantors who will soon be retiring.
I am sure that there will also be positions in the future. "
Have you just started your career yourself and would like to tell us about it? Then write to us at SPIEGEL-Start@spiegel.de.
