An opportunity for talented composers to achieve the highest level of specialisation
Key data
Degree
Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance, Komposition
ECTS points
120
Start of semester
Beginning of September
Final application date
Jun 21, 2017
Studying mode
Full time
Duration
4 semesters
Teaching language
German, A2 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
The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Composition Major is aimed at highly advanced composers who, building on the appropriate competencies acquired through successfully completing a professional qualification in composition, would like to specialize at the highest level and are striving to position themselves as an individual voice in the greater context of the contemporary music scene.
Independent project work
Apart from the obligatory principal subjects, the content of the curriculum will be tailored individually. Students are therefore expected to enrol for a comprehensive range of elective subjects, only some of which are in predetermined combinations (depending on the context). Students of the FHNW MA in Specialised Music Performance with a Composition Major are given the space to engage in comprehensive activities in large-scale projects on an independent basis, both on and off campus and can individually configure their study program. On campus, students encounter other highly advanced students from the areas of Performance, Audio Design and Improvisation. The students make significant contributions to the overarching discourse between the different classes through interdisciplinary group projects. Students also have the option of using the Electronic Studio as the focal point of their studies.
Course description
Besides building up their own work catalogue, the goals of this programme are therefore that the students should acquire a pronounced ability to reflect on their own actions and works, plus in-depth knowledge of their professional field, and sound communicative skills in dealing with concert organizers, management agencies, orchestras, ensembles and music theatres.
This Master’s programme is aimed at composers who already hold a professional qualification in composition and would like to take advantage of the resources offered by the Basel Campus to specialise at the highest Level.
Holders of an MA in Specialised Music Performance with a Composition Major are equipped to position themselves as an individual voice in the greater context of the contemporary music Scene.
Core curriculum
Major module (92 CP): Composition I (individual tuition) Composition II (individual tuition) Seminar on Composition/Music Theory (Kolloquium)
Complementary courses
Context module (24 CP): Projects
Elective courses
Personalised module (4 CP): Courses/events from the electives available
The FHNW Master of Specialised Music Performance with a Composition Major with a Composition Major is a consecutive graduate programme that builds on the skills acquired during the Master of Music Performance or Music Pedagogy with an Instrument Major. In exceptional cases, admission may be granted to prospective students who hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent undergraduate qualification. Applicants must also pass this entrance examination 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 (A2 certificate).
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
Admission criteria
Excellent grounding in composition and/or music theory
Great potential to develop a distinctive artistic identity capable of taking an analytical and reflective approach to one’s work
List of works and/or list of theoretical and analytical works and publications
Ability to engage reflectively with music and to contextualise one’s own thought and ideas within a historical-sociological framework)
Particular aptitude for academic study and artistic research-based work
Entrance examination
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.
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.
