Educational objectives and professional fields

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Photo: ZHdK

Educational objectives.

  • You will have professional knowledge and skills in leading and enabling learning settings related to music and movement.
  • You will be familiar with contemporary teaching methods and can apply them according to situational requirements.
  • You will be able to deal with heterogeneous amateur groups and know how to support them in developing a wide variety of personal and musical means of expression individually and as a group.
  • You will be capable of planning, carrying out  and evaluating further education courses on the working methods of elementary music education.
  • You will be prepared for a diverse professional environment: 
    The Majors in the Department of Music offer the biggest variety of instrumental and vocal programmes in Switzerland: conducting, choral conducting, jazz, pop, school music, music technology and composition in different subject areas. The extensive freedom to choose interdisciplinary teaching formats and self-managed project work allow you to benefit from such diversity and expand your horizons.
  • You will be prepared for quality education:
    Study with the best: due to the limited number of places available, you will have to pass a careful selection process and an aptitude test. On the basis of the individual admissions requirements, the programme aims to develop your artistic, intellectual, explorative and social skills as you progress towards independence and professionalism. The individual support, the particular emphasis on a general musical education and the wide range of courses support the continual, dynamic expression of your interests for your future professional development. 
  • You will be prepared to undertake research:
    The large number of lecturers in the research institutes guarantees that you will receive research-based tuition, in particular in musicology subjects. Basic research methodology is also taught in the course, and you will document your general explorative perspective in the form of written and artistic project work. If you are interested and a suitable opportunity is available, active involvement in research projects is also possible.

Degree title:
Master of Arts ZHdK in Music Pedagogy with a Major in Elementary Music Education

Potential areas of employment.

The careers open to graduates are very broad and the job opportunities are diverse. The Elementary Music Education approach enables graduates to work within a variety of music education settings, including at music schools in basic music education for children of primary school age or conducting a children’s choir and leading extended ensemble practice on instruments or percussion. Extended fields of work may also be available at primary and music schools in combination with Elementary Music Education, depending on the student’s initial training. Advanced training and courses as well as working with adult amateur groups and choirs are also becoming increasingly important.