Modules PreCollege Creative Music Practices

  • Composition (major)

    Composition, taken as a major, is aimed at young students preparing for the admissions examination for one of the various Composition courses. Composition tuition within the PreCollege Music programme prepares students in a targeted manner for the specific admissions examination for the degree course in question. The focus is on helping students put together a diverse and appealing dossier in readiness for the admissions examination, although they are also encouraged to develop their own ideas about music. With this in mind, there is plenty of scope for various studies and experiments or to address technical issues, giving students an opportunity to develop a broad aesthetic overview of concepts relating to style and composition. Various possible formats are investigated accordingly, and students are taught about the technical requirements for working in this field nowadays.

  • KTT General Theory

    KTT General Theory provides comprehensive and targeted preparation for the written part of Composition, Theory, and Sound Engineering admissions examinations (in relation to Music Theory) at a university-level institution specializing in music.

    The aim is to make students familiar and comfortable (in terms of their writing, listening and descriptive skills) with triads and tetrads and their inversions in all keys, with diatonic melodies and with rhythms of various time signatures in the form of dictation and sight-reading. They are also encouraged to listen to and write pieces for four parts using arrangements involving accidentals.

    To this end, students are trained in formal and stylistic aspects of appreciating and analysing various musical works from the Renaissance to the present and “placing” them accordingly.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 23.08.2025  / 15:00 – 18:00 

    SAT 06.09.2025  / 12:30 – 15:30 

    SAT 21.09.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 04.10.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SUN 19.10.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 08.11.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 22.11.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 06.12.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 20.12.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 03.01.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 17.01.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30

    SUN 25.01.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 31.01.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 07.02.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 21.02.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 28.02.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 14.03.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    FRI 20.03.2026 / 18:00 - 21:00 

    SAT 28.03.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SAT 11.04.2026 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    60 Lessons

    Head

    Philipp Classen

  • Arrangement

    Arrangement is intended to familiarize students with the disciplines of instrumentation, orchestration and arrangement. Great importance is placed on developing some knowledge of the history of and technique associated with transposition, score arrangements, notation techniques, how to create percussion parts and the possibilities offered by various arrangement processes. Among other things, this improves students’ ability to place musical works in some kind of stylistic and historical context.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 22.02.2026 / 11:30 – 14:30 

    SAT 07.03.2026 / 14:00 – 17:00 

    SUN 22.03.2026 / 14:00 - 17:00

    SUN 29.03.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00

    12 lessons

    Head

    Niko Seibold

  • Recording Techniques and Producing

    This module focuses on the possibilities offered by sound technology during concerts or in rehearsal rooms and on producing music too. It is also concerned with technical aspects of what is possible in recording terms and the various ways of processing audio signals on a computer. Producing music using virtual instruments, samples and sound design enables people to record things themselves and prepare material for various digital media. It also gives people the technical tools they need to compose music and write songs and makes them more aware of the aesthetics of sound.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 31.08.2025 / 09:00 – 13:00

    SUN 14.09.2025 / 09:00 – 13:00 

    SUN 28.09.2025 / 09:00 – 13:00 

    12 lessons

    Heads

    Luca Burkhalter / Simon Huber

  • Performance Skills

    If you are a professional musician, you will often find yourself in front of an audience. Your performance, however, is not just about the music you make (your core skills), but also how you step out in front of the audience, how you greet them, how you introduce the next piece and how you respond to applause. And these are precisely the things we practise together, under no pressure, so you can acquire or build on these skills too. It is a case of wanting to make an impression as opposed to simply making music.

    We practise your live performances in a playful manner, play out various scenarios and give you tips, feedback and background information about your presentation style. All this makes you more conscious about your public performances, improves your performance skills and takes you one step further down the road towards a professional career in music.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 15.02.26 / 9:00 - 17:00 Uhr

    7 lessons

    Head

    Oliver Mannel

  • Bachelor's Semester Choir

    The Bachelor's Semester Choir at ZHdK, besides providing a grounding in choral literature, gives students a chance to train their singing skills, their voice and their listening skills. They also learn how to make music with others and interpret musical texts. Singing in a choir stretches singers both intellectually and emotionally and includes a social dimension too (working towards a joint endeavour, participating in something with real commitment, showing enough consideration to step back when required, making new contacts, etc.). Young students at the PreCollege are very welcome to join the Bachelor's Semester Choir. The Bachelor's Semester Choir rehearses every Tuesday during the university semester from 11:30 to 13:00 h and devises and puts on a cappella choral programmes or programmes for choirs, soloists and orchestras.

