The University of Music and Performing Arts Munich (HMTM) was founded in 1846 and it is one of the largest universities in the cultural sector in Germany. In 2008, the municipal Richard Strauss Conservatory was integrated into the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts.

In its eleven institutes and academies, the university provides training in all artistic and pedagogical music and dance professions, in cultural and music management, music journalism and theater professions – this in cooperation with the August Everding Theater Academy.