Choral PracticeChoral Practice

Course content.
A hands-on approach to choral conducting in a comprehensive yet compact format: the “Choral Practice” minor equips students with the artistic skills necessary for the choral profession. Conducting children, youth, and gospel choirs, bands, as well as hosting public singing workshops are key components of the subject. Students will have the opportunity to use their skills in real-life scenarios throughout the course.
The internship component offers the scope for students to pursue their chosen areas of interest. With our established network of external partners, they will be able to practice their craft in ways such as conducting senior or oratorio choirs, contributing to opera productions, or working with professional ensembles.
The minor, which is taught in German, is offered by the Church Music profile, and is aimed at MA students or other students with the necessary prior requirements. 

Skills acquired in the course
The minor trains students at the highest level of choral mastery, and at the same time provides them with the specific skills needed to meet the challenges of the wide variety of choral groups they will encounter in their professional life. This includes the skills in selecting and/or arranging of repertoire, conducting vocal presentations, as well as reflecting and developing upon the knowledge acquired in the course of their professional work.

Admissions requirements.
“Choral Practice” is recommended for Master’s students with a major in Choral Conducting or for students from other areas with comparable prior knowledge. The minor can also be attended as an advanced continuing education course by students of other universities or by qualified choir conductors. 

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German and English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
The dense local and regional network of ZHdK makes it possible to offer attractive internships in which students can apply what they have learnt in the minor, hone their skills, and make valuable contacts. Lecturers and cooperation partners teach up-to-date, relevant material that stem directly from the current working practice. As a result, students can enter the employment market with a professional portfolio tailored to their interests and skills.

Time structure.
Introductory group courses and preparatory individual lessons for the various practical courses will be planned selectively during the major and/or minor weeks. Practicals by individual arrangement.

→ Semester dates ZHdK
→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.