Admission requirements

This CAS Orchestral Conducting is aimed at qualified musicians.
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 (โ€œsur dossierโ€) is also possible in justified cases. The lecturer teaching the major, the Head of Programme as well as the Head of Continuing Education Music decide on admission.

Admission Procedure

  • Admission interview/positioning

    Admission interview and positioning with the Head of Programme and the Head of Continuing Education Music. Each studentโ€™s personal learning objectives and the curriculum for the CAS year are defined and set out in an agreement. The interview takes place on the Toni Campus or in digital form by individual arrangement.

  • Required documents
    The following  must be submitted with the online application:

    • a 15-minute video recording, ideally with music from different periods, in which the conductor is facing the camera. Preferably with an orchestra or ensemble. If there is no other option, the conducting piece can also be recorded with a choir, wind ensemble or piano. Create a PDF document with a link to your video recording (on YouTube, Vimeo, Cloud, etc.) and upload it as part of your application.

    Admission interview/assessment

    • Individual interview with the Heads of Programme
    • Short self-analysis of the submitted video recording
    • Discussion of a work with an emphasis on conducting work
    • Responsiveness/motor coordination when replicating specific conducting movements.
    • Discussion of the studentsโ€™ personal learning objectives and study plan for the CAS year.

    If required, a practical aptitude assessment (pre-conducting with ensemble) may also be necessary.

    The skills test will take place on Friday, 16 May 2025 at ZHdK. 

  • Required documents
    The following must be submitted with the online application:

    • 15-minute video recording, ideally with music from different periods, in which the conductor is facing the camera. Preferably with an orchestra or ensemble. If there is no other option, the conducting piece can also be recorded with a choir, wind ensemble or piano. Create a PDF document with a link to your video recording (on YouTube, Vimeo, Cloud, etc.) and upload it as part of your application.

    Admission interview and practical assessment

    • Individual interview with the Heads of Programme
    • Short self-analysis of the submitted video recording
    • Discussion of a work with an emphasis on conducting work
    • Practical skill assessment
    • Discussion of the studentsโ€™ personal learning objectives and study plan for the CAS year.

    The skills test will take place on Friday, 16 May 2025 at ZHdK. 

  • Transfering into a higher level CAS

    If students wish to transfer into a higher level CAS, they require the consent of the lecturer teaching the major and the Head of Programme. If required, a practical skill check is carried out for this purpose

Transfers and admissions

  • Transfering into a higher level CAS

    If students wish to transfer into a higher level CAS, they require the consent of the lecturer teaching the major and the Head of Programme. If required, a practical skill check is carried out for this purpose.

  • Admission to the DAS

    Admission to the "Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Music Practice" is decided by the main subject lecturer, the Director of Studies and the Head of Continuing Education in Music.

  • Admission to the MAS

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