Cooperation between the ZHdK and the YSM Yared School of Music – exchange in teaching, student work and advice on curricular matters.
Description
In January 2024, the team of the Zurich University of the Arts led by Prof. Andreas Werner took a significant step in the cooperation with the YSM Yared School of Music as part of Addis Ababa University. A visit followed on from the successful intercultural research project in November 2019, which was carried out by the ZHdK Department of Musicand students from the Composition for Film, Theater and Media course.
January 2024 marked the kick-off for the development of a Master's degree programme in Audio Engineering. The team, consisting of Prof. Andreas Werner, Prof. André Bellmont, Simon Könz, Jakob Schneider and Ella Malherbe, travelled to Addis Ababa from 22 to 31 January. The aim of this visit was to establish the basis for the new degree programme and to understand the specific wishes, needs and goals of the Yared School of Music.
During the visit, the focus was on intensive discussions. The team not only exchanged ideas with representatives of the Yared School of Music, but also focused on practical elements such as masterclasses. Visits to radio and television stations and local music clubs provided insights into the local music scene and highlighted the potential for an audio engineering degree program. During the visit, the Yared School of Music also expressed its ambition to set up a vocal bachelor's degree programme, for which Ella Malherbe is ideally qualified as a singer-songwriter.
The experience of January 2024 confirmed the great commitment of everyone involved and the will to successfully establish degree programmes in audio engineering and singing. However, it is important to emphasise that the ZHdK cannot provide resources to support this project on own resources, as it is more of a development aid project. Nevertheless, the next steps were jointly defined and concrete planning for the implementation of the study programmes began.
The visit deepened the existing cooperation and laid the seeds for a sustainable and fruitful collaboration between the Zurich University of the Arts and the Yared School of Music. In particular, the objective is to create a basis for student exchanges between Zurich and Addis Ababa as soon as the degree programmes in Addis Ababa have started.
Situation
The Yared School of Music, Ethiopia's first conservatory, was established in 1954 and under the management of Addis Ababa University since 1999, the school has made significant progress despite many challenges. By training music professionals, teachers and performers, it has significantly shaped cultural, intellectual and socio-economic life in Ethiopia.
The graduates of the Yared School of Music play a crucial role in cultural centres and educational institutions. As performers, arrangers, composers, teachers and researchers, they contribute significantly to the development of the Ethiopian music scene. The school responded to national educational requirements by introducing a nationally harmonised modular curriculum in 2013, further underlining its central role in nurturing musical talent in Ethiopia.
For about 4 years (interrupted by the Corona pandemic), YSM has been planning to introduce a 2 – 3 year Master's programme in Audio Engineering. The main objective is to qualify graduates specifically for jobs in the fields of live sound reinforcement, recording studios, radio and TV. In the long term, the programme is to be integrated into the curriculum of the Yared School of Music.
Current status
In Ethiopia, there is a high demand for qualified specialists in the fields of recording and live sound reinforcement, which has so far been met through learning-by-doing. The Yared School of Music offers the ideal environment for implementing the course. The renovation of the concert hall with a capacity of over 500 listeners is in the final phase. Two recording studios are already available, but require technical equipment and know-how. The school has no previous experience in designing an audio engineering degree programme.
Challenges
The challenges include the development of a detailed curriculum, the identification of qualified local teachers, the technical equipment of the recording studios and the concert hall, logistical aspects of shipping technical equipment to Ethiopia and ensuring sustainable, independent operation and support of the technology on site.
Opportunities
The degree programme provides a structured approach to training qualified specialists. Graduates have local and international career opportunities and contribute to the global presence of Ethiopian culture. The integration of local productions via streaming services creates a unique job profile.
Our contribution
Designing and procuring technical equipment, installing the technical infrastructure on site, developing the curriculum in collaboration with the Yared School of Music, holding 1 – 2 masterclasses per year in Ethiopia, regular exchanges for support and optimisation, occasional online input on specific topics.
The project will run for 4 – 5 years and will be guided by clear milestones to ensure a gradual and sustainable implementation of the programme.