    Dates / Duration

    Tuesdays, 11:30–13:00 

    Rehearsing dates as stated in the rehearsing schedule (subject to change).

    54 lessons

    Heads

    Markus Utz / Ernst Buscagne.

  • Jazz and Pop Band Concerts

    The musical/instrumental or vocal work the students do is all about developing their individual artistic presentation skills. And during the year or more they spend preparing (before taking music studies at degree level), it is vitally important that they practise these skills as a matter of course and make them part of their own artistic identity. Artistic presentation, or concert craft, is something which can be learned too, and what can be learned has to be practised.

    The young students in the Pop and Jazz profile work intensively during their regular band workshops and (in addition to general band training and training geared towards the admissions examination), prepare for concerts held at the Mehrspur music club on the Toni Campus. 

    Dates / Duration

    MON 08.12.2025 / 20:00 

    WED 25.03.2026 / 20:00 

    SAT 09.05.2026  / 20:00 

    Venue

    Musikklub Mehrspur

    Heads

    Jonas Wolf / Joël Fonsegrive / François Lana

  • Jazz Band Workshop

    The band workshop brings together all the knowledge of the PreCollege jazz programme and trains the individual band members' ability to communicate artistically, musically and improvisationally, as well as their performance skills. Different standards are developed together, whereby the improvisational craft, interplay and interaction in the personal creation process are trained. The band workshops also develop the programme for the band concerts and serve as a platform for preparing for the entrance examinations of various music academies. After approx. 4 months, a personal assessment takes place in which the previous period of study is reflected upon and the upcoming period is agreed in goals based on feedback.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 30.08.2025 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 13.09.2025 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 27.09.2025 /  10:00 - 13:00 

    SUN 05.10.2025 / 12:00 - 15:00 

    SAT 18.10.2025 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 22.11.2025 / 18:00 - 21:00 

    SAT 29.11.2025 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    MON 08.12.2025 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    SAT 03.01.2026 / 16:00 - 19:00 

    SAT 24.01.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 07.02.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 21.02.2026 / 18:00 - 21:00 

    SAT 28.02.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 07.03.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 21.03.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 04.04.2026 / 16:00 - 19:00 

    SAT 11.04.2026 / 16:00 - 19:00 

    SAT 23.05.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    WED 25.03.2026 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    SAT 18.04.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00

    SAT 09.05.2026 / 10:00 - 13:00 

    SAT 09.05.2026 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    54 lessons

    Head

    François Lana

  • Band Workshop Pop

    The band workshop brings together all the knowledge from the PreCollege Pop programme and trains artistic, musical and improvisational communication within the individual band members. Different musical styles and original songs are developed and realised together. Various thematic focuses train the band in performance, ensemble playing, sound aesthetics, rhythm styles and interaction. The band workshops also develop the programme for the band concerts and serve as a platform for preparing for the ZHdK entrance exam. After approx. 4 months, a personal assessment takes place in which the previous period of study is reflected upon and the upcoming period is agreed in goals based on feedback. 

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 30.08.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 13.09.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 27.09.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SUN 05.10.2025 / 12:00 - 16:00 (only group J. Wolf)

    SAT 01.11.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 (only group J. Fonsegrive)

    SAT 15.11.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 29.11.2025 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00

    MON 08.12.2025 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    SAT 10.01.2026 / 10:00 - 17:00 (studio sessions)

    SAT 24.01.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00

    SAT 14.02.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 07.03.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 21.03.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00

    WED 25.03.2026 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    SAT 18.04.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00 

    SAT 09.05.2026 / 09:30 - 11:30 and 12:00 - 14:00

    SAT 09.05.2026 / 20:00 Concert Mehrspur

    50 lessons

    Head

    Jonas Wolf / Joël Fonsegrive

  • Sight-reading and Accompaniment

    Sight-reading and Accompaniment is aimed at pianists. It is concerned with the detection of formal, musical and harmonic connections, chord structures and awareness of the strategies needed to read a musical text and reproduce it on the piano. The module also enables students to discover and use various sight-reading strategies, to develop their own sight-reading strategy and to work on general sight-reading skills as well as various techniques for piano accompaniment. Other aspects include the ability to reduce a piano piece (or the art involved in this), the use of an orchestra to reproduce sections of piano music, sensitive and empathetic accompaniment and the sheer pleasure that accompaniment can bring. Collaborations with different instrumentalists or singers are also explored. Students need to train their sight-reading skills (prima vista) outside the module itself too.

    Dates / Duration

    tbd.

    10 Units

    Head

    Mathias Clausen 

  • Computer Music – Sound Experimentation

    We come across electronic sounds/music all the time, be it in films, audio plays and games or even online. But what exactly is computer music? And what is electroacoustic music? We try to shed some light on these issues with the presentation and tour of the studio and laboratory at the 'Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology' (ICST) at ZHdK and by looking at its current research projects. We also offer a brief historical outline of the topic of 'Computer Music and Sound Experimentation' and listen to a few important pieces/examples. The second part of this module focuses on giving students a chance to conduct their own practical experiments with sound on a computer (sound experimentation, workshop). We learn about instruments (software) used for the analysis, processing and composition of sound and their practical applications. The aim is to give students some guidance and intuitive practical experience of working with sound on a computer for compositional purposes.

     

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 09.11.2025 / 17:30 - 19:30 

    SAT 29.11.2025 / 17:30 - 19:30

    SUN 07.12.2025 / 16:30 - 18:30 

    6 lessons

    Head

    Johannes Schütt

  • Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

    This Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) module is compulsory for the young students in the Sound Engineering, FTM, Theory or Composition profile. Students are taught the basics of digital audio, routing, synchronization devices, instrument libraries / MIDI station, mock-ups, sampling, film formats, recording and mixing.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 24.08.2025 / 10:00 – 12:00 

    SAT 30.08.2025 / 16:00 - 18:00 

    SAT 20.09.2025 / 09:00 - 11:00 

    SAT 27.09.2025 / 14:00 - 16:00 (Group A)

                                16:00 - 18:00 (Group B)

    SAT 04.10.2025 / 16:00 - 18:00 (Group B)

                                18:00 - 20:00 (Group A)

    10 lessons

    Head

    Leandro Gianini

  • Conducting

    The course explains various aspects of orchestral conducting to students, based on practical example, and gives them the opportunity to practise these. They include baton technique, i.e. the basic conducting gestures, fermatas, techniques involving the left hand, independence of the arms, dynamics, changes of time, changes of tempo, different musical styles, posture and expressions, bowing techniques, etc., depending on what is possible or required. The main focus is on actually conducting within the group as opposed to any theory taught. Students work with short examples from the concert repertoire as well as special exercises and longer sections of symphonic, classical-romantic repertoire or even contemporary works. Tuition is normally delivered with two pianos or with the help of a small ensemble.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 14.12.2025 / 14:00 – 17:00 

    SUN 11.01.2026 / 15:00 – 18:00 

    SUN 22.02.2026 / 15:00 – 18:00 

    SUN 01.03.2026 / 15:00 – 18:00 

    SUN 15.03.2026 / 14:00 – 17:00 

    SUN 29.03.2026 / 14:00 - 17:00 

    18 lessons

    Head

    Richard Kogima

  • Opening event for PreCollege Music at ZHdK

    The opening event for the academic year for PreCollege Music at ZHdK is the first event involving all young students across the various profiles. In addition to the up-front information provided about the intranet, access options and authorizations, options associated with the Campus Card, ITZ, MIZ, security advice, practice rooms, tutorials, concerts, reservations, the Toni-Areal campus, certificates of enrolment, etc., the Campus Card is also handed to students in person.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 23.08.2025 / 9:15 - 10:45 

    1.5 hours

    Head

    Xavier Pfarrer

  • Listening and Transcription

    The Listening/Transcription module serves as comprehensive and targeted preparation for the oral part of the admissions examination (in relation to Music Theory) at a university-level institution specializing in music, with the focus on Composition and Sound Engineering degree programmes. The content of the course covers the Classical Music, Jazz and Pop profiles.

    The aim is to make students familiar and comfortable (in terms of their listening and singing skills) with all intervals, scales, triads in major and minor, seventh chords, diatonic melody dictation, harmony and rhythm dictation, physical implementation of polyrhythms, singing and sight-reading of rhythms, improvisation to rhythms, phrasing of song and in-depth analysis of audio samples.

    The focus therefore is on listening to and singing intervals, scales in all keys, triads and tetrads in all pitches, solmization, transcribing melody dictations involving chord progressions and rhythm dictations, playing cadences and chord progressions in major and minor, singing tonal melodies and jazz-specific phrases, voice leading and chord progressions, pulse exercises based on a wide variety of rhythms, rhythmics and groove analysis as well as reading and speaking rhythms.

    The course is also intended to broaden students’ horizons in terms of the music they listen to – across the genres of Classical, New Music, jazz and pop. The course consists of various profiles (Classical Music, Composition for Film, Theatre and Media as well as Jazz and Pop), with the idea being to familiarize students with the respective backgrounds and help them develop a broad-based sensitivity (in terms of their listening skills) informed by aesthetic considerations and anchored in the world of music as it currently stands.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 23.08.2025 / 11:00 – 14:00 

    SAT 06.09.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SUN 21.09.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 04.10.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SUN 19.10.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 08.11.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 22.11.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 06.12.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 20.12.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 03.01.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 17.01.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SUN 25.01.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 31.01.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 07.02.2026 / 16:00 - 19:00 

    SAT 21.02.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 28.02.2026 / 16:00 - 19:00 

    SAT 14.03.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00

    SUN 22.03.2026 / 10:30 - 13:30 

    SAT 28.03.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SAT 11.04.2026 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    60 lessons

    Head

    Philipp Classen

  • Shadowing

    Subject to the agreement of the Head of PreCollege Music, there are options to shadow lecturers at ZHdK and assist them with their tuition.

  • Improvisation

    Participants learn free improvisation in small groups. They are trained to work on and refine their posture and attitude in terms of actions and responses and their ability to listen to and memorize things. They develop an ability to control musical processes and formally create coherent pieces in an ensemble setting. They assume responsibility for their own musical work and develop an anxiety-free approach to risk, while taking pleasure in playing and experimenting. Participants acquire an initial repertoire of material and playing strategies. They increase their powers of concentration and alertness. They understand the importance of openness in terms of their posture and attitude (while playing) and improve their ability to communicate as musicians. Another important aspect is how students broaden their skills in terms of listening analytically and get wider exposure to new and contemporary music.

    The course is very practical, and a lot of music is made. Students are given the opportunity to discuss and analyse the music played as well. Coherent pieces are formally improvised in small groups as a kind of ‘instant composing’ exercise. Students embed the three key creative questions of ‘what, when and how’ into their own playing through practice. Many different facets of improvisation are explored, from tonal and atonal to abstract (including noise-based) atmospheres, and musical material, from miniatures to larger formal sequences, is played with freedom and developed with a genuine sense of joy.

    The dates will be arranged directly with the improvisation teacher after the groups have been assigned.

    8 lessons

    Head
    Niko Seibold

  • Body Consciousness and Health

    It is critically important for all musicians to have some awareness of how certain sequences of movements and posture while playing or singing can damage their health. These days, an understanding of the physiological aspects of music and the importance of exercise and sport, including some knowledge of physical and relaxation exercises, is a very important part of being a musician. Physical training and health promotion, mental training, diet, posture, breathing, luxuries (e.g. alcohol and tobacco) or medicines are serious matters from a health perspective.

    Students try out and explore their own personal approach to looking after their individual physical and mental well-being and are helped by finding out the kind of advice available at ZHdK.

    Dates / Duration

     SUN 18.01.2026 / 10:00 - 17:00 

    6 Units

    Head

    Lisa Gretler / Regula Mahler

    Comment

    Bring comfortable clothes and sneakers.

  • Cultural and Musical History

    This module looks at the history of creativity. But rather than plotting a timeline, the focus is on certain viewpoints or events which left a significant mark in terms of culture, history and society. For example, the issue of the role played by music and art in various political conflicts is examined, and an attempt is made to establish where states like ecstasy or asceticism fit in.

    Students are trained to develop a nuanced perception of cultural events and shown where parallels exist or develop between events and works of art – parallels which may be obscured with a historicist or genre-based approach. The experience acquired is intended to help students understand the present world and reflect upon and place their own creative output in relation to it.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 23.08.2025 / 18:00 –  20:00 Uhr

    SUN 07.09.2025 / 13:30 – 15:30 Uhr

    SAT 20.09.2025 / 13:00 – 15:00 Uhr

    SUN 26.10.2025 / 10:00 – 12:00 Uhr

    SUN 09.11.2025 / 10:00 – 12:00 Uhr

    SUN 23.11.2025 / 10:00 – 12:00 Uhr

    SUN 07.12.2025 / 14:30 – 16:30 Uhr

    14 lessons

    Head

    Seren Stevenson

  • Master classes and encounters with artists

    ZHdK offers students the possibility to attend Master Classes and meet renowned artists. PreCollege Music students can also benefit from this offer.

