The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Solo Performance Major is to a two-year graduate programme aimed at exceptionally talented musicians who have distinguished themselves as soloists. Students are given the opportunity to prepare themselves for a career as a soloist in an international, challenging and motivating environment under the direction of teachers who possess a wealth of solo experience.
Producing assured stage performers
Above and beyond their high degree of instrumental or vocal talent, the students will develop and realise their full potential as independent soloists with a unique musical identity capable of delivering commanding stage and concert performances. Students will build on the general instrumental/vocal training they acquired during their previous studies to develop their own distinct artistic profile, and to specialise both as a solo performer and in music from different eras.
Performing with renowned orchestras
Recitals and solo concerts with orchestras (either the Sinfonieorchester Basel or the Kammerorchester Basel) organised by the School of Music provide students with an opportunity to distinguish themselves as performers and gain valuable stage experience.
Overview
As a rule, the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Solo Performance Major follows on from an MA in Music Pedagogy or an MA in Music Performance. The core vocal/instrumental 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
The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Solo Performance Major is aimed at exceptionally talented instrumentalists or singers who already hold a Master’s degree and who wish to prepare for a career a solo performer.
Graduates of the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Music Performance with a Solo Performance Major are qualified to pursue a career as a professional soloist, either alone or possibly in combination with work as a chamber music performer or educator.
Core curriculum
Major module (88 CP): Individual tuition and seminars Major-specific courses/regulations
Complementary courses
Practical module (26 CP): Chamber music, new chamber music Orchestral projects, repertoire rehearsals Concert and competition work
Theory/Music in Context module (2 CP): Interpretationsforum, Colloquium 48 Theoretic and contextual events/activities
Elective courses
Personalised Module (4 CP): Courses/activities from the electives on offer
In principle, the FHNW Master of Arts programme in Specialised Music Performance with a Solo Performance Major follows on from an MA in Performance/Music Pedagogy with an Instrumental Major. In exceptional cases, applicants with 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
Exceptional stage presence and self-assuredness as well as the technical mastery of the instrument/voice.
excellent musical expression abilities and outstanding musical expressiveness
Considerable ease with the role of soloist, whether in a solo recital or solo appearances with an orchestra.
Proof of a broad yet individual repertoire.
Documented participation in international competitions.
Entrance examination
Duration: 40 mins; duration of the pre-prepared repertoire: 50-60 mins
Preparation of works from at least three different eras
Playing by memory as professional practice dictates
Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance, Solistin/Solist
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
