JAM Lecturers Thomas Mora and Valentin Oman at the VMU Kaunas Music Academy

From May 5–9, 2025, Thomas Hechenberger and Valentin Oman, two lecturers from JMLU, visited the Jazz Department of the Music Academy at VMU in Kaunas, Lithuania. Their expertise was sought both for final exams in secondary instruments and for the concluding Bachelor’s examinations.

Together with Leonardas Beksa, Head of the Jazz Department at VMU Kaunas, lecturer Guoste Brydikite, and guitar professor Tadas Petkevicius-Grajauskas, they also exchanged teaching concepts. In addition, fascinating insights into the university's internal systems and curricula sparked new ideas.

Beyond these academic activities, we attended guest lectures from other faculties to actively promote and engage in interdisciplinary thinking. During the final Bachelor’s and Master’s examinations, we were further supported by vocal lecturer Juste Sakalyte and our JMLU Vice Rector, Monika Herzig. After gaining a well-rounded impression, ideas for a future exchange have already been developed and are ready to be put into motion.

Also worth mentioning is the outstanding hospitality shown by our colleagues at VMU Kaunas. The exchange with lecturers from other faculties was equally enriching.

In the photo from left to right:

Tadas Petkevicius-Grajauskas (Lecturer in Guitar, Jazz Department, Music Academy of VMU Kaunas), Leonardas Beksa (Head of the Jazz Department, Music Academy of VMU Kaunas), Guoste Brydikite (Lecturer at the Music Academy of VMU Kaunas), Valentin Oman and Thomas Hechenberger (both lecturers at JMLU Vienna).