Bachelor of Arts FHNW in Musik, Studienrichtung Komposition
Study mode
Full time
ECTS points
180
Start of semester
Beginning of September
Duration
6 semesters
Teaching language
German, C1 level in German required
Place
Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
Stay abroad
Possible, not curricular
Application fee
200 CHF
Semester fee
700 CHF for Swiss citizens and students with legal place of residence in Switzerland | 1000 CHF for students from EU-/EFTA-countries | 1250 CHF for students from third countries
Information on the entrance examination: www.fhnw.ch/music/entrance-exams
Students of the FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Composition major acquire experience in all important aspects of composition. The study programme encompasses analyses of contemporary music and the reflective teaching of compositional techniques, as well as practical work in a variety of projects, such as workshops and concert performances of the students’ own works.
Overview
The FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Composition major lays the educational foundations for a career as a professional composer.
The aim of the study programme is to nurture and produce versatile and multifaceted musical personalities. To this end, students will gain extensive experience in all areas of composition, learn to master different compositional techniques, and acquire the ability to critically assess their own artistic processes and output.
In addition to solid general music education knowledge and skills, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, as well as write and speak competently about the practice of music in general. They will also acquire a range of other skills that will qualify them for a career as a professional composer. A FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music constitutes pathway to postgraduate study, e.g. a Master’s degree programme.
The FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Composition major is an undergraduate degree programme aimed at students who wish to pursue a career as a professional composer.
The FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Composition major is not a professional qualification. Those wishing to pursue a career as a professional composer must follow up their undergraduate studies with a Master’s degree programme in composition/music theory or another programme that leads to the necessary professional qualification.
Core curriculum
Major module (125 CP): Individual tuition in composition Individual tuition in music theory Seminar on Composition/Music theory (Kolloquium) Analysis, Comp/MT major (different eras) Analysis, Comp/MT major (20th/21st century) Composition Introduction to the history of music notation Instrumentation Electronic music – aesthetics and technology Music acoustics (for Composition/Music Theory major)
Complementary courses
Practical module (20 CP): Choir/chamber choir Piano (compulsory) Improvisation Movement
Theory module, applied (18 CP): Ear training II + III Ear training (for Comp/MT major); advanced ear training Musical form Early music performance
Theory module (15 CP): Music teaching Musical acoustics Organology History of music Music research
Elective courses
Personalised module(2 CP): Courses/activities chosen from the elective courses available.
In order to be considered for entry to the FHNW Bachelor of Arts in Music programme with a Composition 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. They must also pass the entrance examination and win a place on the programme (numbers are limited). 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 language from the outset (e.g. German B1 certificate).
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
Submission (by 15th February 2022)
A short biography
At least three compositions (may be submitted optionally as MP3 a/o video in addition to the PDF)
A written analysis (pattern and extent of choice)
Optional: further exercises in stylistic composition, concepts, digital music programmes, projects, essays, documentation, music-theoretical/scientific research papers, etc.
The entrance exam is divided into three parts:
Written exam (duration approx. four hours) by mail
Short compositional exercise by mail. The exercise is based on various materials or concepts (you may also choose from electronical materials). In case of electronic concepts, you must submit a sound file including a written documentation.
Written analysis of a short movement from the 20th/21st century (preparation time one hour) by mail.
Oral exam
Quick oral presentation of an example of the submitted composing works by video*
Online meeting
If necessary, on-site:
You will listen to an example from the 20th/21st century and report explicitly on the techniques, pitches, rhythms, timbres, etc.
Conversation
Ear training (only for BA) Written and oral exam of ear training corresponding to the level of the Bachelor instrumental/vocal at the end of the first year.
*=Upload your video onto youtube and insert the link to your list of works. Please upload the list of works or send it by mail to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNoby 15th Februaray 2022.
Ear training test Written and oral test. The level of difficulty corresponds to that of the ear training test at the end of the first year of the Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Vocal/Instrumental major.
Cultivating a creative approach to music composition through the exploration of instrumental, vocal, performance and electronic aesthetics and forms of ...