Master of Arts in Musical Performance – Jazz Producing/Performance

Core subject: concept and content

The programs core subject consists a combination of the three areas Instrument or Vocal, Composition and Music Production. The profile "allrounder" is open to choose any of these three areas for the focal point (major), while the other two complement this as combination subjects I + II (minor). The «performer» profile sets a deeper focus on instrument or vocal while composition and production are less imperative.

 *The time placement and distribution of the teaching units can be adjust each semester by a study consultation. A total of 120 minutes is available for the profile «producer» and 100 minutes for the profile «performer».

Learning outcomes:

Profile "performer"
Major focus on Instrument/Vocal: Students immerse in instrumental or vocal technical and artistic aspects. They creatively combine interpretation and improvisation with the composition and, together with their repertoire and jazz-related and non-European musical forms, develop their own musical profile. This should be deepened and include a lively performance practice in concert and studio situations. The main focus is on musical interpretation as well as on developing a virtuoso instrumental or vocal style shaped by an individual character.

Profile "composer"
If major focus on Composition: The artistic identity of the students is at the heart of this major. Their own work is fostered within criteria chosen by the students themselves. They learn to apply different musical media in a goal-oriented manner. The students come into contact with approaches and music genres outside their own field, which is important for their development. This interplay deepens their listening and critical faculties; they thereby acquire a greater depth to their artistic personality.

Profile "producer"
If major focus on Music Production: The ability to integrate acoustic/electronic instrumental performance and compositional work in a technical production environment; the ability, in the context of different styles, to choose the appropriate production instruments so as to determine the required sound; and the ability to work with different sequencer platforms and sound-modelling systems. The contents of this major are the realization and interpretation of projects chosen by the student in the form of live performances of electroacoustic music, but also media productions in the realm of popular music styles and film music.

Combined subjects (Minor I+II)
The fundamental focus of all three majors remains the same, though each one is adapted to the student’s chosen profile. The combined subject option provides students with a broader, networked education and opens up new approaches and pathways for their artistic development.

Thanks to the open modular structure and the flexible weighting and distribution of teaching sessions based on their profile, students can define their own learning outcomes and focus their efforts on project-led work.

This field of study is aimed at highly gifted instrumentalists or singers who already have a bachelor's degree in music or adequate degrees or experience.

Given the important role that electronic music technology has become in the creative process and in public performances and CD production, the study programme provides students with an in-depth knowledge of these tools. At the same time, students work intensively on honing their instrumental/vocal proficiency. With its modular structure and custom design, this study programme is the ideal choice for musicians wishing to expand their musical range, benefit from great career opportunities or boost their chances on the music market.

Developing a well-rounded and versatile artistic identity requires an ability to work effectively and constructively with other musicians, writers, arrangers and other creatives in a variety of different musical settings and styles. A thorough musical, technical and cultural knowledge makes it possible to quickly grasp the set-up and running of the entire production process, whether live or studio-based. It also provides artists with the ability to turn their artistic/creative ideas into music and do so in a technologically complex environment.

Students also increase their awareness of how the cultural context informs the creative  process in music, acquire the ability to develop a personal vision of current and new music,  and accumulate comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge of various traditionally defined music styles.

Core-curriculum

Core module (72 CP):

Profile "performer"

• Major Instrument / Vocal
  
• Minor Composition
• Minor Music Production

Profile "composer"

• Major Composition
• Minor Music Production
• Minor Instrument / Vocal
  

Profile "producer"

• Major Music Production
• Minor Composition
• Minor Instrument / Vocal
  

Students choose to major in either Instrumental/Vocal, Composition or Music Production while the remaining two become minor I+II.

Complementary courses

Context module (32 CP):

• Project design and coordination
• Performance coaching
• Project monitoring IDP

Profile "performer"

• Particularly subject/instrument

Profile "composer"

• Particularly composition

Profile "producer"

• Applied production techniques
• Programing languages and environment
• Aesthetics and technology of electronic music

Practical module (8 CP):

• Workshop repertoire/themes or Big Band

Electives

Personalised module (8 CP):

• Courses/activities chosen from the electives on offer

Modulplan

Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree in music (Jazz) or an equivalent educational background, a passed entrance examination (audition) and sufficient open study places (if the number of passed auditions exceeds open study positions, the quality-ranking decides about awarding).

Entrance exam for the focus in musical performance (instrument or vocal)

(Duration: 45 minutes)

• Ensemble and/or solo performance. The performance is fundamentally freely decided, but it should become clear in some parts of the repertoire that it is based on the explorations of different genres of jazz and that the vocabulary of jazz improvisation is mastered. This can be done via jazz standards as well as through own compositions or arrangements.

The performance can be completed with their own ensemble or with the group provided by the university (piano/bass/drum-set). The repertoire has to be arranged in such a way that it can be accompanied without any previous rehearsal.

The Examination Board reserves the right to request a short and unprepared individual examination part based on a joint decision, to determine the playing experience through, for example, sight-reading or improvisation.

Entrance exam for the focus in Composition

(Duration: 45 minutes + written exercise)

• Presentation of 4 original compositions as scores with different instrumentations along with sound files and detailed, prepared explanations (colloquium). One of the compositions must be written for "Large Ensemble" (at least for sextet). The scores and audio samples must been submitted electronically at least 14 days prior to the exam date.
• Ensemble and/or solo performance of two or three pieces of a repertoire list brought by the candidate. The list should contain a representative selection from the students’ mastered musical repertoire. Own compositions are desired. A rhythm section (piano/bass/drum-set) is provided by the university.
• Written exercise (time: 60 minutes; the task will be announced on the day of the exam)

Entrance exam for the focus in Music Production

(Duration: 60 minutes)

• Presentation (hearing) of a sound mix (studio production) and/or a film/video soundtrack on a conventional device (sound files) which was created independently by the candidate; with explanations on the mode of production (colloquium)
• Basic knowledge of production on a platform of your choice (Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Max/MSP etc.), proven by a presentation of a self-produced piece which reveals the personal artistic profile.
• Ensemble and/or solo performance of one or two pieces of a repertoire list brought by the candidate. The list should contain a representative selection from the students’ mastered musical repertoire. Own compositions are desired. A rhythm section (piano/bass/drum-set) is provided by the university.

Instrumental or vocal solo improvisation (preferably in conjunction with live electronics)

AP Master of Arts FHNW in Musical Performance

Provisional dates of the admission procedure for the academic year 2020/21 

The dates for the practical exams you'll find here.