On October 1, 1975, the music school of the market town of Grassau started its effort in music education under the leadership of Hans-Josef Crump, with 190 students that were taught by nine teachers. Today, nearly 30 years later, the number of youths studying a string or brass instrument, piano, or percussions, has increased to more than 500; early musical education is also being offered and made use of, such as, children’s choir, youth brass band or playing music in classrooms.

The “Brass Ensemble” or the “Brassecco Quintett”, the 1999 national champion in the competition “Youth Is Creating Music”, are probably the most well-known of the numerous groups that originated from the ranks of students and teachers during Hans-Josef Crump’s time at the helm. In 2002, the instructor for brass instruments at the Bavarian State Youth Orchestra transferred the leadership of the music school to his former student Wolfgang Diem.

Initiated by Professor Wolfgang Sawallisch, the foundation named after him was created shortly thereafter. The conductor who has resided in Grassau for 50 years has  observed the founding and has followed the successes of the music school with benevolence. The foundation has created the financial structure for the current principal, Wolfgang Diem, and his vice principal, Otto Dufter, to start a children’s choir with voice training, numerous folkloric and chamber music groups, as well as support the specific advancement of young talents. (Also note Founder, Achievements, Sponsorships)

Students and teachers of the Music School Grassau and its satellite locations Marquartstein and Reit im Winkl enrich the musical and cultural life of the Chiemgau region with their approximately 400 annual events.