Registration and admissions process

MA Music Pedagogy Jazz, MA Music Pedagoy Pop

Questions concerning the aptitude test?

Please contact us via email only.

  • Information regarding the online registration

    • Login to the online registration with SWITCH edu-ID

      • To register online, you will need a SWITCH edu-ID, which must be created once. If you do not yet have a SWITCH edu-ID, you can create one during the registration process. Please ensure you use your personal email address to register. 
        → How to create and use a SWITCH edu-ID

      • Each person should only have one SWITCH edu-ID. 
        If you forget your password, you can create a new password via “Reset Password”.

    • 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 details have been entered and the documents submitted, you must finalise your application by clicking ‘Complete entry’ and pay the registration fee. The registration cannot be changed afterwards. The registration is only considered to be submitted and checked once the registration fee has been paid.
    • You will receive an e-mail with details about the next steps (see Dates). If you do not receive a message, please check your spam folder.
    • If the registration has not been completed, including payment of the registration fee, the data will be deleted after the registration deadline.
    • For technical enquiries and in emergencies, you can contact us on +41 43 446 44 00. 

  • Application documents

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

    1. Letter of motivation
      Please explain your motivation for applying to the MA Design (max. 1 A4 page). If you have no previous design education, please describe your previous professional activities and education and explain why you wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Design (max. 2 A4 pages). AI-Generated letters of motivation will not be considered.
       

    2. Project idea
      Please outline a research-oriented project idea relevant to your chosen major (max. 2 A4 pages). The project description should identify your interests, provide a situation analysis, and clarify your approach. If necessary, please submit additional documents to support your project idea and note the specific requirements of your major in the next section. The submitted project idea may, but need not, be part of your future Master’s programme.

      Please note the explanations on the project idea for your major:

      Game Design
      Outline your considerations regarding the game mechanics and the function of the planned artifact (game) as well as the intended target group. In addition, describe how the artifact will contribute to the research project and, conversely, how your research will advance the artifact.

      Interaction Design
      Please outline a research-oriented project idea relevant to your chosen major (max. 2 A4 pages). The project description should identify your research interests, provide a situation analysis, and clarify your designerly approach. Please refer to appropriate literature and similar projects. If necessary, please submit additional documents to support your project idea, such as sketches, visualizations, photography or illustrations. The submitted project idea may, but need not, be part of your future Master’s studies.

      Knowledge Visualization
      Please outline a research-oriented project idea relevant to your chosen major (max. 2 A4 pages). The project description should identify your research interests, provide a situation analysis, and clarify your designerly approach. Please refer to appropriate literature and similar projects. If necessary, please submit additional documents to support your project idea, such as sketches, visualizations, photography or illustrations. The submitted project idea may, but need not, be part of your future Master’s studies.

      Industrial Design
      Outline your major-specific research interest on a maximum of two A4 pages. Describe how you would like to deal with your research topic in a creative and practice-oriented way. If necessary, supplement your submission with additional visual media, such as process visualizations, mood boards, etc. In addition, suggest which possible minor programs would strengthen your interest in design.

      Trends & Identity
      Try to make the project idea (or several) tangible using concrete phenomena. Locate the project proposal in the central concepts of the subject area and give examples of the scope for development. In addition, suggest which potential minor programs would strengthen your project idea(s). Process visualizations, mappings and moodboards, which visually describe the research-oriented design concerns, are welcome as visual argumentation.

      Visual Communication
      Please outline a research-oriented project idea relevant to your chosen major (max. 2 A4 pages). The project description should identify your research interests, provide a situation analysis, and clarify your designerly approach. The research aspects of the project idea must be clearly worked out and specified. Please refer to appropriate literature and similar projects. If necessary, please submit additional documents to support your project idea, such as sketches, visualizations, photography or illustrations. The submitted project idea may, but need not, be part of your future Master’s studies.

    3. Portfolio/reference list
      Please enclose a list of design projects or projects from your previous field of activity in which you were significantly involved. These can be:
      –   Projects from your previous studies
      –   Projects from your design practice, undertaken either while you were employed at a design agency or as a self-employed designer
      –   Research projects
      –   Projects with a theoretical orientation

      The portfolio must be uploaded as a single PDF file with a maximum size of 10MB (no ZIP files). If 10MB is not sufficient, a link to cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. can be included in the PDF, containing additional material. The link must not be password-protected and must not have an expiration date. References to websites are also possible in the PDF. If you would like to include other file formats, please insert hyperlinks into the PDF. This allows you to store links to websites, large images, audio, and video files.

