The Schola Cantorum Basiliensis (SCB) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Early Music with a specialisation in the Medieval-Renaissance eras. As such, it is the only full-time undergraduate study programme of its kind in the world. The programme focuses on improving students’ mastery of medieval and early Renaissance instruments and vocal techniques, coupled with an in-depth study of Early Music repertoires and extensive exposure to historical improvisation practices. At the same time, students acquire an excellent foundation in music theory and history, which will in turn inform the development of their own musical practice.
Extensive ensemble-playing experience
Thanks to its exceptionally talented teaching staff and students, the Medieval Department of the SCB offers an array of opportunities for ensemble work. As a result, students are able to develop their artistic autonomy and gather valuable practical experience working with early source materials and notations.
In addition to singing, the Early Music Bachelor degree programme is offered for the following instruments:
Medieval plucked string instruments: plectrum lute, harp etc.
Medieval keyboard instruments: organetto, clavicytherium, clavicymbalum etc.
Medieval string instruments: vielle (da braccio and da gamba) etc.
The aim of this Bachelor degree programme is to develop the independent artistic personality of instrumentalists and singers with excellent musical and technical ability, both as soloists and ensemble performers. It also imparts specific knowledge of music theory and history pertinent to Early Music, which will equip students to make independent and well-founded decisions about performance practice and aesthetics. This artistic and intellectual autonomy is necessary in order to succeed in a market which is dominated less by traditional institutional employers and more by an interest in the creativity and persuasiveness of individual musicians.
This SCB Bachelor degree programme is aimed at highly talented instrumentalists and vocalists wishing to acquire an undergraduate qualification in the study and practice of medieval and early Renaissance music. A separate track is offered for students wishing to specialise in music from the Late Renaissance through the Romantic periods (see course description: Bachelor degree with a Renaissance-Romantic specialisation).
Students should be highly qualified and prepared to dedicate themselves to a course of study and training in historical performance practice that meets the highest artistic standards. Prerequisites are: talent, high level of ability (voice/instrument) as well as potential for further artistic development, experience in Early Music and an interest in the historical foundations underpinning its practice.
As a rule, the Bachelor degree programme prepares students for continuing their education at graduate level (Master’s). However, the experience and skills acquired during this course of study are also transferable to other professions, such as music journalism, publishing, music management and instrument making.
This particular Bachelor degree programme does not have a teacher-training component. Students wishing to pursue a career as a music educator may apply for the special Master's degree programme in Music Pedagogy upon completion of the Bachelor's studies. Career opportunities for Medieval-Renaissance music specialists include performance work in concert, festival, and Early Music concert series settings. As expert ensemble musicians, holders of this BA are qualified to play with existing ensembles or establish their own ensemble. A number of graduates opt to pursue a career in academic research within their chosen field of specialisation, while others choose to share their experience and expertise in workshops and masterclasses.
Employee positions are rare in this highly specialised field.
Core curriculum (125 CP)
Major module (96 CP)
Major: individual and group tuition
Ensemble practicum
Major-specific courses/regulations
Minor module (29 CP)
Historical dance
Gregorian chant I/II
Vocal ensemble and voice training for instrumentalists
Applicants must satisfy the standard admission criteria to a FHNW Bachelor degree programme. In other words, they must hold one of the following qualifications:
a federally recognised academic Swiss baccalaureate (Matura);
a federally recognised specialised Swiss baccalaureate in music;
a federal vocational baccalaureate;
a diploma from another recognised upper-secondary general education provider;
proof of an equivalent general education qualification from another education provider.
Exceptions may be made for applicants who do not have an upper-secondary qualification but demonstrate exceptional musical talent.
In order to be accepted for study, enough billable ECTS credit points must be available to fulfil all requirements of the diploma programme. For the bachelor's degree the minimum is 60 ECTS credit points. Applicants must declare any ECTS credits they have acquired from a previous course of study that they had failed to complete.
The admission procedure requires applicants to pass an aptitude test.
The admission procedure breaks down as follows:
Verification that the applicant meets all formal admission criteria
Admission to the aptitude test
Aptitude test (entrance exam)
Decision on admission.
Admission shall be granted for the academic year to which the aptitude test applies. This test may be retaken no more than once per degree programme/major, but no earlier than the next official aptitude test date.
Applicants who perform very well in the audition but who fail or barely pass the theoretical entrance examination (p. 54 “Aptitude Test”) may be admitted to the first year of the Bachelor programme, but will be required to meet a number of conditions during said academic year. Failure to do so will mean removal from the given degree programme.
Places on the degree programme are limited; a quota is set for first-year admissions. Based on the framework regulations governing student intake restrictions for Bachelor and Master’s degree programmes at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (FHNW), the FHNW Academy of Music shall make its final selection based on the level and comparative ranking of the applicants examination results.
The entrance exams consist of a first round "by video" and a second round with on-site auditions.
First round/Video recordings
Video recordings must be handed in as part of the application.
Content: Please prepare 3 pieces that present a selection of different stylistic fields. Use the repertoire samples as a guide. Applicants must perform on period instruments or replicas thereof in the entrance exams. List the information on your “list of works”.
Form: three separate uncut videos of music (one per piece)
Total length of the videos together: 15 – max. 20 minutes.
Date: The recordings should usually be new and prepared for the entrance exams. Published videos only uncut and not older than six months.
(Continuo-)Accompaniment: is requested. You can work with people from your own setting.
Technical requirements:
Camera Position: Please record the video from a fixed point of view, ideally using a tripod. The hands and the face of the candidate / musician plus the instrument must be visible.
Audio: We recommend using a separate stereo microphone and placing it properly (If necessary, you may also use the microphone of a camera, computer, or smartphone).
Transmission:
Video Platform: Please upload your three videos unlisted to Youtube. (exception: candidates from China may use a corresponding alternative platform).
Create a “list of works” with the information on the pieces played including the corresponding Youtube links.
Please also enter the Youtube links in the registration tool.
Please ensure that the videos are accessible for four months.
Submit the list of works with the rest of your application or send it via email to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNo by 31 January.
Only applicants considered for the second round will be invited to an on-site audition.
Audition plus interview: Please prepare a programme of 15 to max. 20 minutes with pieces from at least three different stylistic fields. Also use the repertoire samples as a guide. The programme may be identical to the one of the video. The candidate may choose the first piece. Then, the jury will decide which works to play and is allowed to interrupt the audition at any time. Afterwards, there will be a short conversation about the study objectives and contents as well as the applicant´s prior education, experience and career goals, the preferred professor, etc.
The general section of the entrance exam (theory) takes place on the same day, usually before or after the on-site audition for the main subject (duration: 10 min.):
sing and identify intervals, tone sequences and simple chords.
sing and notate a simple tonal melody (e.g.: a tenor)
improvise a continuation to the dictated melody with your voice and, if possible, sing a simple contrapuntal counterpart to it.
answer questions about tonality and the function of the melody in the movement
sight-sing a simple vocal part from modern notation (e.g. from a chanson)
Date
The on-site auditions will take place between mid-March and mid-April. The exact dates may be seen here after the beginning of January.
Registration
You may apply from 15 December 22 until 31 January.
The following documents must be handed in with your application: Curriculum Vitae including motivational letter and school leaving qualification (Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, High School-Diploma).
Announcement of the results
The results of the first round will be communicated by email by the end of February. The results of the second round will be communicated by email in May.
