"Jazz is the freest way to make and play music" (George Gruntz). Jazz is the one genre of music that truly embodies an attitude to life which values freedom, communication, innovation and self-expression.
Students of Bachelor degree programme receive extensive practical training and acquire the foundations to develop their own unique and well-rounded identity as an artist. This study programme focuses on perfecting students’ instrumental/vocal proficiency while encouraging them to find their creative voice. Students will hone their improvisation and ensemble-playing skills by working on seminal works from the jazz tradition. Students are also actively encouraged to compose and perform their own works. In addition, the programme comprises a range of compulsory and elective courses designed to equip students with the necessary skills and tools to perform at the highest artistic level.
A stimulating environment that affords me the space to develop as an artist.
Lorraine Dinkel, student
Overview
The Bachelor degree programme aims to produce versatile and multifaceted jazz musicians who are able to work independently and put the skills they have acquired into practice. Students will hone their musicianship skills, acquire a solid grounding in the history of jazz and music in general, and become well-versed in the basics of music theory and improvisation. They will also be able to to communicate and reflect critically on the subject of music.
Graduates will be equipped to develop and expand their existing means of artistic expression, launch and carry out their own projects, as well as play a constructive role in the projects of other creatives. Holders of a BA in Music with an instrumental/vocal Jazz major have the qualifications required for a wide range of work as a professional musician and for further study at Master’s level.
The Bachelor degree programme aimed at highly talented instrumentalists and vocalists who wish to further their jazz training and pursue a career in the jazz industry.
The Bachelor degree programme is not a professional teaching qualification. Those wishing to pursue a career in teaching must continue their studies at Master’s level.
In order to be considered for entry to the Bachelor degree programme with an instrumental or vocal major, applicants must hold a school-leaving qualification (Swiss Baccalaureate, Swiss Professional Baccalaureate or equivalent); exceptions may be made for applicants with exceptional artistic talent. Applications will not be considered from individuals who already hold an undergraduate music degree or similar qualification from a Swiss education provider. Only applicants who have submitted the required registration documentation duly completed and on time will be invited to take the entrance examination. Applicants must also be sufficiently proficient in the German or English language from the outset.
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
700 CHF for Swiss citizens and foreigners with legal place of residence in Switzerland | 1000 CHF for foreigners without legal place of residence in Switzerland from EU/EFTA states | 1250 CHF for foreigners without legal place of residence in Switzerland from third-party states