Content and structure

Course content.

The focus of this course is independent instrumental work. Besides developing a broad-based repertoire with representative works from the 15th to the 21st century, you receive training in improvisation and liturgical organ performance and also learn how to accompany a wide range of instrumental or vocal soloists and choirs. 

Course structure.

The course consists of four module areas:

Core

Students enjoy individual tuition in the Major in “Organ”, in organ improvisation, and in liturgical organ performance. They also participate in internal and external concerts and panels, class recitals and different types of church services. The module area is rounded off with mentoring from senior lecturers and external experts connected with the Major.

Extension

Practical vocational aspects are consolidated and collaborative and social skills are taught in different formations: guided chamber music and soloist accompaniment, popular church music and piano tuition tailored to liturgical practice, participation as a singer at the Kantorei ZHdK. Moreover, stylistic and organological knowledge is consolidated in master classes, study trips and student days, and societal aspects of the occupational profile are examined from a contemporary perspective.

Profile

The elective courses on psychological, physiological and practical topics enable you to sharpen your own profile. They are supplemented with masters’ seminars and a master’s thesis on a subject-specific topic.

Graduation exam/project

The final assessment consists of a repertoire examination, a public recital, and a colloquium on your master’s thesis and the content of your graduation project.

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Expertise in and understanding of a broad organ repertoire from various eras and styles
  • Expertise in different forms of organ improvisation and their application in church work
  • Experience in ensemble work and chamber music as well as different performance situations
  • Basics of project and music management
  • Basic knowledge of cultural history
  • Ability to apply learning techniques, work analytically, connect theory and practice with conceptual project work
  • Communication skills, ability to embrace a range of different roles when necessary, team and conflict resolution skills
  • Self-reflection, an ability to accept criticism, self-management, independence and resilience

Admissions requirements.

Prospective applicants are expected to have an advanced level in the Major as well as extensive artistic potential and personal commitment. Further requirements:

  • Independence and personal responsibility
  • Ability to reflect and self-assess
  • Communication and social skills
  • A good command of German and English 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers a wealth of unique benefits:

  • In the Music Performance Master's, you can look forward to a lively degree programme with approx. 120 musicians. 
  • You will enjoy an inspirational environment with colleagues and partners from around the world for discussion and collaboration in a variety of ensembles and orchestras
  • You will benefit from outstanding infrastructure, live electronics and multimedia, audio productions with in-house sound engineers, historical instrument collections and an excellent library.
  • You will study at the Toni Campus – a public cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe.
  • You will meet students from other artistic disciplines on a daily basis, make contacts and enjoy stimulating collaboration. 
  • You will have opportunities to undertake exchange semesters and various possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s international network. 
  • The self-designed graduation projects will motivate you to organize your work independently. 
  • You will gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations.