Chamber music

Chamber music plays an absolutely central role in the world of music. From the very beginning, it has been of utmost importance to the Basel Academy of Music, where it has always been intensively practised and developed. Chamber music is one of the most suitable forms for developing a well-rounded artistic personality, on the one hand through immersion in the masterpieces of composers from the Baroque period to the present day, and on the other hand through the unique exchange between the various musicians in an ensemble. Everyone plays an equal role and can contribute with total commitment. Knowledge, creativity and inspiration are shared with outstanding lecturers. This results in lively education and further development on both an artistic and human level.

• Further development of the ensemble and its artistic personalities through interaction and targeted instruction
• Preparation for international concert and competition activities
• Enrolment of at least one member of the ensemble at the Basel Academy of Music

Primed for competitions and concerts

Over two years, students will be given the opportunity to prepare for an artistic and chamber music career in a goal-oriented, intensive manner, under the leadership of exceptional artists and lecturers. Besides preparing for concerts and competitions, the focus of this graduate programme is on continuous ensemble work.

Given the high degree of specialisation required, as a rule the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance follows on from an MA in Music Pedagogy or an MA in Music Performance. The core competencies acquired prior to this programme are here pursued to a level that matches the highest international standards; those skills are consolidated in the specific disciplines listed below so that exceptional standards may be achieved on the national and international concert stage and at competitions.

Target audience

Holders of this programme are qualified to work as part of a professional chamber music ensemble and perform at specialist chamber music concerts, festivals and competitions.

Career prospects

The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major is aimed at chamber music ensembles (with at least three performers) who already share a musical biography and have a clear professional focus as an Ensemble.

Study variant available:
The combined master's program – Chamber Music and education in music pedagogy

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 Specialized Musical Performance programme with the Major chamber music, applicants must be awarded a Bachelor in Music/Music and Movement or equivalent as well as they must have passed the entrance exam and were offered a free place at the Academy (limited places).

Only fixed ensembles of at least 3 musicians will be considered. At least one member of the ensemble must be properly matriculated at the Academy of Music in Basel.

For further information on the admission criteria, please see the Study regulations of the Master of Arts FHNW in Specialized Music Performance.

Required skills
The ensemble must possess the following:

• a wide-ranging repertoire, a shared musical biography and ideas for the artistic and professional profile to be developed and enhanced
• a recognizable ensemble culture and distinctive ensemble sound
• highest instrumental and artistic abilities
• a strong ability to express themselves musically in order to convincingly represent their own interpretative choices
• relevant stage experience and a confident stage presence.

We recommend having sufficient German and/or English language skills.

Entrance exam

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Basel Academy of Music

An international institute of higher education and research