Guideline for the admission procedure
The admission procedure Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy Jazz at Academy of Music, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (HSM/FHNW) takes place in several stages:
Video dossier
A video must be provided in which at least three pieces of the repertoire prepared for the audition are presented with an ensemble and/or solo. Optionally, original compositions are welcome. The selection of recorded material should reflect interpretive and improvisational skills related to jazz vocabulary and exposure to various jazz genres.
Criteria for the creation of the videos
- All excerpts should be recorded in their entirety, in their original state and uncut.
- We recommend using a stereo microphone and placing it in the best possible position. If none is available, the microphone of a camera, computer or smartphone can also be used.
- The video should be shot from a static perspective, hands and face should be clearly visible.
- Public recordings can be used as long as they meet the above criteria and have not been edited.
- The recordings should generally be recent, but in no case older than one year.
- The individual pieces can be recorded separately.
Upload and transmission
- To upload the video, please choose either the Vimeo (https://vimeo.com) or YouTube (https://youtube.com) platform.
- Access to the video must be provided until the end of June of the application year.
- The links to the videos (instrumental/vocal performances) are submitted at the same time as the application by 15 February 2023 at the latest.
Pre-selection
Based on the submitted video dossier, the jury decides about the admission to the further procedure. The date for the audition will be announced in case of a positive decision.
Audition
Ensemble and/or solo performance (duration: 30 minutes)
In an artistic performance of max. 20 minutes sufficient instrumental or vocal skills are to be demonstrated. The performance is basically to be self-designed, but it should demonstrate in some parts of the repertoire that it is based on the exploration of different genres of jazz and that the vocabulary of jazz improvisation is mastered. This can be done by jazz standards from The American Songbook as well as with original compositions or arrangements. This repertoire may include the same pieces that are featured in the video dossier. In addition, a repertoire list with some (jazz) pieces learned by heart so far should be prepared for the attention of the jury.
The jury reserves the right to include a short and unprepared individual part which, for example, provides further information about the level of experience by means of sight-reading or a free improvisation.
Ensemble performances may be completed with the candidate's own rhythm section (the norm for online auditions) or with a rhythm section provided by the university. For the university’s rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) the repertoire must be chosen in such a way that it can be performed on sight from the sheet music provided by the candidate.
Pedagogical aptitude
The pedagogical aptitude is clarified based on a preliminary interview and depends on the individual previous knowledge.
Compulsory subject piano for non-pianists
Applicants who cannot demonstrate successful completion of a required piano course through their bachelor's degree must demonstrate the following minimum proficiency in a piano audition:
- Repertoire: Five prepared pieces in different styles using advanced harmonization techniques according to the scheme theme (with chord accompaniment) - accompaniment (with variations) - improvisation (optional). For the audition a selection will be made by the jury.
- Sheet reading of a standard of medium difficulty (accompaniment, possibly melody).
- Major and minor cadences and single chords, both with variations.
The piano audition takes place before the audition in the main subject (duration: 10 minutes).
Selecting the audition mode
At the Institute Jazz of the HSM/FHNW there is the possibility to complete the audition procedure in attendance (on site) or online. We attach great importance to this and can ensure that both procedures are assessed equally. Allocation to the online procedure is made by application, which must be bindingly submitted with the submission of the dossiers by March 15 of the application year at the latest. Without a corresponding application, allocation to the face-to-face procedure takes place (subject to COVID measures and regulations then in force at that time).
Preparation for the online audition
- If possible, the online audition should be completed with the candidate’s own ensemble (at least as a duo). The use of a suitable play along as well as solo performances are allowed.
- We recommend the use of an external microphone and possibly an audio interface. For the online procedure we will send you a zoom link by email in good time.
- Pay attention to the best possible conditions for a good transmission quality of the stream, for which we use the platform zoom. We recommend registering in advance at http://zoom.us and familiarizing yourself with the platform.
