MAS - Advanced Vocal Ensemble Studies

The Master of Advanced Vocal Ensemble Studies (AVES) introduces an innovative model for advanced training designed for professional young singers.

Unlike a traditional master's degree, this programme provides selected applicants with a stipend and accommodation in Basel, engaging them as stable members of a professional vocal ensemble for the duration of the 2026-2027 cycle. This is a unique opportunity to gain professional experience and expertise in a remunerated capacity while earning a master's degree.

• Reaching a high level of vocal ensemble performance and developing your leadership skills from within the group.
• Intensive training weeks with collective and individual feedback from professional instructors.
• Part-time study: four introductory weeks, eight focus weeks and one final session.
• Several concerts at various locations in Basel, led by the course participants within the ensemble.

Goals and Benefits

The Master of Advanced Vocal Ensemble Studies (AVES) at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis is a specialised programme dedicated to the rich and diverse repertoire of Renaissance and Baroque vocal ensemble music. 

This programme is designed to help you reach a high level of vocal ensemble performance and develop your leadership skills from within the group. You will master a specialized repertoire while learning to lead a vocal ensemble, rehearse effectively, and deliver professional public performances. Our goal is to equip you with the advanced artistic and practical skills needed to thrive as a professional vocal ensemble singer.

As a member of the ensemble, you will learn through intensive, week-long sessions led by world-class musicians and conductors. These sessions will give you hands-on experience in public performances and rehearsals. You will receive coaching in vocal technique and language, while also gaining a deep understanding of the historical and cultural context of the music you perform. The curriculum is structured to provide you with close feedback and support, ensuring you master all aspects of the repertoire.

Target audience

AVES is a Master of Advanced Studies programme, aimed at individuals with an artistic singing degree from a recognized music university and relevant professional experience after graduation.

Candidates without such qualifications may be accepted if they demonstrate equivalent skills during the audition process.

Structure and content

The AVES programme is a part-time course structured around full-time study weeks. Attendance is mandatory.
Students earn credits by completing three working phases: the Introductory Weeks, the Focus Weeks, and the Final Concert Week.

Dates of audition & full-time study weeks

Audition

• 24.-26.10.2025 (Infos Entrance Exams 2025 below)

Introductory weeks

• 05.-09.01.2026
• 09.-13.02.2026
• 02.-06.03.2026
• 18.-24.04.2026

Focus weeks

• 09.-15.05.2026
• 20.-26.06.2026
• 05.-11.09.2026
• 12.-18.09.2026
• 19.-23.10.2026
• 28.11.-04.12.2026
• 30.-05.02.2027
• 15.-19.03.2027

Final Session with Final Concert

• 17.-23.04.2027

Lecturers

Lisandro Abadie

Stratton Bull

Andrés Locatelli

Prof. C. Federico Sepúlveda

Fees

No tuition fee. Stipend and accommodation provided. More information available upon request.

Unlike a traditional master's degree, this programme provides selected applicants with a stipend and accommodation in Basel, engaging them as stable members of a professional vocal ensemble for the duration of the 2026-2027 cycle. This is a unique opportunity to gain professional experience and expertise in a remunerated capacity while earning a master's degree.

Registration fee (to be paid only for candidates invited to audition in person): 200 Swiss Francs

Entrance exams 2025

First Round

Video submissions are due by 28 September 2025 extended to 2 October 2025. Details on how to submit can be found in the application form.

Second Round

The second round is split into two parts and in-person. It will take place on 24-26 October 2025, in Basel.

A. Individual Audition (c. 20 minutes)

• Perform two prepared solo pieces – one in Italian and one in English – from the 16th to 18th centuries.
• Complete a brief sight-reading test of an accompanied solo song.
• Engage in a brief discussion with the committee about your vocal ensemble experience, motivation, and ambitions for the course.

B. Group Audition (90 to 140 minutes)

• Participate in a vocal ensemble workshop to assess your general sight-reading, stylistic awareness, and ensemble skills.
• Music will be selected and provided both before and during the workshop.
• You will explore various ensemble combinations with other candidates.
• This is an opportunity to showcase your versatility in an ensemble context, including singing one per part, group singing, and leading or directing.

The two exam parts may be held on the same day or on consecutive days. As spaces are limited, applicants will be selected based on their final ranking.

Organisational matters

About AVES

Developed by Anthony Rooley and Evelyn Tubb (formerly Consort of Musicke), AVES has been offered since the fall semester 2008/09. In the meantime the teaching staff has changed.