Teaching approach: Musical theatre training at the MSA

At the Musicalschule Ahrensburg, we teach singing, dance and acting not as separate subjects, but as an integrated musical theatre programme. This approach is based on the belief that combining the three disciplines achieves more than each one on its own — and research into holistic musical theatre training confirms this.

Three disciplines, one teaching concept

Every lesson at the MSA combines elements of singing, dance and acting. Children do not learn to sing first, then dance, then act — from the very beginning, they experience how these three forms of expression work together. In a musical, one sings because the emotion becomes too great for words. You dance because the body needs to express what the voice cannot convey.

This principle of embodied learning — learning through the whole body — is not just a pedagogical fad, but is grounded in neuroscience. When several sensory channels are engaged simultaneously, children have been shown to learn more deeply and sustainably.

Age-appropriate methodology

Not every exercise is suitable for every age group. Our teaching methodology takes into account the stages of development of our students. Younger children learn through play, using stories and imaginary journeys, whilst older children learn through increasingly complex scene work and ensemble work. For young people with professional ambitions, we offer targeted training at university level.

Feedback as a pedagogical tool

Good teaching stands or falls on the quality of the feedback. At MSA, we work according to the principle of process-oriented feedback: we comment not on the person, but on their learning journey — specifically, promptly and with a view to the future. Children should understand what they can improve, not be judged for who they are.

International stage experience in the classroom

What sets our lessons apart from other musical theatre programmes: our teachers are theatre professionals who are themselves active on the international stage. Jacqui Wendt works as a director and choreographer, and Hauke Wendt as a musical director and conductor — on productions worldwide. This experience feeds directly into every day of teaching: what works on the professional stage shapes the way we work with our students.