The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major consolidates the basic knowledge which the students have acquired at Bachelor level. The programme enables them to build on their existing skill set and prepares them for a career in their chosen field. Students receive intensive tuition in music theory as well as thorough pedagogical training. At the end of their studies, they are qualified to teach music theory on a private basis, at music schools and as a compulsory subject at music academies.
Intellectual ability and musicianship
The FHNW Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy with a Music Theory Major places considerable emphasis on the students’ reflective intellectual abilities (including research-related aspects), their musicianship (writing stylistic exercises and small-scale compositions, score playing and improvisation) and their capacity to talk about and write on the subject in a clear and competent manner. Students may also make use of external educational opportunities in the fields of music theory, music practice and musicology (at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the University of Basel or the Paul Sacher Stiftung) in order to acquire knowledge and ideas beyond the boundaries of their own subject that could be of benefit in their future career.
Overview
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
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).
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
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 19th century (free piano accompaniment)
three-part counterpoint exercise (16th or 18th century)
analysis of a work dating from the 1700-1900 period
analysis of a brief movement from 20th/21st 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 20th/21st 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 application window is open from mid-December to the end of February. Information days on the degree programmes are held in mid-January. More information about the info days at musikstudium-basel.ch
Master of Arts FHNW in Musikpädagogik, Studienrichtung Musiktheorie
ECTS points:
120
Start of semester:
Beginning of September
Studying mode:
Full time
Duration:
4 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
