Chamber music

Aspiring a career as a chamber music ensemble

Key data

Degree: Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance, Studienrichtung Kammermusik
ECTS points: 120
Start of semester: Beginning of September
Studying mode: Full time
Duration: 4 semesters
Teaching language: German, A2 level in German required
Place: Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
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

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

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The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major is intended for ensembles (with at least three performers) who already share a musical biography and have a clear professional focus as an ensemble. This programme represents the highest instrumental and interpretational level and is reserved for ensembles who can demonstrate exceptional musical abilities and a distinct stage presence and stage aptitude.

Primed for competitions and concerts

Over two years, students will be given the opportunity to prepare for a career in chamber music in a goal-oriented, intensive manner, under the leadership of exceptional artists and lecturers. Besides preparing for concerts and competitions, the focus of this graduate programme is on continuous ensemble work.

At least one member of the ensemble must be properly matriculated at the School of Music in Basel

Course description

Given the high degree of specialisation required, as a rule the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance follows on from an MA in Music Pedagogy or an MA in Music Performance. The core competencies acquired prior to this programme are here pursued to a level that matches the highest international standards; those skills are consolidated in the specific disciplines listed below so that exceptional standards may be achieved on the national and international concert stage and at competitions.

Core curriculum

Major module (101 CP):
Ensemble tuition
Ensemble work

Complementary courses

Practical module (12 CP):
Concert and competition work
Master classes

Theory/Music in Context module (3 CP):
Ensemble psychology and communication
Interpretationsforum, Colloquium 48
Theoretic and contextual events

Elective courses

Personalised module (4 CP):
Courses/activities chosen from the electives on offer

Detailed module description

Structure

In principle, the FHNW Master of Arts programme in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major follows on from an MA in Performance/Music Pedagogy with an Instrumental Major. In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification may be invited to sit the entrance examination.

Applicants must not only pass the entrance exam but also 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 (A2 level).

General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, candidates must submit a video that meets the repertoire requirements (see below) at the time of registering for the aptitude test 2021 in their artistic major by 28 February 2021. The works and movements respectively may be recorded individually. The recordings must be current and in no event older than one year.

Generally speaking, the submitted videos replace the physical entrance exam on location. Should the jury remain undecided as to the candidate’s aptitude after viewing the recording, the candidate may exceptionally be invited to perform physically on location, in which case she/he may perform the identical repertoire as in the submitted video.

Admission criteria

The ensemble must possess the following:

a basic repertoire, a shared musical biography and a clear vision of the professional profile they wish to develop, a recognisable and distinctive ensemble sound, stage presence, Master’s level musical and instrumental skills, as well as the ability to lead and accompany other musicians;
technical mastery of the instrument;
excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness;
the ability to convincingly defend one’s own interpretational choices;
relevant stage performance experience and a self-assured stage presence.

Thanks to intensive exposure to different styles of music coupled with thorough practical training, graduates of the FHNW Master of Arts programme in Specialised Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major leave with a highly specialised and exceptional professional qualification.

Entrance exam

Duration: 40 mins
Duration of the pre-prepared repertoire: 50-60 mins
Three pre-prepared works (single movements also permitted) from three eras
Interview with the examiners

Teaching staff

Our internationally renowned teaching staff at a glance

to teaching staff

Admission process

Admission criteria

The ensemble must possess the following:

a basic repertoire, a shared musical biography and a clear vision of the professional profile they wish to develop, a recognisable and distinctive ensemble sound, stage presence, Master’s level musical and instrumental skills, as well as the ability to lead and accompany other musicians;
technical mastery of the instrument;
excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness;
the ability to convincingly defend one’s own interpretational choices;
relevant stage performance experience and a self-assured stage presence.