  • Mentorship

    Students in PreCollege Music with an external major have the opportunity to work together with a mentor from ZHdK. The mentorship will be clarified during a discussion with the Head of PreCollege Music.

  • Contemporary Music

    This module makes a case for understanding the urgency of art and tries to spark students' curiosity and appetite for getting to grips with contemporary music. It also picks up on the beauty and urgency of current art music, promotes students’ ability to listen with an open mind and familiarizes them with some of the key aspects of current art music. Students reflect on the difference between ‘utility music’ and art music and learn about various principles of composition, besides listening to current music.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 26.10.2025 / 12:30 - 15:30 

    SUN 09.11.2025 / 14:30 - 17:30

    SUN 30.11.2025 / 09:00 - 12:00 

    SUN 13.12.2025 / 14:00 - 17:00 

    12 lessons

    Head

    Olav Lervik

  • Music and AI - new horizons

    In this course we explore the connection between music and artificial intelligence (AI). In three sessions and an in-depth workshop, we will focus on the development of AI in the music industry, explain AI basics and discuss its influence on musical aesthetics and composition. The participants actively engage with the topic through practical exercises.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 24.08.2025 / 12:00 - 14:00 Uhr

    SUN 07.09.2025 / 16:00 – 18:00 Uhr

    SUN 09.11.2025 / 12:30 – 14:30 Uhr

    SUN 23.11.2025 / 13:00 – 15:00 Uhr

    SA 13.12.2025 / 17:00 - 19:00 Uhr

    10 lessons

    Head

    Philippe Kocher

  • Musical notation Dorico KTT

    This module teaches some general knowledge of musical notation using Dorico software as well as the rules of notation and their application, with reference to Dorico, across various styles (classical, jazz, film music). Students are also taught how to arrange notes (layout) and how to export projects (graphic form, PDF, audio).

    The various topics discussed include: an introduction to the basic rules of musical notation, notation with a computer, using a keyboard, chords, octaves, parts, rhythm, n-toles, articulation, dynamics, technique, expression, polymetrics and rhythmics, jazz chords, patterns, repetitions, complex notation (hidden objects, free notation, graphics), layout (parts and score), keyboard shortcuts and the playing, premixing or export of projects (graphic form, PDF, audio, etc.).

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 24.08.2025 / 14:00 - 16:00

    SUN 31.08.2025 / 16:30 - 18:30

    SUN 14.09.2025 / 16:30 - 18:30

    SAT 01.11.2025 / 14:00 - 16:00

    SAT 08.11.2025 / 18:00 - 20:00

    SAT 22.11.2025 / 18:00 - 20:00 

    12 lessons

    Head

    Paul Schmidt

  • Rhythm and Movement

    Working on a feel for pulse and representing and writing out a wide variety of rhythms are some of the core aspects of making music – and are also key components of this particular module. Topics such as pulse exercises (in various basic steps), binary, ternary, polyrhythmics and metrics are intensively explored in practice, and students are encouraged to build on these at home. Rhythmic patterns involving percussion instruments, body percussion or the voice are converted into sequences of movement. Sequences of movements are then given rhythm and recorded, and rhythm dictations are performed. Arrangements for several parts are devised with the voice and percussion instruments, and rhythms and grooves are analysed.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 16.11.2025 / 10:00 – 14:00

    SUN 07.12.20245/ 10:00 – 14:00

    SUN 11.01.2026 / 10:00 – 14:00

    SUN 01.02.2026 / 10:00 – 14:00

    SUN 01.03.2026 / 10:00 – 14:00

    SUN 08.03.2026 / 10:00 – 14:00

    24 lessons

    Head

    Thomas Viehweger

  • Sinfonietta ZHdK

    This orchestra, which puts on symphonies and chamber music, was founded in the summer of 2015. It gives young students on the PreCollege Music programme the chance to rehearse and play concerts as part of their orchestral training along with students from the Department of Music at ZHdK. The young students get some early contact with the people they will be studying with later, as well as benefiting from an inspiring musical environment and professional rehearsal work with outstanding conductors and soloists (giving them the chance to work at an extraordinarily high level in artistic terms).

    The Sinfonietta (formerly PreCollege Orchestra Zurich) puts together concert programmes two - three times a year – over roughly four weekends each. An additional tour (such as China in 2016) or guest performances are also possible.

