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      MA EM Historical Performance Practice Renaissance – Romantic
      instr/voice

      Studying Mus...
      Schola...
      Master of Arts...
      Early Music Historical Performance...

      Early Music Historical Performance Practice Renaissance – Romantic instrument/voice

      Key data

      Degree
      Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance - Studienrichtung Alte Musik historische Spielpraxis Renaissance - Romantik instrumental / vokal
      ECTS points
      120
      Study start
      in autumn
      Duration
      4 semesters
      Teaching language
      German (level B1 is required)
      Place
      Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
      Application fee
      200 CHF
      Semester fee
      750 CHF (CH) | 1000 CHF (EU/EFTA) | 1250 CHF (Not-EU/Not-EFTA) More Fees

      The registration window is open from mid of December until the end of January.

      Go to information eventsApply now

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      The Master of Arts in Musical Performance focuses on the intensive engagement with Early Music playing techniques and performance practices, coupled with an in-depth examination of historical sources. As a result, students advance their understanding of the stylistic and aesthetic aspects of music and the need to creatively convey these qualities in contemporary performances.

      The Master’s programme also places great importance on, and provides ample opportunity for, regular ensemble work.

      Overview

      Learning outcomes

      Outstanding musicianship in playing a period instrument and/or historical singing, coupled with a firm grounding in historical music theory.
      The goal of this programme is to bring a high competency in historical music practice  into balance with the professional aims of today's instrumental and vocal performers.

      Target audience

      This Master’s programme is geared especially towards musicians who have completed an advanced degree in music at an institute of higher education.  This two-year programme focuses primarily on performance practice. The theory-based subjects essential to Early Music are offered either as an intensive combined course (ear training, historical composition techniques, and historical notation) or as individual subjects.

      Career prospects

      Holders of an MA in Specialised Music Performance are qualified to pursue a career as a soloist and/or as an ensemble musician, delivering performances that are stylistically appropriate, artistically compelling and of the highest calibre. They are also qualified to share their expertise and experience in workshops and masterclasses

      Study Course Regulation / Structure / Module descriptions

      Study Course Regulation

      Study Course Regulation MA Specialized Music Performance Early Music Historical performance practices Renaissance–Romantic instrument/voice in German

      Structure

      Structure MA Specialized Music Performance Early Music Historical performance practices Renaissance–Romantic instrument/voice in German

      Module descriptions

      Below please find the link with all the information on the module descriptions of several FHNW universities.

      • At the top right, switch the language settings to English.
      • At the bottom right, filter by semester, Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW, the desired degree programme or other criteria to display the relevant module information.
      • Use the PDF button at the top left to call up a document from each overview and save it for yourself.
      • Course registrations are made via the intranet.
      Admission

      To be admitted to the Master’s programme, applicants must hold a Bachelor degree in Music/Music and Movement or an equivalent qualification.

      Applicants who have failed any part of their Bachelor degree programme may be provisionally admitted to the Master’s programme under the condition that they successfully resit the relevant exam(s) by the end of the first MA semester. 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 Master's degree the minimum is 30 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:

      1. Verification that the applicant meets all formal admission criteria
      2. Admission to the aptitude test
      3. Aptitude test (entrance exam)
      4. 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.

      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.

      For further information on the admission criteria, please see the Study Course Regulation MA Specialized Music Performance Early Music Historical performance practices Renaissance–Romantic instrument/voice in German

      Entrance exam

      The entrance exams consist of an on-site audition. There will be a first round "by video" (details below) for the majors violin, recorder (renaissance-romantic) and voice (renaissance-romantic). Exams for all other majors will take place directly on-site. Persons unable to take an on-site assessment for visa, financial or environmental (long distance travel) reasons may submit a request for an online entrance assessment (video presentation and live interview). This request must be sent to scb.hsm@fhnw.ch at the same time as the application (by 31 January), stating the reasons, and must then be approved by the management.

      First round/Video recordings (only for violin, recorder (renaissance-romantic) and voice (renaissance-romantic))
      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 on the list of works for the first round.
      • 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).

      • Add the corresponding direct link from YouTube per work in the list of works for the first round.
      • Please also enter the YouTube links in the registration tool.
      • Please ensure that the videos are accessible for five months.
      • Submit the list of works with the rest of your application or send it via email to registration.hsm@fhnw.ch by 31 January.

      Only applicants considered for the second round will be invited to an on-site audition.

      On-site audition (second round)

      Audition plus interview
      Please prepare a programme of 15 to max. 20 minutes with pieces from at least three different stylistic fields. (Also) use repertoire samples the as a guide. The programme (may be identical to the one of the video) must be submitted together with the list of works for the entrance exam on-site. 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) and proof of proficiency on a keyboard instrument take place on the same day, usually before or after the on-site audition for the main subject (duration: 20 min.).

      • sing and identify intervals played on the harpsichord (closed and open position)
      • active singing of intervals above or below a given pitch
      • sing and identify seventh chords (7, 5/6, 3/4/6, 2/4/6)
      • Dictation: sing and notate a two-voice setting (soprano and bass)
      • identify the chords (preferably figured bass; modern harmony also acceptable)
      • Improvisation: sing a continuation of the dictated melody
      • Sight-sing a melody of medium difficulty from the 17th or 18th century, notated in treble or bass clef
      • Performance of a prepared, short piece of your choice on the harpsichord (not required for those with major keyboard or plucked instruments)
      • Tonality and mode issues

      Further information can be found here.

      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 until 31 January.

      The following documents must be handed in with your application: Curriculum Vitae including motivational letter, school leaving qualification (Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, High School-Diploma) and Bachelor Diploma. If the applicant already holds a Master Diploma, please include.

      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 the beginning of May.

      Links / Downloads

      Quicklinks

      • Welcome: A brief overview
      • Studying in Switzerland
      • Tuition fees & Financing
      • Scholarship
      • Module descriptions

      Files and Regulations

      • Dates Entrance Exam on-site
      • List of works for Entrance Exam on-site
      • Regulations
      • Semester dates
      Schola Cantorum Basiliensis

      Schola Cantorum Basiliensis

      Internationally renowned institute for early music.

      No social media links available.

      Degree Programmes

      MA in Specialised Music Performance
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      Studierendenadministration Schola Cantorum Basiliensis
      Telephone

      061 264 57 42 (undefined)

      E-mail

      scb.hsm@fhnw.ch

      Address

      Leonhardsstrasse 6 4009 Basel

      Room

      4-102

      Availability

      Telefonisch und per E-mail zu Bürozeiten. Sprechstunden: Montag bis Donnerstag: 10:30 - 11:30 Uhr 14:30 - 15:30 Uhr Freitag: 10:30 - 11:30 Uhr

      Christian Hilz

      Prof. Christian Hilz

      Member of the Management Board, Head of Programme Bachelor Renaissance-Romantic and Specialized Master historical performance practice, Advanced Studies, lecturer for Lied, vocal ensemble music and cultural entrepreneurship

      Telephone

      +41 61 264 57 57

      E-mail

      christian.hilz@fhnw.ch

      Address

      Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Leonhardsstrasse 6, 4009 Basel

      hsm_spam_scbhsm_research

      Study Place

      Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW, Klassik

      Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
      Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW, Klassik

      Leonhardstrasse 6

      4009 Basel

      Phone+41 61 264 57 57

      E-Mailhsm@fhnw.ch

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