Susanne Hilker-Kohl

Susanne Hilker-Kohl is a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Music, Folkwang University of the Arts, specializing in guitar performance, chamber music, didactics, and practical guitar instruction for schools since 1985. She maintains an active dual career as both educator and concert artist.

Her academic foundation at Folkwang University includes:

• Pre-professional training (1975-1978) in guitar under Prof. Hans Gräf
• Music education studies (1978-1981) with guitar specialization
• Music teacher examination (1981)
• Artistic maturity examination (1984)
• Chamber music studies (1984-1986) with Prof. Konrad Grahe
• Contemporary chamber music studies (1986-1988) graduating with distinction

Hilker-Kohl's artistic practice centers on classical and contemporary guitar repertoire, with emphasis on ensemble collaboration and pedagogical innovation. Her work bridges performance excellence with educational methodology, particularly in school music contexts and guitar orchestra direction.

Her recognition includes:

• Culture Prize of the City of Essen (1985)
• Folkwang Promotion Prize (1988)

As a performer, she collaborates with major orchestras including Düsseldorf Symphony and Essen Philharmonic, with international appearances at Berliner Philharmonie, Dresden Music Festival, Munich Guitar Festival, and South American tours sponsored by Goethe-Institut. Her discography features complete recordings of Rolf Riehm's guitar compositions and broadcasts on Deutsche Welle, WDR, and Bayerischer Rundfunk.