Content and structure

Course content.

The Major in “Contemporary Music” is a specialized course for international concert, composing and/or research work involving contemporary music. The Major is a course for students who explore contemporary music and music practice in depth, implement corresponding projects and develop their own forms of interpretation in the Master’s course. 

The small number of students enables intensive collaboration, promotes discussion, and creates a fruitful environment for experiments and creative projects. In connection with independently selected lecturers and mentors, they develop their own direction in the form of a systematic question process in an interdisciplinary environment, contrasted by practical components in free improvization and performance in ensembles.

Course structure.

Core 

Students develop a specific repertoire in individual and group tuition, and develop their own visions of contemporary and future music. Public presentation and discussion in the peer context places it under scrutiny and improves its quality. Additional coaching in a one-on-one situation and in groups teaches discourse skills.  

Extension 

In Extension module area, the focus is on reflection as well as historical and aesthetic classification of your own work. Internal workshops, internships, and ensemble work guarantee practical experience in the professional context.  

Elective area

In the Elective area, students complement their Major with appropriate courses.  

Graduation exam/project

The final project consists of a performance or a project, a colloquium, a written dossier detailing the work completed during the course and an analytical paper on an aspect of students’ own work. 
 

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

The Major enables students to rethink music both individually and collectively from the ground up, develop a research approach, and explore aspects which extend and consolidate their access to music. This can take place through the interpretation of music works and combining music and media or other art forms.

Admissions requirements.

Prospective students have extensive prior musical knowledge and expert instrumental/vocal or compositional skills. The Major aims to develop artistic professionalism in the interpretation of contemporary music, consisting of in-depth exploration of students’ identity, knowledge gained when working with materials, techniques and compositions as well as experiences of collaborative work. 

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.  
  • Inspirational environment with colleagues and partners from around the world for exchange and collaboration in a variety of ensembles and orchestras 
  • Meet students from other artistic areas on a daily basis, make contacts and enjoy stimulating collaboration.  
  • Gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations. 
  • Study at the Toni Campus – a public cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe. 
  • Outstanding state-of-the-art infrastructure as well as an excellent library
  • ZHdK Music’s international network offers you the opportunity to undertake exchange semesters and various possibilities to explore other cultures.