Application and admission process

Thank you for your interest in the Bachelor's programme in School Music at Zurich University of the Arts.

Bachelor students must first register for a major. They begin their degree programme with the selected major and choose a minor during their first year of study. They begin studying the selected minor in their second year of study. 

โ†’ Detailed information on the Major-Minor programme structure

Admissions requirements

For admissions and matriculation requirements, please refer to the Regulatory Framework for Bachelorโ€™s and Masterโ€™s Programmes at Zurich University of the Arts (RO ยง 19โ€“24).

For additional terms (including the language skills) required for admission to the chosen major, please refer to the Programme Regulations of the Bachelor of Arts in Music and Movement at Zurich University of the Arts (StO BA Music and Movement ยง 4 ff.). 

  • Please ensure you submit the following documents when submitting your application:

    1. Letter of motivation (typewritten, in German):
      1. Personal details (Full curriculum vitae/please indicate dates with all information:School education, previous musical training: instruments, tutors, ensemble experience; other studies, professional activities, work experience
      2. Personal statement
        Why do you wish to study music at Zurich University of Arts (ZHdK)? Please give reasons for choosing the specialization in School Music.
        What are your career plans?
      3. a) for core subject Jazz: video portfolio, see Aptitude test Jazz
        b) for core subject Pop: video portfolio, see Aptitude test Pop

    2. For candidates with a mother tongue other than German: The required language level is generally B2, proven with a certificate from telc (The European Language Certificates) or from a Goethe-Institut.

    3. Matriculation number
      When registering for the ๏ฌrst time at a Swiss university, you will be issued a matriculation number. If you have already been enrolled at a Swiss university, university of applied sciences or tertiary college, please state your matriculation number. This eight-digit code (for example: 18-001-001) is printed on a yellow label, which is af๏ฌxed to your University entrance qualification (upper secondary school-leaving certificate โ€“ Baccalaureate, Vocational Baccalaureate, Specialized Baccalaureate or Federal VET Diploma).

    4. Exmatriculation certificate
      Confirmation of exmatriculation is issued at Swiss universities upon graduation or upon termination of studies. If issue of the certificate is pending, confirmation must be submitted later.

    5. Social security number
      If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756...) on either your AHV card or your Swiss health insurance card.

    6. Photograph JPG
      Please upload a recent passport quality photo โ€“ no copies/screenshots of the passport page or identity card. The photo must be a frontal shot of the face that is 2/3 of the frame and at least 320 x 400 pixels.

    7. Identity card or passport
      A copy of the identity card (both sides) or passport must be uploaded. If a residence permit for Switzerland is available, please also submit a copy of it.

    8. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
      Please submit in tabular form.

    9. Language skills
      The language skills required are listed for each degree programme in the programme regulations. Language skills can be demonstrated as follows:
      โ€“    Native speaker (does not have to be proven)
      โ€“    Required language as a subject in the educational certificate, passed or at least grade 4 (submit the upper secondary education transcript as a PDF)
      โ€“    Recognized certificate (according to the list โ€œRecognized Certificates for Language Requirementsโ€)
      โ€“    University degree (Bachelorโ€™s/Masterโ€™s) in a degree programme where the language of instruction corresponds to the language skills required by the study regulations (submit diploma supplement or official confirmation from the university as a PDF)

      Note: The language certificates should usually be no more than five years old. The decision on whether the admission requirements regarding language skills have been met is made during the formal review of the documents.

    10. Further documents
      Please submit the corresponding transcripts, diplomas and certi๏ฌcates to provide evidence of your:

      • Educational quali๏ฌcations
      • Professional activities (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)
      • Internships (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)

    Documents must be uploaded in PDF (portrait) format. If you wish to upload several individual PDF ๏ฌles, you may do so one after the other.

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is permitted and must be stated when submitting the registration.

  • The Audition for the Bachelor of Arts in Music with the Specialization in School Music, Classical Music includes

    1. A specialization-specific test for School Music.
      Duration: 15 minutes, individual
      Contents:
      • Singing one of the set pieces or songs with accompaniment
      • Playing one of the set pieces pop, jazz or classical music piece on the piano
      • Playing a piece from sheet music on the piano (lead sheet from pop or jazz, simple choral movement)
      • Reproducing rhythmical patterns with voice, percussion instruments and through movement
      • Interview about previous experience in the education area, working with young people, musical stage experience, and about personal musical and educational goals.

    2. Instrumental/vocal performance and aptitude interview
    Duration: approx. 20 minutes, individual

    Instrumental/vocal performance

    • Artistic musical performance (for all instruments and singing)
      • of pieces or individual (complete) movements from different periods, including one modern piece/movement.
      • The jury will listen to a selection. 
      • Candidates are expected to perform pieces/movements of at least medium difficulty.
      • If candidates request a piano accompaniment organized by ZHdK must indicate this on the registration.
    • The following specific repertoire requirements also apply: 
      • Piano: candidates are required to play compositions from at least three different stylistic periods, including a movement from a classical sonata and an รฉtude (Clementi, Cramer, Czerny, Chopin, Liszt or similar). 
      • Voice: candidates are required to perform compositions from the baroque, classical and modern periods as well as a German Lied. The performance should include works in at least one other language (e. g. Italian or French). A short recitation (of a poem o. s.) should also be included. 
      • Flute: candidates are required to perform an รฉtude from Anton Bernhard Fรผrstenauโ€™s โ€œLe Bouquet des Tonsโ€.
      • Trumpet: candidates are required to perform Paolo Longinottiโ€™s No. 1 from โ€œStudies in classical and modern styleโ€ (IMC).
         
