The primary focus of the degree programme is on developing an individual artistic language within the spectrum of current music creation by using the means of improvisation. It comprises the exploration and definition of one’s own "instrument" or "tool" in the broadest sense, including the process-like creation of binding musical orders ad hoc, the development and mediation of own compositional concepts, and the work on individual stage presence. Students learn to act communicatively, independently, and responsibly in various musical, performative, and installation environments – alone and in a group.
Instruction and self-study take place both individually and in the group. Regular public performances allow students to gain stage experience. In addition, projects in various formats are co-developed with other sonic space basel study courses including performance in contemporary music, composition, and audio design and are performed at national and international festivals. According to their personal interests, students also explore artistic work at interfaces to other media (e.g. dance, theatre, film, literature, installation).
The wide range of electives supports the modular orientation of the degree programme and offers the possibility of further individualizing the curriculum.
Overview
Due to the high degree of specialisation required, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance (MA SP) with an Improvisation / open creative processes Major, as a rule, follows on from an MA in Music Pedagogy or an MA in Music Performance/Composition/Music Theory. The core competencies acquired prior to this programme – instrumental, vocal, contemporary music or improvisation – 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.
The training is aimed at flexible, creative musicians and performers who
stand on stage as professional improvisers
wish to develop their own innovative artistic positions in the area of the overlap between free improvisation, composition and practical performance
are highly interested in improvisation and wish to develop their means of expression and improvisational skills, and develop individual performance formats.
Improvisation is a form of musical and artistic expression that can be applied to all kinds of music, including jazz. For certain musicians, their exposure to improvisation can prove life- changing, with some even choosing to forge a career as a professional improviser.
Free improvisation is undoubtedly one of the most creative forms of musical expression, but it demands musicians to have the courage to embrace permanent experimentation. Improvisational musicians are trailblazers for the development and advancement of musical expression in all its forms. Improvisation means abandoning the mainstream and moving out of one’s artistic comfort zone. It demands incredible passion, exceptional musical and creative potential, and a forceful and driven personality. Specialising in improvisation opens up fantastic opportunities for a successful career in the “free market” as a professional improvisational Performer.
Core curriculum
A normal week entails one-to-one and group tuition in the Major subject. In terms of regular independent study (practice and rehearsals), students work in a variety of freely formed groups and on their own. They spend a “focus week” abroad which gives them an added opportunity to immerse themselves in intensive collaboration. Students perform at public improvised music events around 10 times a year.
Complementary courses
Guest lectures by renowned improvisation specialists are a further source of inspiration. These are held once a year, and are concentrated in a 2-3-day period. During a normal week, students attend classes in which they listen, analyse and jointly reflect on different types of music. In the spring semester, students attend a weekly seminar which aims to develop their analytical and reflective skills and teach them to better recognise the positioning of improvised music in music/art history contexts and artistic configurations. Students can also choose from a range of other context-based activities offered by the FHNW School of Music.
Elective courses
Places permitting, students can choose from more than 120 electives, enabling them to tailor their studies to their interests and tastes. The choice of one-on-one elective courses is limited and requires the submission of a written application before 31 May of the following academic year. The deadlines for group elective courses are published in the online student guide in the July prior to the academic year. Online registration for autumn semester courses opens in mid-August, and in early January for the spring Semester.
Core curriculum
Major module (92 CP): Major subject - Improvisation Workshop concerts
Complementary courses
Practical module (4 CP): Special courses given by guest lecturers
As a rule, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance (MA SP) with an Improvisation / open creative processes Major follows on from an MA in Music Pedagogy or an MA in Music Performance (instrumental). 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.
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
Ability to clearly convey meaning when improvising
A clear understanding of the material and demonstrable musical imagination
Communicative responsiveness to the musical process
Excellent instrumental musicianship and fluency, coupled with a versatile approach to instrument-playing/singing
Willingness to take risks in the musical process
Entrance examination
Solo improvisation
Improvisation with an ad-hoc group
Interview
Past cooperation partners (list is not exhaustive)
The two professors of improvisation, Fred Frith and Alfred Zimmerlin, are seasoned performers who have been delighting audiences around the globe for decades. Their passionate commitment and engagements benefit not only the FHNW School of Music in general but also the musical and personal development of the students themselves. Andrea Neumann takes over the position of Fred Frith as professor for free improvisation from autumn 2020.
Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance, Improvisation / offene Gestaltungsprozesse
ECTS points:
120
Start of semester:
Beginning of September
Studying mode:
Full time
Duration:
4 semesters
Teaching language:
German/English
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