The “DAS Basic Music Education (MGA)” degree programme builds on the content of the following competence areas:

Educational competence areas

– Specialist didactics of elementary music education
– Inclusion/educational psychology
– Students’ own teaching practice – reflection
– Work experience placement

Music practice – performative competence areas

– Music and scene
– Music and creative movement
– Collective forms of music-making
– Singing and movement
– Material and design

Musical-artistic competence areas

– Harmony instrument/song accompaniment
– Voice training/own singing and speaking voice
– Basic playing techniques for percussion instruments

The degree programme is currently being redesigned. More details on content and structure will follow by September 2024.

Graduates of the “DAS Basic Music Education (MGA)” degree programme have compact theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the above-mentioned competence areas. They are able to provide in-depth, specialist tuition in basic music training to children of primary school age.

On successfully competing the “DAS Basic Music Education (MGA)”, students are awarded a “Diploma of Advanced Studies” of ZHdK. Participants must attend the tuition units and complete the written documentation/reflection on these units, complete the work experience placements as well as the module, and pass the final examination to meet the requirements for certification. The final examination comprises an MGA trial lesson as well as submission and presentation of a written paper.

The degree programme runs for four semesters. More details on the teaching units will follow by September 2024 (programme currently being redesigned). 
The exact study periods are available here (in German). 

The degree programme is aimed at qualified music teachers (instrumental and/or vocal) of all styles and subject areas. Primary school teachers will also be admitted if they have suitable prior musical knowledge and meet the requirements.

The requirements for admission to the programme are as follows:

– Successful completion of a university degree in music or an equivalent qualification
– Previous professional experience
– 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.

→ This degree programme is taught exclusively in German.

The degree programme is currently being redesigned. More details on the course costs and registration information will follow by September 2024.

→ 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