    • Aptitude interview
      • The interviews are conducted by the examination panel and will include questions about the candidateโ€™s previous training, their personal goals, career aims and course organization. The questions refer to the covering letter submitted with the application.
      • The interview also serves to test the candidatesโ€™ language skills (German or English).
         

    3. Written examination in music theory (independent online test on the computer)

    Duration: one hour.
    This examination will take place on 4 May 2022.
    The ZHdK Examination Office will publish the time and link to the online examination shortly.

    Content of the examination:

    • One-part diatonic melodic dictation 
      • of a melody and 
      • a bassline
    • Rhythmic dictation in simple (3/4. 4/4 etc.) and compound (6/8, 9/8) time.
    • Listening analysis: description of a short excerpt of music from the 15th to 21st centuries.
    • Score analysis: description of a short score excerpt from the 15th to 21st centuries.
    • Composition: creation of a four-part bass harmony (only triads in root position, dominant chords with suspensions)
    • Harmonic analysis of a four-part movement (only triads, in all inversions, dominant chords with suspensions)

    โ†’ Sample examination: written aptitude test in music theory

    4. Oral examination in music theory (online meeting)

    Duration: 20 minutes. This examination will take place on 5 May 2021 in the form of a zoom meeting. 
    The ZHdK Examination Office will publish the time and link to the meeting platform shortly.

    Content of the examination:

    • Identification of intervals (all intervals up to the octave, both notes played simultaneously)
    • Identification of triads (tonal triads, in all inversions, played in four parts)
    • Sight-reading of rhythms: rhythmic dictation in simple (3/4. 4/4 etc.) and compound (6/8, 9/8 etc.) time. The rhythm is spoken using an arbitrary syllable while the pulse is tapped.
    • Sight-reading: unaccompanied singing
      • a) of an atonal and
      • b) a tonal melody

    Examination panel for part 3

    The panel comprises ZHdK lecturers in music theory.

  • The Audition for the Bachelor of Arts in Music with the Specialization in School Music, Jazz and Pop includes

    1. the tests for the Specialization in Jazz and Pop
      plus
    2. a specialization-specific test for School Music.
      Duration: 15 minutes, individual
      Contents:
      • Singing one of the set pieces or songs
      • Playing one of the set piecesโ€‹โ€‹ on the piano
      • Playing a piece from sheet music on the piano (lead sheet from pop or jazz, simple choral movement)
      • Reproducing rhythmical patterns with voice, percussion instruments and through movement

    Panel: Staff in charge of School Music, Department Committee
     

    Documents for preparing the audition:

    โ€“  Exercises (Vocal)
    โ€“  Sample singing pieces Jazz Pop
    โ€“  Further song propositions (Vocal)
    โ€“  Sample pieces Piano

  • Information day

    21 November 2024

    Online application

    7 January โ€“ 1 March 2025

    Minor selection

    11โ€“31 March 2025

    Minor admissions interview (only if specific entry-level required)

    21 April โ€“ 3 May 2025

    Admissions decisions โ€“ major (acceptance / rejection / waiting list)

    10 May 2025

    Course commencement 

    Mid-September 2025

  • The registration fee for the admissions process is CHF 100 Registrations are valid once the registration fee has been paid. Payment should be effected online by credit card, TWINT or PostFinance Card. Applicants who are invited to the second part of the aptitude test (interview or examination) pay an additional examination fee of CHF 200 for participation in the second part of the aptitude test. The payment request is sent by e-mail. Once the payment has been transferred, the invitation with the examination dates will be made available in the online registration.
    Fees are based on the Directive on Tuition Fees of Zurich University of Applied Sciences and the corresponding fact sheet on Tuition Fees at ZHdK.

  • Different rules apply for entry to Switzerland. In principle, a distinction is made between nationals of EU/EFTA countries and third-country nationals. An overview of ID and visa provisions according to nationality can be found on the webpage of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM.
    Third-country nationals who require a visa to study in Switzerland must apply in person for a student visa at the relevant Swiss consulate abroad (embassy or consulate-general). Visa applications should be made at least 3 months before the envisaged entry to Switzerland.
    International students from countries that do not require a visa to study (stays of more than 90 days) may apply for their residence permit directly at their place of residence in Switzerland after entering the country.

    You can find the checklists to prepare your entry into Switzerland at: www.zhdk.ch/migration

    Importing musical instruments into Switzerland

    Please note the regulations for importing musical instruments into Switzerland. If you intend to import musical instruments into other countries, please consult the corresponding import regulations upon leaving Switzerland.

    • Login with ZHdK or SWITCH edu-ID

      • If you do not have a ZHdK login, you will need a SWITCH edu-ID to register online. This ID has to be created once.
        โ†’ How to create and use a SWITCH edu-ID

      • If you have a ZHdK login, you may apply with your ZHdK login, provided that it is still valid until the end of the admission procedure. The ZHdK login must be valid until the end of the admission procedure. The ZHdK login remains valid until the end of the studies.

    • You may interrupt your application at any time and continue at a later stage. Any information entered will be stored.
       
    • Compulsory fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

    • Once all the data has been entered, the registration must be completed by clicking on โ€˜Complete entryโ€™ and the registration fee must be paid. The registration cannot be changed afterwards. The registration is only considered to be submitted and checked once the registration fee has been paid.

    • If the registration has not been completed, including payment of the registration fee, the data will be deleted after the registration deadline.

Questions concerning the aptitude test?

Please contact us via email.