Music theory MA

Institut Klassik | Is your professional goal to teach Music Theory? In this master’s degree programme, you will develop your basic skills from the BA on an individual basis and bring them to professional maturity. This is achieved through a strong focus on teaching the main subject on the one hand, and through sound pedagogical training on the other. Graduates of this programme teach music theory in private lessons, at music schools and as a compulsory subject at music colleges.

Why study this?

Learning outcomes

The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory major consolidates the basic knowledge of music theory which the students had acquired at Bachelor level, and prepares for them for a career in their chosen field:

• Students acquire a broad-based education in music theory and a comprehensive knowledge of the literature and repertoire;
• They learn the capacity to engage reflectively with different compositional techniques and musical styles;
• They will develop the ability to present artistic content in a practical, musical form and to competently express this verbally.

Students also acquire the requisite pedagogical-didactic skills and preparation for a career in their chosen field.

Career prospects

Graduates of this study programme are qualified to teach music theory on a private basis, in music schools and music academies.

Target audience

This study programme is aimed at holders of a Bachelor degree with a Music Theory Major (or equivalent qualification).

Structure & programme contents

Intellectual ability and musicianship

The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major places considerable emphasis on the students’ reflective intellectual abilities (including research-related aspects), their musicianship (writing stylistic exercises and small-scale compositions, score playing and improvisation) and their capacity to talk about and write on the subject in a clear and competent manner. Students may also make use of external educational opportunities in the fields of music theory, music practice and musicology (at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the University of Basel or the Paul Sacher Stiftung) in order to acquire knowledge and ideas beyond the boundaries of their own subject that could be of benefit in their future career.

Modules and Reglements

The BA and MA degree programs at the Basel Academy of Music are based on modules.

The legally binding structure provides an initial guide to the content and weighting of the subjects on the degree programme.
The detailed content and modalities of the individual subjects can be found in the module descriptions.
The study regulations come into force together with the study and examination regulations of the Basel Academy of Music FHNW and form the legal framework.

In order to enter the FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy programme with the Major Music Theory, applicants must be awarded a Bachelor in Music or equivalent as well as they have to have passed the entrance exam and were offered a free place at the Academy (limited places). Applicants who have submitted all the necessary registration documents in time and have passed the first round of the entrance exam will be invited to play a live audition.
For further information on the admission criteria, please see the Study regulation of the Master of Arts FHNW in Music Pedagogy.

Required skills

• Basic theoretical and practical knowledge of different musical and compositional techniques.
• Solid thoroughbass abilities and knowledge of the basics of partimento-playing.
• Applicants who do not have a BA in Music Theory from the HSM Basel must provide proof that they have achieved an above-average grade in ear training.
• Familiarity with using/consulting scientific literature.
• Advanced level of piano proficiency.
• Ability to engage reflectively with music, to speak on the subject in a clear and well-informed way, and to contextualise these thoughts and ideas within the historico-cultural and societal framework.
• Ability to perform an independent and complete analysis of musical works and present the findings in an appropriate manner.
• Pedagogical aptitude

We expect students to have very good German language skills at the beginning of the studies. Students who are not German native speakers must present at least a B1 German language certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the beginning of the studies.
This certificate must be complete, i.e. all modules (reading, listening, writing, speaking) have been tested separately and passed at least at level B1 overall. Only certificates that have been certified with the ALTE-Q-Mark seal of approval (e.g. the B1 certificate of the Goethe-Institut or the telc certificate) are accepted.
The required certificate B1 must be submitted with the confirmation of admission but not later than 31 Mai. Exceptions will be decided upon by the head of degree programme.

Entrance exam

Organisational Matters

sonic space basel

sonic space basel is a Platform of Basel Academy of Music for Audio Design (BA and MA), Composition (BA and MA and MA SP), MA SP Creative Interpretation in New Music, BA Music Theory Major, MA MP Music Theory, MA SP New Music Theory, MA SP Open Creation and Research. We consider ourselves a laboratory, a communication tool and an information hub for contemporary music.

Projects / Ensembles

At Hochschule für Musik Basel, students have the opportunity to participate in various project and ensemble programmes.
To the overview of the recurring offers.

Advising & information events

Teaching staff

Our internationally renowned teaching staff at a glance

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Basel Academy of Music

An international institute of higher education and research