Course content and structure

Course content.

A large part of the work takes place in the class: joint analysis of works and their backgrounds, rehearsal strategies, instrument-specific knowledge and percussion training. In class lessons with instrumental ensemble, all these aspects are tried out on a small scale; in larger workshops as well as seminar weeks with orchestras and concert performances, conducting is applied, with the goal of independent responsibility.
The context subjects as well as individual conducting lessons are the individual supplements to these learning processes. The rich offer of the ZHdK courses and the Variant and Subsidiary subjects enables students to focus additionally on freely chosen focal points.

Course structure.

Three module areas await you:

Core subject
In the core subject you can expect various learning areas. In private lessons you will enjoy individual coaching, sharpen your self-perception as a conductor and receive comprehensive basic training in orchestral and ensemble conducting. In the class, you will have analytical and practical discussions on the one hand, and practical lessons with ensembles put together on a project basis on the other. Project weeks and workshops round off the programme.

Context
You will take lessons in ear training, composition, analysis, music history, theory, a scientific proseminar, study days and attend concerts and rehearsals with the class.

Extended profile
Z-modules, open courses, electives complete the programme, which is concluded with a two-part Bachelor project.
 

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Play a representative repertoire made up of various music styles expertly, using the resources and methods of your specialization.
  • Independent, critical reflection on music.
  • Expertly apply the fundamentals of music history as well as comprehensive knowledge of theoretical musical concepts, terminologies and methods.
  • Develop artistic concepts independently, elaborate on them precisely and implement them publicly.
  • Deal with various performance situations under different production conditions with ease.
  • Design programmes for a variety of event formats independently and implement them in an original manner.
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of practice, memorization, rehearsal and working techniques in a targeted manner when dealing with musical material. 
  • Basic knowledge of conceptual project work and music-related research methods in transfer.
  • Continually promote and critically question your own artistic development, thanks to your capacity for differentiated self-perception and reflection.
  • Take the initiative in social situations and adjust your communication and presentation skills to suit your audience.
  • Act flexibly in a heterogeneous, multicultural environment.

Admissions requirements.

Participants are expected to have an advanced knowledge of their major, considerable artistic potential, demonstrate personal commitment, and want to make music their profession. Further requirements:

  • Ability to recognize and describe musical structures
  • Independence and personal responsibility
  • Ability to reflect and self-assess
  • Communication and social skills
  • Good knowledge of German

→ Detailed information on the entry requirements and admission procedure is available here.

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at the ZHdK offers unique advantages:

  • You do not need any specific piano knowledge. You practise with project-based ensembles.
  • You enjoy class lessons with conducting students from all degree programmes, which inspires the individual development and profiling of those involved.
  • You will experience multiple stimuli in challenging projects with the orchestra and ensemble formations of the ZHdK.
  • In the Performance Master's programme, you can expect a lively course of study with around 120 musicians.
  • You will find an inspiring environment with colleagues and partners from all over the world for exchange and collaboration in diverse ensembles and orchestras.
  • You benefit from an excellent infrastructure, live electronics and multimedia, audio productions with in-house sound engineers, historical instrument collections and an excellent library.
  • You study in the Toni-Areal: a public cultural and university campus for all the arts, unique in its dimensions throughout Europe.
  • You experience the daily proximity of other arts, make contacts and find stimulating collaboration.
  • The international network of the ZHdK Music offers opportunities for exchange semesters and diverse possibilities to immerse yourself in other cultures.
  • You will study in a musically stimulating city with internationally renowned orchestras and opportunities for work shadowing.
  • You gain broad practical experience and performance opportunities thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organisations.