Core Subject Choral Conducting

In the “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”, students demonstrate a personal connection to the profile in which they completed the course of study, and area in the form of a project which comprehensively outlines or presents their exploration of a theoretical and/or practical focus related to the profile in question.

Structure

The MAS module runs for one semester. Students who complete it successfully are awarded a “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”. As part of the MAS module, students implement a practical project (choral concert) and write 12-15 pages of documentation.

A total of eight mentoring hours are available for the MAS module. These can be used to supervise the practical project and/or the written documentation. The choice of mentor depends on individual needs and is determined in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education in Music.

Qualification

With the successful completion of the MAS module, the skills acquired in the continuing education degree programme are consolidated, and culminate in a “Master of Advanced Studies". The module is worth 15 ECTS credits.

The MAS degree with Core Subject Choral Conducting consists of three parts:

  • Choral concert of at least 45 minutes duration
    Design, development and presentation of a choral concert lasting at least 45 minutes. Students are free to choose the work. It should document the individual profile of the student and will be discussed with the Head of Programme as well as the Head of Continuing Education Music upon registering for the MAS degree.
    If it is not possible for the jury to take part in the live performance for scheduling and/or geographical reasons, the student must create a high-quality DVD recording of the performance. Both the DVD recording and the written supporting documentation will be submitted to the jury. 
  • Written documentation
    A 12-15 page written paper (excl. pictures and appendix) which reflects and documents the performance programme or sections/works thereof in analytical and/or theoretical terms.
  • Presentation & colloquium
    If students submit a DVD recording of the choral concert instead of a live conducting session, they must also give a 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium in addition to the MAS graduation project.

Eligibility and admission requirements

Admission to the ‘Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Music Practice/Choral Conducting’ is decided by the major subject lecturer, the Director of Studies and the Director of Continuing Education in Music. 

Dates

MAS module “Autumn semester option”

  • 31 May: Registration for the MAS module
    • Covering letter explaining why you want to take the MAS
    • Draft programme for the MAS choral concert
    • Description of the concept and content of the intended written  documentation
  • Mid-June: Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music (next steps, mentoring, schedule, etc.)
  • 30 November: Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 28 February: Submission of the written documentation
    (If possible, together with the DVD recording of the choral concert)
  • End of March: Live conducting of an choral concert;
    Upon submission of a DVD recording: 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium

MAS module “Spring semester option”

  • 30 November: Registration for the MAS module
    • Covering letter explaining why you want to take the MAS
    • Draft programme for the MAS choral concert
      Description of the concept and content of the intended written  documentation
  • Mid-December: Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music (next steps, mentoring, schedule etc.)
  • 31 May: Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 31 August: Submission of the written documentation
    (If possible, together with the DVD recording of the choral concert)
  • End of September: Live conducting of a choral concert;
    Upon submission of a DVD recording: 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium

The dates and times of the mentoring sessions will be agreed on an individual basis.

Costs

The cost of taking the MAS module is CHF 2,400.

This includes the mentoring sessions, the administration fee, the expert assessors’ fees as well as the examination fee and the diploma. The costs are all invoiced together when the agreement to take the MAS module is signed.

Online application

Applications are processed via ZHdK’s online tool (ONLA). 

Application deadline: 31 May resp. 30 November

→ To the online application for the “MAS in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”, start autumn semester 2026

  • Information about the online application (ONLA)

    You can interrupt the application process at any time and complete it at a later date. The information you have entered will be saved. Mandatory fields are marked with a *.

    Once you have entered all your information, complete the process by clicking on “Finish entry”. The data can no longer be amended. Your submission will be reviewed by the Continuing Education Office.

    Please check your e-mail spam folder during the application period. If you have any further questions about online application or experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Continuing Education Centre: Contact

  • Login with ZHdK login or SWITCH edu-ID

    If you already have a ZHdK login, you can sign in with your normal access data. Those without a ZHdK login require a SWITCH edu-ID in order to apply online. You can create one really easily here.

  • Required documents

    Curriculum Vitae
    A brief and clear list of your education and professional career history.

    Covering letter
    Set out your reason for applying for the continuing education degree programme on a maximum of one side of A4. If you do not have a university degree, please describe your professional experience up to this point and why you are applying for your chosen continuing education degree programme (maximum of two sides of A4).

    Photo of yourself in JPG format
    Upload a recent photo in passport photo quality (at least 320 x 400 pixels). The photo must be high-contrast and your face must be clearly visible. It may not feature other people or objects.

    Social security number
    If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756…) on your OASI card or on your Swiss health insurance card. 

    Further documents

    • Transcripts
    • Degrees
    • Certificates

    The documents must be uploaded in PDF format. If you have several individual PDF files, you can upload these one after another.

  • Additional submissions

    Please submit the following together with your application for the MAS module:

    • Draft programme for the MAS degree performance
    • Description of the concept and content of the intended written documentation

Once an application has been checked, a binding agreement covering the practical project, the choice of topic for the written supporting documentation, the mentoring supervision and the structure of the DAS module will be reached in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education Music. 

Terms and conditions

The general terms and conditions of the Continuing Education Centre apply for applications for this programme.