Music theory MA

The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory major consolidates the basic knowledge of music theory which the students had acquired at Bachelor level, and prepares for them for a career in their chosen field. Students acquire:

• a broad-based education in music theory;
• a comprehensive knowledge of the literature and repertoire;
• the capacity to engage reflectively with different compositional techniques and musical styles;
• the ability to present artistic content in a practical, musical form and to competently express this verbally.

Students also acquire the requisite pedagogical-didactic skills and preparation for a career in their chosen field.

The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major is aimed at holders of a Bachelor degree with a Music Theory Major (or equivalent qualification).

Holders of a MA in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major are qualified to teach music theory on a private basis, in music schools and music academies.

Core curriculum I

Major module (65 CP):
Individual tuition, music theory I
Individual tuition, music theory II
Individual tuition, composition
Seminar on Composition/Music Theory (Kolloquium)
Analysis, composition/music theory major
Partimento playing

Core curriculum II

Teacher training module (4 CP):
Teaching practice, with a real-life class
Music school placement

Introduction to music pedagogy module (2 CP):
Pedagogical and psychological basics

Music instruction module (24 CP):
Music pedagogy – one-week introductory course
Music teaching/methodology
Jazz teaching
Pedagogical forum
Music pedagogy, electives
Teaching practice, with video-based  training

Complementary courses

Practical module (10 CP):
Piano
Improvisation

Theory module (7 CP):
Notation
Instrumentation

Context module (8 CP):
Projects

Detailed module description

Structure

In order to be considered for the FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major, applicants must hold a Bachelor degree with a Music Theory Major (or equivalent qualification) from another higher education provider. They must also pass the entrance exam and win a place on the programme (numbers are limited). 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 (C1 level).

Admission criteria

• Basic theoretical and practical knowledge of different musical and compositional techniques.
• Solid thoroughbass abilities and knowledge of the basics of partimento-playing.
• Applicants who do not have a BA in Music Theory from the HSM Basel must provide proof that they have achieved an above-average grade in ear training.
• Familiarity with using/consulting scientific literature.
• Submission of advanced stylistic exercises and a written analysis.
• Advanced level of piano proficiency.
• Ability to engage reflectively with music, to speak on the subject in a clear and well-informed way, and to contextualise these thoughts and ideas within the historico-cultural and societal framework.
• Ability to perform an independent and complete analysis of musical works and present the findings in an appropriate manner.

Entrance exam

Major

Portfolio (to be submitted 6 weeks prior to the entrance exam)

• a short biography
• a written analysis (format and length of applicant’s choosing)
• stylistic exercises
• optional: concepts , computer-music programmes, projects, essays, other documentation, music theory/musicological research etc.

Written exam (approx. 4 hours)

• harmonisation of a complex melody, preferably from the 19^th century (free piano accompaniment)
• three-part counterpoint exercise (16^th or 18^th century)
• analysis of a work dating from the 1700-1900 period

Oral exam (approx. 50/60 mins; preparation time: 75/90 mins)

• analysis of a brief movement from 20^th/21^st century
• short presentation on a topic provided by the examiners (preparation time: 75/90 mins)
• detailed commentary (e.g. techniques used, pitch, rhythms and timbres) on an audio recording of a piece of music from the 20^th/21^st century
• piano: performance of two short pieces of moderate to high difficulty chosen by the applicant; sight-reading of a Bach chorale in treble and bass clefs
• applicants who do not hold a BA in Music Theory from the HSM Basel must perform the following exercises: - performance of a simple and short thoroughbass (from sight) - harmonisation: accompany a melody on the piano (prepared) - solve a modulation exercise on the piano (prepared)
• optional: second instrument audition
• discussion with the examiners

Please note that applicants will be granted additional preparation time and the duration of the entrance exam will therefore be longer.

Ear training
Only for applicants who do not hold a BA in Music with a Music Theory Major from the HSM Basel and who have no ear training qualifications from their previous studies: written and oral exam with the same level of difficulty as the third-year final exam in the Bachelor of Arts with a Classical Music Major.

Pedagogical aptitude test
Once the applicant has passed the above entrance exams, he/she will take part in a 20-minute exchange/discussion with a pre-elected group of students, followed by a 20-minute interview with the examiners.

The following information can be found on the Valuable information about your studies page:

• Study Regulationn
• Scholarships and Living Costs
• Studying in Switzerland
• Tuition fees
• Study guide
• Semester dates