    Projects 2024/25

    Project 1

    Rehearsals: 13.10. - 17.10.2024 
    Concert: 18.10.2024 

    Project 2

    Rehearsals:     10. + 11.05.2025
                            17. + 18.05.2025
                            24. + 25.05.2025
    Concert:          28.05.2025

    Interested and enthusiastic young orchestra musicians from outside ZHdK are also very welcome to work with Sinfonietta. Rehearsals are held at any time.

    Contact: Xavier Pfarrer, Head PreCollege Music ZHdK, xavier.pfarrer@zhdk.ch 

  • Songwriting Pop

    The wide, creative field between text, harmony, melody and production is the backbone of Western pop culture. The search for hooks, outstanding ideas, and unheard twists is what engages songwriters, producers, and musicians around the world in their everyday work.

    In the course we work on the content and message of lyrics, on arrangements, chord progressions and sketchy productions on the instrument or on the computer. In addition to the collection of working materials, playful exercises and analytical discussions, there is plenty of time for working on your own songs and ideas.

    In the relaxed exchange of the Songwriting Circle we play songs for each other and face the feedback of the group.

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 31.08.2025 / 13:30 – 16:30 Uhr

    SUN 14.09.2025 / 13:30 – 16:30 Uhr

    SUN 28.09.2025 / 13:30 – 16:30 Uhr

    SUN 26.10.2025 / 16:00 – 19:00 Uhr

    SUN 02.11.2025 / 09:00 – 12:00 Uhr

    SUN 23.11.2025 / 15:00 – 18:00 Uhr

    SUN 14.12.2025 / 10:00 – 13:00 Uhr

    21 lessons

    Head

    Luca Burkhalter

  • Special projects

    Within the framework of the PreCollege Music, yet outside of the regular training, special thematic projects are offered, both at home and abroad. In principle, these projects are open to all young people at the PreCollege Music, provided they have the appropriate skills. The special projects are supported by foundations in order to keep individual costs as low as possible. Nevertheless, possible additional costs that are not included in the tuition fees must be expected.

  • Voice and Breathing

    This module helps students develop an understanding of the organic requirements for voice production, of musculoskeletal structures involved in sequences of movements and of sound production and modulation possibilities. The skills acquired are regarded as providing an introduction and a general overview, with students undertaking independent study or seeking further information with a view to broadening their knowledge of the topics. The content relating to anatomy and physiology concentrates on the larynx, vocal tract, thorax, diaphragm and lungs.

    Dates / Duration

    SAT 16.11.2025 / 14:30 - 18:30 

    4 lessons

    Head

    PD Dr. med. Louisa Traser

  • Practice strategies, health and stage disposition - impulses from music physiology

    The course serves as an introduction to the basics of physiology (of the brain) and learning strategies suitable for someone studying music. Some of the best techniques – as recommended by scientists – for storing, recalling and consolidating the contents of our memories are outlined. Time management, individual concepts for taking breaks and the basic principles of mental training play a key role. Practical exercises for regeneration, fast relaxation and looking after muscles and fasciae are also demonstrated and performed together (as part of an everyday exercise routine). In addition, students are given information about how to deal with various forms of tiredness and possible ways of managing their own stress levels.   

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 28.09.2025 / 13:30 - 16:00 Uhr und 16:30 - 18:30 Uhr

    SUN 30.11.2025 / 13:30 - 16:00 Uhr und 16:30 - 19:00 Uhr

    SUN 25.01.2026 / 16:30 - 19:00 Uhr

    12.5 lessons

    Head

    Judith Buchmann / Oliver Margulies / Lina Schwob

  • Videoproduction and creative self-imagery

    Crash course with tools and tips for video production of simple, creative (performance) videos for applications, artistic work and social media. Working on the most precise and appealing description, self-presentation and interpretation of your artistic personality is one of the most important and ongoing struggles in the musicians life.

    This video-focused two-part module explains tools and tips on image, technology and sound recording and promotes the content-related examination of a video production with a mobile phone or computer. The collaboration with the professional video producer Claude Gabriel enables exchange and space for questions and feedback on a content and technical level.

    In the first part, we will discuss approaches to video recording in terms of content. Specific exercises and key questions will focus on the fundamental considerations for self-description and presentation of your artistic personality. 

    In the second practical part, divided into ‘basic’ and ‘advanced’ groups, we will work on many tips and tricks with technical introductions using a jointly created, simple performance video.

    Please note that no questions about examination requirements can be answered in the course. 

    Dates / Duration

    SUN 05.10.2025 / 09:00 – 12:00 

    SAT 24.01.2026 / 14:00 – 17:00 

    6 lessons

    Head

    Luca Burkhalter / Claude Gabriel