DAS Church Music Organ

Programme objectives

The “DAS Organ Church Music” degree programme builds on the following educational objectives:
–  Ability to design music for church services according to the liturgical or situational requirements
–  Command of a diverse literary repertoire
–  Ability to accompany soloists on the organ and play in a continuo ensemble
–  Familiarity with church hymn books (RG, KG and Rise-Up)
–  Foundations in music theory

Content/structure of the degree programme

The “DAS Organ Church Music” degree programme comprises individual tuition, group tuition, additional study events, individual internships and self-study.

The curriculum of the group classroom teaching includes the following content:
– Organ
– Liturgical organ playing
– Organ improvization
– Accompaniment practice
– Popular piano music
– Stylistics and literature studies
– Organ making studies
– Theory
– Musical composition
– Liturgy/hymnology
– Vocal conducting
– Liturgical singing
– Vocational studies
– ZHdK Motet choir

Internships: at least six certified liturgical organ playing assignments

→ This degree programme is taught exclusively in German.

Coursework/study periods

The “CAS Church Music Practice” runs for two years (4 semesters) and comprises a workload of around 900 hours (30 ECTS points). This includes classroom teaching on the one hand and self-study on the other (incl. internships, examinations in the major, a thesis and examinations in the minor).

It starts in the autumn semester. The tuition takes place on Wednesdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (in the second year, only to 7:00 p.m.). In the first academic year, additional classroom teaching must be scheduled on Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (according to the timetable, approx. twice a month).

Insights

Qualification

The degree programme is completed with a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) and equates to 30 ECTS points.
The degree includes internships, examinations in the major, a thesis and examinations in the minor.
The DAS degree provides basic training in choral conducting to the level of the Swiss CH I or Church Music C qualification.

Eligibility and admission requirements

This “DAS Choral Conducting Sacred Music” is aimed at qualified musicians. Talented amateurs without a recognized music degree may also undertake this continuing education course. Admission is based on the admission examination and the admission interview with the Head of Programme and the Head of Continuing Education Music.

Musical requirements:
– Basic music education
– Practical choir experience
– Gestural and vocal talent
– Knowledge of piano playing (also as a second instrument)
– Some initial conducting experience

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.

Costs

The “DAS Choral Conducting Sacred Music” is supported financially by the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Catholic Church in the Canton of Zurich. The tuition fee is CHF 7,000 (CHF 1,750 per semester) plus CHF 200 application fee and CHF 400 final examination fee.

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