Content and structure

Content

Every musical performance is a production. Musicians are also generally visible – on stage, playing in the underground, outside or in a theatre or art setting. Their multiple guises as musicians, characters on stage, moving sources of sound in a space, etc. must be defined and devised depending on the context.

Current music practice is increasingly focusing on the ability to perform and navigate flexibly and skilfully between improvization, composition and musical-theatrical approaches. This practical artistic degree programme also covers related artistic means of expression such as light compositions, body language, scenography, drawing, video and electro-acoustic media. It offers input and ideas from theory and practice, individual coaching and practical opportunities to play and experiment with systems in order to explore new musical and artistic territory. The course focuses on enhancing and refining students' own artistic style in their ideas and performances and on developing and implementing suitable forms of musical and theatrical performance.

It is a part-time degree programme with an international orientation and is therefore structured in a appropriately focused way. Two contact modules at ZHdK form the core, consolidated and supplemented by peer-to-peer learning as well as by self-study supported by mentoring sessions either in person or online.

Statement of the Head of Programme, Charlotte Hug, on the CAS:

    Structure of the CAS programme

    The CAS programme runs for two semesters. It consists mainly of

    • Two intensive modules lasting six days each (Monday to Saturday), one in January and one in July.
    • Eight mentoring sessions with experts on the students’ core subject of choice. Students agree on the times and dates for the sessions with their mentor on an individual basis.
    • Self-study and peer-to-peer learning.
    • The CAS is awarded in November/December.
      The degree consists of a practical project based on the contact module in June, as well as an accompanying written project which includes project documentation and students' reflections on integrating what they have learnt into their own artistic work and professional experience, as well as on any opportunities to develop this learning with an eye to the future. The certificate is awarded in a final interview.