      The portfolio/reference list must be submitted digitally (PDF) – except for the Master Major in Visual Communication, where submission can be digital or physical. Physical portfolios should be sent to the address below by the application deadline.

      Zürcher Hochschule der Künste
      Sekretariat Master Design
      Pfingstweidstrasse 96
      Postfach
      8031 Zürich

      For information about collecting the portfolio please contact Gloria Bilz.

    4. Letter of recommendation
      Please upload one letter of recommendation (no reference) if you are applying for a place on our MA Design. Letters should be issued by a relevant individual or institution (e. g. employer, university).
       
    5. Swiss Matriculation number
      The field “matriculation number” only concerns applicants who have already studied at a university or applied university in Switzerland. Applicants who have studied abroad (not in Switzerland) are not required to fill in the field “matriculation number”.
      All students receive a matriculation number when they register for the first time at a university or an applied university in Switzerland or at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH in the shape of a yellow sticker, which is affixed to the reverse of their qualifying diploma (e. g. baccalaureate certificate, Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence). Please provide this number when registering and submit your university entrance qualification certificate as a PDF file. 
       
    6. Ex-matriculation certificate / Proof of withdrawal
      Confirmation of ex-matriculation or proof of withdrawalis issued at Swiss universities upon graduation or upon termination of studies. If issue is pending, confirmation must be submitted later.
       
    7. Swiss Social security number
      If you live or work in Switzerland, you will find your Swiss social security number (756...) on your AHV card or on your Swiss health insurance card. Applicants who wish to come to Switzerland to study do not yet have a Swiss social security number and therefore do not need to provide one.
       
    8. Personal photo as JPG
      Please upload a recent passport quality photo – 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.
       
    9. Identity card or passport
      A PDF of the identity card (both sides) or passport must be uploaded. If a residence permit for Switzerland is available, please also submit a PDF of it.
       
    10. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
      Please submit in tabular form, no prose texts.
       

    11. Language skills
      The language skills required are listed for each degree programme in the programme regulations. Language skills can be demonstrated as follows:
      –    Native speaker (does not have to be proven)
      –    Required language as a subject in the educational certificate, passed or at least grade 4 (submit the upper secondary education transcript as a PDF)
      –    Recognized certificate (according to the list “Recognized Certificates for Language Requirements”)
      –    University degree (Bachelor's/Master'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.

    12. Further documents
      Please submit the corresponding transcripts, diplomas and certificates to provide evidence of your:
      • Educational qualifications
      • Professional activities (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)
      • Internships (relevant to your degree programme/chosen specialization)

    Documents must be uploaded in PDF format. If you wish to upload several individual PDF files, you may do so one after the other.

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is generally permitted, except where it is explicitly not accepted for certain documents to be submitted. The use of AI must be declared when the application is submitted.

  • Additional documents required

    1. Personal data (education, musical education: instruments, teachers, band experience, leisure activities, etc.)

    2. Personal statement: 

      • What does music mean to you, Jazz or Pop in particular?

      • Why would you like to study Jazz or Pop at ZHdK?

      • Where do you think your professional career will take you?

    3. Dossier/video
      Jazz: 
      –    Written dossier, see «Aptitude Test MA Music Pedagoy Jazz»
      –    Performance video, see «Aptitude Test MA Music Pedagoy Jazz«

      Pop: 
      –    Written dossier, see «Aptitude test MA Music Pedagoy Pop»
      –    Video portfolio, see «Aptitude test MA Music Pedagoy Pop»

    4. Non-native speakers of German must provide evidence of a TELC Certificate in German (Level B2) (European Language Certificates) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized Goethe Institute.

    Applications close on 15 March.
    From 29 March, all candidates will be progressively notified by the Jazz and Pop Office via e-mail as to whether they have been admitted to the aptitude test, or not. 
    Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office prior to this time cannot be answered.

  • Aptitude Test MA Music Pedagogy Jazz

    The aptitude test is the first step towards gaining admission to the Master Music Pedagogy. 
    Throughout the course of this multi-stage examination, we evaluate candidates’ musical, creative, instrumental/vocal and social skills and abilities.

    The aptitude tests take place in mid-April 2022 for study commencement in the 2022 autumn semester.

