Raphael D. Thöne

Prof. Dr. Raphael D. Thöne serves as Professor of Music Theory, Arrangement, and Orchestration at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (HMTMH), concurrently holding the administrative position of Dean of Studies for Study Committee II. His career uniquely bridges academic scholarship with high-profile creative practice in composition and orchestration for international media and events.

His educational foundation includes:

• Composition degree from Robert Schumann University of Music under Prof. Manfred Trojahn
• Music theory degree from Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen under Prof. Dr. Dieter Torkewitz
• Scholarship studies at Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory in film scoring and conducting
• Joint doctorate from University of Music and Performing Arts and University of Vienna focusing on Malcolm Arnold's symphonic works

Prof. Thöne's creative scholarship centers on applied music theory with specialized expertise in orchestration techniques for diverse media contexts. His work examines the practical application of theoretical principles in film scoring, radio drama, and large-scale ceremonial productions, emphasizing cross-cultural adaptation of compositional methods. He investigates how traditional orchestral techniques can be innovatively deployed in contemporary media environments while maintaining academic rigor in musical structure and development.

His extensive creative output reveals consistent evolution toward increasingly complex international projects spanning cinematic works, television productions, and global EXPO events. The trajectory shows deepening integration of cultural specificity within universal musical frameworks, with recent works demonstrating sophisticated approaches to cross-cultural collaboration in settings ranging from Hong Kong to Dubai and Osaka.

Major recognitions include:

• German Audio Book Prize (2016) for 'Best Radio Play' ('Wir')
• Lower Saxony Science Prize (2021) in the 'Teaching Prize' category

As an educator and administrator, Prof. Thöne maintains active student mentorship while leading academic strategy as Dean of Studies. His professional projects consistently secure external funding through cultural institutions, broadcasters, and international event organizers, demonstrating successful translation of academic expertise into commercially and culturally significant productions. His teaching methodology directly incorporates professional experience, creating a practice-based learning environment that earned formal recognition through the Teaching Prize.

Though not leading a formal research laboratory, Prof. Thöne operates through project-based creative teams that assemble specialized musicians, technicians, and cultural consultants for each production, fostering collaborative environments that function as practical research spaces for applied music composition.