There is still an increasing demand for music in a classroom setting, and the need for specialist qualified teachers is growing. Increasing numbers of primary schools are offering music in a classroom setting in cooperation with a music school. Instrumental teachers whose main experience to date has been in the area of individual tuition are faced with new challenges when teaching music to large, heterogeneous, inclusive groups in a classroom setting. This requires a methodological, didactic specialization. The CAS Music-Making in a Classroom Setting offers interested music teachers a continuing education course or further qualification with an individual instrument-specific core subject (wind or string classes).

The degree programme is designed in module format and includes a combination of five module courses. Besides the basic module on the didactics and practice of music-making in a classroom setting, the focus is also tailoring the course to each student’s specific requirements.

The modular “CAS Music-Making in a Classroom Setting” is supported by the Association of Swiss Music Schools (VZM).

→ This degree programme is taught exclusively in German.

Graduates of the modular “CAS Music-Making in a Classroom Setting” have the teaching, didactic, specialist and organizational skills to supervise and implement music in a classroom setting. They know the specific requirements of cooperation projects between primary and music schools. The practical nature of the course guarantees an optimum connection between the continuing education course and professional practice. The graduates have the necessary knowledge and skill set to make music with heterogeneous groups. They have a diverse methodological-didactic repertoire for music-making in a classroom setting.

The modular “CAS Music-Making in a Classroom Setting” runs for two semesters and comprises a workload of around 450 hours (15 ECTS points). This includes classroom teaching on the one hand and self-study (incl. work experience placements) on the other. 

The degree programme is completed with a written certificate paper and an oral colloquium. Two hours of mentoring are available to provide additional support in this area. The written paper is presented and reflected on within the colloquium.

The degree programme is aimed at

– qualified instrumental/vocal music teachers
– teachers from the fields of school music, rhythmic as well as basic music education (MGA) with professional experience
– Primary teachers with a suitable instrumental-specific background

The requirements for admission to the programme are as follows:

– University degree in music education or an equivalent qualification
– Experience in the music education field
– Command of German, B2 level or higher
– Positive outcome to the admission interview/assessment

Special admission (“sur dossier”) is also possible in justified cases. The Head of Programme and the Head of Continuing Education Music decide on admission.

Regular teaching work in the classroom music environment is a prerequisite for the duration of the CAS. Alternatively, an internship of 16 lessons (spread over 8 weeks) may be completed.

→ This degree programme is taught exclusively in German.

The tuition fee is CHF 5,400 per academic year, plus CHF 200 application fee.

→ Further information on the degree programme and the application procedure is available on the German website. 

Head of Programme

Study Coordination/Head of Continuing Education Music