    The aptitude test takes place in two stages:

    1. Admission to the aptitude test on the basis of the dossier/video as part of the online application

      1. Written dossier
        The dossier contains a comprehensive description of the candidate’s artistic career to date as well as their past and current work as a PDF file. Photos and links to websites, audio and video material are encouraged and may be added.
        The jury evaluates: 
        • the description of the candidate’s musical background and career to date as well as the courses of study that they have successfully completed,
        • the description of their current artistic activities, 
        • the originality of their musical-artistic statement.
      2. Performance video
        All candidates present themselves and their music in a self-produced video (approx. 15 minutes) with a performance of their choice. They are free to choose the form and content, which must be clearly connected to the intended core subject of Jazz. 
        • The video file should be no larger than 1.5 GB (max.15 minutes) and be submitted along with the rest of the documents during online registration (upload) by 15 March 2022 at the latest.
        • It should provide an informative insight into the candidate’s artistic work and contain excerpts from at least two live musical performances. Original compositions/songs are strongly encouraged.
        • All performances must be recorded in full, without editing or cuts.

          Technical requirements
          • Video recordings must be taken from a fixed camera perspective – the candidate’s hands and face must be visible.
          • Recordings may be made on a mobile phone, camera or laptop computer. 
          • Use of a stereo microphone is desirable. 
          • The quality and format of the recordings should meet the following criteria: HD video (720p; 1080i; 1080p) with 265 kbit/s sound resolution in .mov or .mp4 format 
        • The jury evaluates
          • the excellence of the instrumental/vocal performance,
          • the musical autonomy/recognizability, 
          • as well as the artistic potential/individuality of the candidate’s own music/interpretations.

    After reviewing all video portfolios, the jury decides whether or not the candidates meet the necessary artistic requirements for the study programme and are admitted to the aptitude test. 

    Attention:
    Before admission to the aptitude test, the submitted documents are first checked for completeness by the university administration.
    The university administration then informs the candidates and the jury whether the documents are correct and the candidate is admitted for the professional evaluation, i.e. the viewing of the video portfolio by the jury.

    This is only an administrative pre-clearance and not the admission to the aptitude test by the jury. This will take place in a second step and will be communicated separately.

    As of March 29, all candidates will be informed by the Jazz and Pop Secretariat via e-mail about their admission or non-admission. Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office prior to this time cannot be answered. There is no entitlement to a professional explanation of the decision.
     

    2. Live performance/audition and interview

    Duration: approx. 45 min, individual

    The live performance takes place on stage in the department's own music club, Mehrspur. 

    Candidates determine the form and content of the performance (approx. 30 minutes) themselves. Candidates are responsible for designing, organizing and executing the performance.

    An audition band is provided; however, candidates may bring their own band. In this case, please inform the Jazz and Pop Office in advance.

    An admissions interview is held with the jury after the performance. 

    The jury evaluates:

    • the skill level displayed in the areas of performance, composition/arrangement and production,
    • the conceptual creativity and individuality of the performance
    • the originality of the musical-artistic statement.  

    A candidate’s suitability for admission to the Master's programme is assessed on the basis of their performance, dossier, video portfolio and examination results from previous courses of study. Candidates will be informed in writing about the results.  

    Even if a candidate passes the admissions examination, their admission is also contingent upon the availability of study places. 

    If a candidate passes the admissions examination but is not accepted due to a lack of study places, they must repeat the examination when re-applying for later admission to the degree programme.

  • Aptitude test MA Music Pedagogy Pop

    The aptitude test is the first step towards gaining admission to the Master Music Pedagoy. 

    Throughout the course of this multi-stage examination, we evaluate candidates’ musical, creative, instrumental/vocal and social skills and abilities.

    The aptitude tests take place at the beginning of May/in mid-May 2022 for study commencement in the 2022 autumn semester.

    The aptitude test takes place in two stages:

    1. Admission to the aptitude test on the basis of the dossier/video as part of the online application

      1. Written dossier
        The dossier contains a comprehensive description of the candidate’s artistic career to date as well as their past and current work as a PDF file. Photos and links to websites, audio and video material are encouraged and may be added.
        The jury evaluates: 
        • the description of the candidate’s musical background and career to date as well as the courses of study that they have successfully completed,
        • the description of their current artistic activities, 
        • and the originality of their musical-artistic statement.
      2. Video portfolio
        All candidates present themselves and their music in a self-produced video (approx. 15 minutes). They are free to choose the form and content of the video, and it should be creative in form. The jury evaluates
        • The video file should be no larger than 1.5 GB (max.15 minutes) and be submitted along with the rest of the documents during online registration by 15 March 2022 at the latest. YouTube quality in .mp4 format is perfectly adequate.(upload).
        • It should provide an informative insight into the candidate’s artistic work and contain excerpts from at least two live musical performances. Original compositions/songs are strongly encouraged.
        • All performances must be recorded in full, without editing or cuts.

