Course content.
The minor complements a practical orchestral activity (internship, traineeship, academy or temporary position) with an established institution such as the professional orchestras in Switzerland area or in top international ensembles for young orchestral musicians. It offers a tailor-made mentoring programme that accompanies the external activity individually, supports the internships in their preparation and implementation and promotes the entry into the orchestral profession. 
The minor in German and English is offered by the Interpretation & Performance profile. It is aimed at the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels.

Skills acquired in the course.
The further perfection of instrumental playing in orchestral settings and the training of mental strength are at the centre of project as well as audition preparation. A wide range of electives enables the rehearsal of chamber works with larger ensembles, attendance at seminars on orchestral literature and orchestration, the promotion of body awareness and body control, the learning of conducting techniques and the expansion of their own repertoire in register ensembles.

Admissions requirements.
Admission takes place via a successful external audition for a placement (Akademie, Praktikum, Volontariat, Zeitvertrag, Zuzügerstelle) with a professional orchestra, as offered in Switzerland by the members of orchester.ch or international partners.
“Orchestral Practice” is recommended for students with a major in violin, viola, violoncello, double bass, harp, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, horn, tuba, percussion or timpani from the Bachelor Music, Master Music Pedagogy, Master Music Performance and Master Specialized Music Performance programmes. 

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German or English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German or English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German or English: to understand a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
The minor aims to accompany advanced orchestral musicians who, after successful external auditions, are already performing at a professional level on the public concert stage, on their way to a permanent position or the top position of their choice. Experts from the fields of Interpretation & Performance, Music Medicine and the Career Centre Music are available for this purpose. Through personal mentoring, individual decisions are made as to which elective courses or opportunities are conducive to achieving the set goals.

Time structure.
As part of a placement in a professional orchestra, the number of services as well as the service allocation can vary greatly, depending on the seasonal programme and the orchestration. It is therefore essential to coordinate the internship and thus the minor with the head of studies and the head of the major.
Depending on the scope of the internship, additional courses such as Dispokinesis and audition training may be added, which cannot necessarily be coordinated in the internship year. For this reason, it is possible to complete the Minor in Orchestral Practice in four semesters.

→ Semester dates ZHdK
→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.