Improvisation

Due to the high degree of specialisation required, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance (MA SP) with an Improvisation 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

Context module (10 CP):
Hearing analysis
Seminar
Interpretational forum, Colloquium 48
Context events

Elective courses

Personalised module (14 CP):
Courses/activities from the electives on offer

Detailed module description

Structure

As a rule, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance (MA SP) with an Improvisation 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.

Past cooperation partners (list is not exhaustive)

• Bird's Eye Jazz-Club Basel
• Kirsten Kjær Museum Denmark
• Literaturhaus Basel
• Kunsthaus Zug
• Museum Tinguely Basel
• Festival Zeiträume Basel
• Festival Klang Basel

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

The admission exams are held in spring.
Find the most recent dates for each subject under "valuable information about your studies".