          The jury evaluates: 
          • the excellence of the instrumental/vocal performance,
          • the musical originality/recognizability,
          • the general creativity and originality of the video and performances,  
          • as well as the artistic potential/individuality of the candidate’s own music/interpretations.

      • After reviewing all video portfolios, the jury decides whether or not the candidates meet the necessary artistic requirements for the study programme and are admitted to the aptitude test. 

        Attention:
        Before admission to the aptitude test, the submitted documents are first checked for completeness by the university administration.
        The university administration then informs the candidates and the jury whether the documents are correct and the candidate is admitted for the professional evaluation, i.e. the viewing of the video portfolio by the jury.

        This is only an administrative pre-clearance and not the admission to the aptitude test by the jury. This will take place in a second step and will be communicated separately.

        As of March 29, all candidates will be informed by the Jazz and Pop Secretariat via e-mail about their admission or non-admission. Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office prior to this time cannot be answered. There is no entitlement to a professional explanation of the decision.
         

    2. Live performance/showcase and interview

    Duration: approx. 45 min, individual

    The live performance takes place on stage in the department's own music club, Mehrspur. 

    Candidates determine the form and content of the performance (approx. 30 minutes) themselves. Candidates are responsible for designing, organizing and executing the performance.

    Candidates principally organize their own band; however, they may also appear as a soloist.

    An admissions interview is held with the jury after the performance. 

    The jury evaluates:

    • the skill level displayed in the areas of performance, composition/arrangement and production,
    • the conceptual creativity and individuality of the performance
    • the autonomy of the musical-artistic statement.  

    A candidate’s suitability for admission to the Master's programme is assessed on the basis of their performance, dossier, video portfolio and examination results from previous courses of study. Candidates will be informed in writing about the results.  

    Even if a candidate passes the admissions examination, their admission is also contingent upon the availability of study places. 

    If a candidate passes the admissions examination but is not accepted due to a lack of study places, they must repeat the examination when re-applying for later admission to the degree programme.

  • Dates

    Application deadline

    15 March 2022

    Aptitude test Pop

    2 to 15 May 2022
    The individual days/times will be provided upon invitation to the examination.

    Aptitude test Jazz

    11 to 20 April 2022.
    The individual days/times will be provided upon invitation to the examination.

    Oral and written theory examinations, group song writing Pop

    3 May 2022

  • Application and admissions test fee

    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. Applicants who are invited to an aptitude interview/test are required to pay an additional examination fee of CHF 200 prior to being invited for an aptitude interview/test. Invitations are sent after payment has been received.

  • ZHdK Excellence Scholarship

    Prospective Master's students with an outstanding performance in the entrance examination or even during their Bachelor's degree at ZHdK are nominated on the basis of various criteria and invited to apply for the Excellence Scholarship. An initiative application without nomination by ZHdK is not possible.

  • FAQ

    How often can you apply for the Master of Arts in Music Education, Jazz or Pop?
    A failed aptitude test may be repeated once. If a candidate is not offered a study place after having passed the aptitude test successfully, the test may be repeated without restriction in the case of candidacy for subsequent entry to the program.

    May I submit several partial videos instead of a 15-minute video?
    Only one video file may be uploaded in the online application; please send us all your recordings in one 15-minute video. 

    Is there an age limit for the application process?
    In principle, all candidates who fulfil the admissions requirements with regard to prior education, language knowledge and musical-artistic potential may apply.

    The regulations specify that the video to be submitted must not be edited. What happens in the case of live recordings, where the sound and image can only be assembled afterwards? (Recording via audio interface and headphones)
    In this case, the focus is on editing that not only documents the actual performance but also changes it with the express purpose of improving it, primarily cuts/editing, changes in intonation, timing, etc. This type of editing is not permitted. Changes to the sound design using an equalizer, compression, reverb, etc. (“mixing”) are permitted. The videos are based on actual real, live and real-life performances, not on edited and finished productions in order to guarantee that all candidates have the same opportunities and provide a true picture of their musical ability.

    How do I find out whether I have been invited to the aptitude test, or not?
    From 29 March, all candidates will be progressively notified by the Jazz and Pop Office via e-mail as to whether they have been admitted to the aptitude test, or not. 
    Until then, please bear with us; any enquiries directed to the Jazz and Pop Office prior to this time cannot be answered.