Core Subject Choral Conducting

In the “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”, students demonstrate a personal connection to the profile in which they completed the course of study, and area in the form of a project which comprehensively outlines or presents their exploration of a theoretical and/or practical focus related to the profile in question.

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Structure

The MAS module runs for one semester. Students who complete it successfully are awarded a “Master of Advanced Studies in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”. As part of the MAS module, students implement a practical project (choral concert) and write 12-15 pages of documentation.

A total of eight mentoring hours are available for the MAS module. These can be used to supervise the practical project and/or the written documentation. The choice of mentor depends on individual needs and is determined in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education in Music.

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Qualification

With the successful completion of the MAS module, the skills acquired in the continuing education degree programme are consolidated, and culminate in a “Master of Advanced Studies". The module is worth 15 ECTS credits.

The MAS degree with Core Subject Choral Conducting consists of three parts:

  • Choral concert of at least 45 minutes duration
    Design, development and presentation of a choral concert lasting at least 45 minutes. Students are free to choose the work. It should document the individual profile of the student and will be discussed with the Head of Programme as well as the Head of Continuing Education Music upon registering for the MAS degree.
    If it is not possible for the jury to take part in the live performance for scheduling and/or geographical reasons, the student must create a high-quality DVD recording of the performance. Both the DVD recording and the written supporting documentation will be submitted to the jury. 
  • Written documentation
    A 12-15 page written paper (excl. pictures and appendix) which reflects and documents the performance programme or sections/works thereof in analytical and/or theoretical terms.
  • Presentation & colloquium
    If students submit a DVD recording of the choral concert instead of a live conducting session, they must also give a 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium in addition to the MAS graduation project.
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Eligibility and admission requirements

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

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Dates

MAS module “Autumn semester option”

  • 31 May: Registration for the MAS module
    • Covering letter explaining why you want to take the MAS
    • Draft programme for the MAS choral concert
    • Description of the concept and content of the intended written  documentation
  • Mid-June: Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music (next steps, mentoring, schedule, etc.)
  • 30 November: Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 28 February: Submission of the written documentation
    (If possible, together with the DVD recording of the choral concert)
  • End of March: Live conducting of an choral concert;
    Upon submission of a DVD recording: 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium

MAS module “Spring semester option”

  • 30 November: Registration for the MAS module
    • Covering letter explaining why you want to take the MAS
    • Draft programme for the MAS choral concert
      Description of the concept and content of the intended written  documentation
  • Mid-December: Interview with the Head of Continuing Education Music (next steps, mentoring, schedule etc.)
  • 31 May: Interim report to the Head of Continuing Education Music
  • 31 August: Submission of the written documentation
    (If possible, together with the DVD recording of the choral concert)
  • End of September: Live conducting of a choral concert;
    Upon submission of a DVD recording: 30-minute presentation with subsequent colloquium

The dates and times of the individual lessons in the major and the mentoring sessions will be agreed on an individual basis.

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Costs and application details

The cost of taking the MAS module is CHF 2,400.

This includes the course entitled “Introduction to research, documentation and presentation”, the individual tuition/mentoring sessions, the administration fee, the expert assessors’ fees as well as the examination fee and the diploma. The costs are all invoiced together when the agreement to take the MAS module is signed.

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Online application

Applications are processed via ZHdK’s online tool (ONLA). 

Application deadline: 31 May resp. 30 November

→ To the online application for the “MAS in Music Practice/Choral Conducting”, start autumn semester 2025

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Once an application has been checked, a binding agreement covering the practical project, the choice of topic for the written supporting documentation, the mentoring supervision and the structure of the DAS module will be reached in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education Music. 

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Terms and conditions

The general terms and conditions of the Continuing Education Centre apply for applications for this programme.