Content and structure

Peer discussion (c Regula Bearth)

Course content.

The course focuses on providing broad skills in artistic practice, theory, general education and profile development. It aims at an in-depth exploration with composition and analysis and on the basis of research into and design of sounds, students achieve a comprehensive understanding of music. Then they specialize in a subsequent vocational Master’s course.

Course structure.

Core
The tuition in composition or electroacoustic composition/theory takes place on an individual basis, which accompanies the development of the student's own musical thinking. This is supplemented through media technical subjected (introduction to the studio, microphoning, processing and design of recording, work with analogue and digital systems) and the BA colloquium, in which aesthetic perspectives are discussed. Differentiated handling of complex systems is developed in improvization and performance concepts. Entry to the module area is conducive on specific prior education and a high level of resilience.

Context
The carefully compiled theoretical music modules will further your understanding of the historical, analytical and scientific aspects of music. They provide a foundation for future research work, a joint language of discourse, systematic self-reflection, and will improve your understanding of your own music-making in the context of history and culture. In instrumentation, specific line-ups, techniques and performance formats are rehearsed and critically highlighted in music and contemporary cultures. 

Experience
Playing on your own instrument, tuition in choral singing, group improvization, physical awareness and learning strategies as well as academic work consolidate your musical knowledge, lead to solid skills and extend your perspectives.

Graduation project
The Bachelor project provides a lot of scope for creativity with an artistic-performative presentation and a related written paper. This self-designed work is supported with colloquia and individual mentoring sessions. You also have to complete the following examinations: major, instrumental/vocal and theoretical specialization examinations.


Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Develop creative musical processes professionally and at an artistically high level.
  • Independently design composition processes and plan music competently.
  • Critical, independent reflection on music and its resources.
  • Expertly apply the fundamentals of music history as well as comprehensive knowledge of theoretical musical concepts, terminologies and methods.
  • Basic knowledge of conceptual project work and music-related research methods in transfer.
  • Deal with various performance situations, installations and production conditions with ease.
  • Actively contribute to collaborations and team work.
  • Design programmes for a variety of event formats independently and implement them in an original manner.
  • Expertly play a representative musical repertoire on your instrument and interpret it at a professional level.
  • Continually promote and critically question your own artistic development.

Admissions requirements.

Participants are expected to have experience in composing, long-standing experience with at least one musical instrument, demonstrate personal commitment and want to make music their profession. Further requirements:

  • Solid theoretical music knowledge in compositional techniques, aural training and analysis
  • Experience in recording and processing sounds and music
  • Familiarity with music software, in particular with DAW and notation
  • Independence and personal responsibility

→ Detailed information on the admission procedure is available here.

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of unique benefits:

  • You have access to the Toni Campus: a public, cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe.
  • You benefit from collaboration with students from other artistic disciplines.
  • You have the opportunity to undertake exchange semesters and many possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s extensive international network.
  • The self-designed graduation projects motivate you to organize your work independently.
  • You gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations.