Solo performance

Institut Klassik offers budding soloists an ideal setting for their studies as a springboard to a successful career. Here, their individual artistic and communicative talents are optimally nurtured by the inspiring collaboration of the institutes on campus. This specialisation gives you enough time to expand and consolidate your skills on an individual basis.

Producing assured stage performers

Above and beyond their high degree of instrumental or vocal talent, the students will develop and realise their full potential as independent soloists with a unique musical identity capable of delivering commanding stage and concert performances. Students will build on the general instrumental/vocal training they acquired during their previous studies to develop their own distinct artistic profile, and to specialise both as a solo performer and in music from different eras.

Performing with renowned orchestras

Recitals and solo concerts with orchestras (either the Sinfonieorchester Basel or the Kammerorchester Basel) organised by the School of Music provide students with an opportunity to distinguish themselves as performers and gain valuable stage experience.

Learning outcomes

Due to its high level of specialisation, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Musical Performancewith a Solo Performance Major is generally based on a master's degree in Music Pedagogy or Music Performance and has the following study objectives, among others:

• Develop an independent artistic and interpretative profile
• Internalise methods and techniques to prepare for concerts and competitions in a reflective manner
• Bring your instrumental or vocal skills up to the highest international standards
• Be inspired by outstanding fellow students and establish networks
• Further develop the core skills acquired on the instrument/in singing in order to be able to compete on international concert stages with exceptional and creative performances

Orchestra

The orchestra of the academy of music Basel is an important part of Music Performance and performs under the guidance of internationally renowned conductors such as Heinz Holliger, Ronald Zollman, Jonathan Nott, and Gábor Takács-Nagy, primarily large-scale repertoire works from the 19th and 20th centuries, often also in collaboration with the music academies in Lucerne, Geneva and Zurich.

Works performed included:
Franz Schubert: Messe in Es-Dur für Chor, Soli und Orchester, D 950
György Ligeti: Atmosphères
Richard Wagner: Vorspiel zum 1. Akt der Oper Lohengrin
Gustav Mahler: Sinfonie Nr. 4 G-Dur für Sopran und Orchester
Arthur Honnegger: Le Roi David für Soli, Chor, Blaser und grosses Schlagwerk
Gustav Mahler: Sinfonie Nr. 1 (Der Titan)
Richard Strauss: Suite aus der Oper Der Rosenkavalier
Johannes Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem für Soli, Chor und Orchester op. 45

Chamber Academy

The Chamber Academy Basel, the chamber orchestra of the Basel Academy of Music, performs without a conductor under the direction of the concertmaster, playing solo concertos and orchestral works from the Baroque period to the 20th century, often with professors from the academy as soloists.

Chamber choir

The chamber choir is considered the concert choir of the Basel Academy of Music FHNW. In addition to demanding a cappella vocal music, the chamber choir, conducted by Martin Wettges, also performs works with orchestra. Those who sing in the chamber choir are exempt from participating in the ‘large choir’. Chamber choir can also be taken as an elective subject. Participants must pass an entrance exam. Most of them receive voice training or attend lessons with singing teachers. The choir conducting class is also involved, leading sectional and full rehearsals.

Works performed included:
Franz Schubert (1797–1828): Messe in Es-Dur für Chor, Soli und Orchester, D 950
Heinrich Schütz jubiliert – Glückwünsche aus dem Jenseits mit Musik von Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi, Johann Hermann Schein, Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Johannes Brahms, Hugo Distler, Knut Nystedt und Heinrich Schütz

Large Choir

All first- and second-year Bachelor's students sing in the large choir of the Basel Academy of Music FHNW. The focus is on discovering one's own voice, targeted voice training and a general introduction to choir singing and the a cappella vocal repertoire. One concert is held per semester. In addition to Martin Wettges, guest conductors also regularly lead this choir.

Final concerts

The final concerts offer students of all study courses at the Basel Academy of Music a unique opportunity to perform publicly as a soloist on the main stage, accompanied by the Sinfonieorchester Basel or the Kammerorchester Basel.
The selection process takes place within the framework of an internal university competition.

The two-year programme focuses on developing a soloist profile and specialisation. Internationally renowned lecturers pass on their experience, motivate and encourage their students. In addition to the students own concert and competition activities, the greatest importance is attached to work on the instrument/voice.

Performing as a soloist with renowned orchestras

The university organises solo concerts with orchestras (Sinfonieorchester Basel or Kammerorchester Basel) for soloists. Master's students have the opportunity to distinguish themselves in solo concerts with large ensembles, as well as to find and develop their own musical language in a wide variety of contexts.

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 program.
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.

Admission criteria

In order to enter the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance programme with the Major soloist, applicants must be awarded a Bachelor in Music/Music and Movement 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 Specialized Music Performance.

Required skills

• Exceptional stage presence and self-assuredness as well as the technical mastery of the instrument/voice.
• excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness
• Considerable ease with the role of soloist, whether in a solo recital or solo appearances with an orchestra.
• Proof of a broad yet individual repertoire.
• Documented participation in international competitions.

Admission criteria for internal Bachelor applicantsTo transfer to the MA SP Soloist, internal students must complete the regular aptitude assessment. Further requirements are:

• The consent of the Major professor (to be submitted with the registration)
• Having passed the aptitude assessment
• Availability of a place to study

Language Skills

We recommend having sufficient German language skills.

Entrance exam

Contact and Info-Event

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