Composition

sonic space basel is a Platform of Basel Academy of Music for composition (BA and MA and MA SP), open creation, contemporary music performance, audio design (BA and MA) and research.
We see ourselves as a laboratory, communication tool and information hub for contemporary music.

Besides building up their own work catalogue, the goals of this programme are therefore that the students should acquire a pronounced ability to reflect on their own actions and works, plus in-depth knowledge of their professional field, and sound communicative skills in dealing with concert organizers, management agencies, orchestras, ensembles and music theatres.

This Master’s programme is aimed at composers who already hold a professional qualification in composition and would like to take advantage of the resources offered by the Basel Campus to specialise at the highest Level.

Holders of an MA in Specialised Music Performance with a Composition Major are equipped to position themselves as an individual voice in the greater context of the contemporary music Scene.

Core curriculum

Major module (92 CP):
Composition I (individual tuition) 
Composition II (individual tuition)
Seminar on Composition/Music Theory (Kolloquium)

Complementary courses

Context module (24 CP):
Projects

Elective courses

Personalised module (4 CP):
Courses/events from the electives available

Detailed module description
Structure

Admission criteria

• Excellent grounding in composition and/or music theory
• Great potential to develop a distinctive artistic identity capable of taking an analytical and reflective approach to one’s work
• List of works and/or list of theoretical and analytical works and publications
• Ability to engage reflectively with music and to contextualise one’s own thought and ideas within a historical-sociological framework)
• Particular aptitude for academic study and artistic research-based work

Entrance examination

Submission (by 15th February)

• A short biography
• At least three compositions (may be submitted optionally as MP3 a/o video in addition to the PDF)
• A written analysis (pattern and extent of choice)
• Optional: further exercises in stylistic composition, concepts, digital music programmes, projects, essays, documentation, music-theoretical/scientific research papers, etc.

Written exam (duration approx. four hours) by mail

Short compositional exercise by mail. The exercise is based on various materials or concepts (you may also choose from electronical materials). In case of electronic concepts, you must submit a sound file including a written documentation.

Written analysis of a short movement from the 20^th/21^st century (preparation time one hour) by mail.

Oral exam

• Quick oral presentation of an example of the submitted composing works by video*
• Online meeting

If necessary, on-site:

• You will listen to an example from the 20^th/21^st century and report explicitly on the techniques, pitches, rhythms, timbres, etc.
• Conversation
• Ear training (only for BA)

Written and oral exam of ear training corresponding to the level of the Bachelor instrumental/vocal at the end of the first year.

*=Upload your video onto youtube and insert the link to your list of works. Please upload the list of works or send it by mail to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNo by 15^th February.

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

The following information can be found on the Valuable information about your studies page:

• Study Regulations
• Scholarships and Living Costs
• Studying in Switzerland
• Tuition fees
• Study guide
• Semester dates