Content and structure

Course content.

The immeasurable growth in repertoires in the last few decades – also in the areas of contemporary music and historically based performance practice – and the simultaneous, progressively increasing quality of professional orchestras and ensembles are placing huge demands on up-and-coming conductors.
Much of the work takes place in class, with students sharpening their understanding through group analyses of works and their background, rehearsal strategies, instrument-specific knowledge, and baton techniques. All these aspects are explored on a small scale with instrumental ensembles in the classroom, then implemented in conducting sessions in larger workshops and seminar weeks involving orchestra and concert appearances with the goal of working independently. 

Course structure.

Core 

The artistic core subject is the focus of the artistic profile. Personal, artistic and practical skills are taught within the scope of several different formations. The module area consists of individual and group tuition in the Major, group tuition in front of instrumental ensembles, seminar weeks with external orchestras, internal and external masters’ courses, competitions and concerts. Sound engineering and video documentation of your own work as well as honing your repertoire are an important part of your professional profile and marketability. The module area is rounded off with mentoring from senior lecturers and external experts connected with the Major.

Extension

The optional subject enables you to continue your musical-artistic development in the instrumental/vocal subject, or study advanced or supplementary content such as speech techniques, playing from a score, analysis and aural training as key extensions in the training of conductors. This also includes all the opportunities provided by the broad-based range of elective courses at ZHdK. In this case, it can be tailored individually to the respective needs of the students.

Graduation exam/project

Students of the Major in “Conducting” demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired in a
public concert and in an internal ensemble examination. In the ensemble examination, they sit through a colloquium on specific questions related to orchestral conducting, their capacity for reflection, and their ability to explore subject-specific topics from a theoretical perspective.

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Develop artistic concepts independently, elaborate on them in detail and implement them in public.
  • Handle a range of performance situations in diverse production conditions with ease.
  • Play an artistically compelling, representative repertoire consisting of a range of musical styles. 
  • Design programmes for a variety of event formats independently and implement them in an original manner.
  • In-depth knowledge of music history, expert application of theoretical music concepts, terminologies and methodologies. 
  • Apply comprehensive knowledge of practice, memorization, rehearsal and working techniques in a targeted manner when working with musical material. 
  • Independent, critical reflection on music.
  • Apply basic knowledge of conceptual project work and music-related research methods in professional practice.
  • Continually promote and critically question your own artistic development, thanks to your capacity for differentiated self-perception and reflection.
  • Foster respectful social interaction and develop mediative skills. 
  • Act flexibly in a heterogeneous, multicultural environment.

Admissions requirements.

The practical admissions requirements to be able to stand in front of an orchestra include
a good ear, excellent music-analytical skills, in-depth knowledge of orchestral instruments,
appropriate use of gestures, natural demeanour as well as communicative, friendly interaction with others. Moreover, an independent, professional perspective of the works of the repertoire as well as the ability to communicate are essential requirements in the professional orchestral area.

Further requirements:

  • Ability to recognize and describe musical structures
  • Independence and personal responsibility
  • Ability to reflect and self-assess
  • Communication and social skills
  • A good command of German and/or English 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers a wealth of unique benefits:

  • The Specialized Music Performance Master's is a lively degree programme with approx. 80 musicians. 
  • You will study in a lively musical city with internationally renowned orchestras and opportunities for work experience placements. 
  • You will enjoy class tuition with conducting students from all degree programmes, which promotes the individual development and profile of the participants.
  • You will enjoy an inspirational environment with colleagues and partners from around the world for exchange and collaboration in a variety of ensembles and orchestras.
  • You do not require any specific knowledge of the piano. You will practice with ensembles who have been put together with specific projects in mind.
  • You will learn a lot in challenging projects with orchestral and ensemble formations of ZHdK.
  • 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 meet students from other artistic areas on a daily basis, make contacts and enjoy stimulating collaboration. 
  • 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 have opportunities to undertake exchange semesters and various possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s international network. 
  • 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.