Master of Arts in Musical Performance – Jazz Producing/Performance

Jazz Producing/Performance is offered with three majors: Performance (instrumental/vocal) or Composition or Music Production

Modern technologies have become an unavoidable presence in the world of professional music and increasingly taking an important role in the creative process. For many Jazz musicians, the boundaries between composition and improvisation have always been interconnected. In addition, the fusion of acoustic/electronic instrumentation and the artistic process leads directly to music production. As a result, a varied combination of skills have become an essential requirement for the professional musician in the field of jazz and key to a successful career.

The core subject of this unique MA program combines three areas, individually weighted and combined according to the focus and objectives of each student:

Performance
Composition
Music Production

One of these areas has be chosen as major while the other become combined subjects (minor), whose content-related competencies intertwine and broaden the artistic education. This concept provides students with a thorough musical education and opens up new approaches and pathways for their development as a professional artist.

A stimulating environment that affords me the space to develop as an artist.

Lorraine Dinkel, student

The open, modular structure of this study programme coupled with the flexible placement and distribution of the teaching units according to two distinct profiles «allrounder» and «performer», allow students to define their own learning outcomes and take a project-based approach to their studies.

Close collaboration with the Electronic Studio of the Music-Academy (Audio Design programme) is a key part of this broad-based training. Also thanks to the School’s extensive network of external partners, students are able to acquire specific expertise.

The programme also serves as a space for discovery and invention where students delve into the rich heritage of jazz, western music and non-western music musical traditions. This environment of musical inclusion nurtures innovation, forward thinking and tradition in equal measure, and opens up a wealth of opportunities for a flexible profession.

Overview

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.

Major	Minor I	Minor II
Performance	Composition	Music Production
Composition	Music Production	Performance
Music Production	Performance	Composition

Profile	Core subject combination	Duration*
"performer"	Major Instrument / Vocal	60’
	Minor Composition	20’
	Minor Music Production	20’
"composer"	Major Composition	50’
	Minor Music Production	20’
	Minor Instrument / Vocal	30’
"producer"	Major Music Production	60'
	Minor Composition	30'
	Minor Instrument / Vocal	30'

*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.

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.