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
Start of semester
in autumn
Duration
4 semesters
Teaching language
German
Place
Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
Application fee
200 CHF
Semester fee
800 CHF for Swiss citizens and foreigners with legal place of residence in Switzerland | 1000 CHF for students from EU-/EFTA-countries | 1250 CHF for students from third countries
The registration window is open from mid-December to the end of January. Information days on the study programme are held in mid-January. Further information about the info days at musikstudium-basel. ch
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
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.
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.
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
Core curriculum (100 CP)
Major module
Major subject: individual and group tuition
Major-specific courses/regulations
Minor module
Practical minor subjects
Complementary courses (8 CP)
Music Theory module, foundation level
Theory course: Historical Performance Practice
Music Theory module, advanced level
Theory seminars
Performance practice
Elective courses (12 CP)
Personalised profile Courses/activities chosen from the electives on offer
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:
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.
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.
General information about the entrance exam, aptitude test and exam dates can be found on the Entrance Exams page.
The aptitude test is divided into two parts: a music theory examination and a Major-specific audition. Both are 20 minutes long.
In principle, applicants must perform on period instruments, or replicas thereof. Both vocalists and instrumentalists must prepare at least three pieces of different styles.
