The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major is intended for ensembles (with at least three performers) who already share a musical biography and have a clear professional focus as an ensemble. This programme represents the highest instrumental and interpretational level and is reserved for ensembles who can demonstrate exceptional musical abilities and a distinct stage presence and stage aptitude.
Primed for competitions and concerts
Over two years, students will be given the opportunity to prepare for a career in chamber music 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.
At least one member of the ensemble must be properly matriculated at the School of Music in Basel
Course description
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.
The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major is aimed at ensembles (with at least three performers) who already share a musical biography and have a clear professional focus as an Ensemble.
Holders of a FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major are qualified to work as part of a professional chamber music ensemble and perform at specialist chamber music concerts, festivals and competitions.
Core curriculum
Major module (101 CP): Ensemble tuition Ensemble work
Complementary courses
Practical module (12 CP): Concert and competition work Master classes
Theory/Music in Context module (3 CP): Ensemble psychology and communication Interpretationsforum, Colloquium 48 Theoretic and contextual events
Elective courses
Personalised module (4 CP): Courses/activities chosen from the electives on offer
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
A video must be submitted with the application, which replaces the on-site entrance examination. If necessary, the candidate may exceptionally be invited to perform physically on location, in which case she/he can perform the identical repertoire as in the submitted video. The final results will be communicated at the end of April.
The video should be between at least 15 minutes up to a maximum of 30 minutes. It should contain a representative selection of the repertoire requirements.
All works must be recorded completely, unedited and without any cuts.
The works or movements may be submitted as single videos.
We recommend using a suitable stereo microphone and place it conveniently. If necessary, you may also use the microphone of a camera, computer, or smartphone.
Please record the video from a fixed point of view. The hands and the face of the musician must be visible.
Publicly recorded concerts may be submitted as long as they correspond to the above-mentioned requirements (no cuts) and as long as they are not older than 6 months.
Please upload the video onto Youtube and add the in the registration tool.
Please add the worklist to your application or send it by mail to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNountil 15th February at the latest.
Admission criteria
The ensemble must possess the following:
a basic repertoire, a shared musical biography and a clear vision of the professional profile they wish to develop, a recognisable and distinctive ensemble sound, stage presence, Master’s level musical and instrumental skills, as well as the ability to lead and accompany other musicians;
technical mastery of the instrument;
excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness;
the ability to convincingly defend one’s own interpretational choices;
relevant stage performance experience and a self-assured stage presence.
Thanks to intensive exposure to different styles of music coupled with thorough practical training, graduates of the FHNW Master of Arts programme in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major leave with a highly specialised and exceptional professional qualification.
At Hochschule für Musik Basel, students have the opportunity to participate in various project and ensemble programmes. To the overview of the recurring offers.
a basic repertoire, a shared musical biography and a clear vision of the professional profile they wish to develop, a recognisable and distinctive ensemble sound, stage presence, Master’s level musical and instrumental skills, as well as the ability to lead and accompany other musicians;
technical mastery of the instrument;
excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness;
the ability to convincingly defend one’s own interpretational choices;
relevant stage performance experience and a self-assured stage presence.
Thanks to intensive exposure to different styles of music coupled with thorough practical training, graduates of the FHNW Master of Arts programme in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major leave with a highly specialised and exceptional professional qualification.
Entrance exam
Duration: 40 mins
Duration of the pre-prepared repertoire: 50-60 mins
Three pre-prepared works (single movements also permitted) from three eras
