In the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Wind Orchestra Conducting, you will develop your conducting technique to interpret complex scores, specifically promote professional and amateur ensembles, and inspire your audience with a suitable programme selection.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Diploma of Advanced Studies FHNW in Blasorchesterdirektion
- Learning environment
- Onsite
- ECTS points
- 30
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Venues
- Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
- Fee
- CHF 10'500.-, examination fee CHF 350.- or CHF 5'250.- pro CAS, registration fee CHF 200.-
At a glance
- Practice-oriented teaching in conducting technique, score study and rehearsal planning
- Optional specialisation through participation in masterclasses and elective courses
- Lessons with renowned lecturers from the Basel Academy of Music
- Flexible, modular structure with recognised DAS qualification (30 ECTS)
- The CAS Wind Orchestra Conducting Basics module can also be taken without further study towards the DAS.
Aims and benefits
With a DAS in wind orchestra conducting, you will be able to conduct wind orchestras and wind ensembles at various levels (amateur, semi-professional and professional ensembles).
In this continuing education course, you will specifically deepen your skills in the following areas:
- Score study and musical analysis
- Conducting technique and expressive interpretation
- Planning and designing of rehearsals and concert programmes
Target audience – Who is the DAS Wind Orchestra Conducting course aimed at?
This continuing education course is aimed at trained conductors and qualified musicians who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge of wind orchestra conducting and ensemble leadership.
Structure and programme contents
The DAS Wind Orchestra Conducting diploma course spans four semesters and consists of two consecutive CAS modules.
The certificates (CAS) are awarded upon successful completion of the course. The diploma (DAS) is awarded upon completion of the CAS Wind Orchestra Conducting Basic and Advanced continuing education courses and successful completion of a final examination.
- Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW in Wind Orchestra Conducting – Basic
- Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW in Wind Orchestra Conducting – Advanced
- Diploma of Advanced Studies FHNW in Wind Orchestra Conducting
The DAS focuses on the following topics:
- Conducting technique
- rehearsing and planning of the rehearsal
- score study
- analysis
- practical conducting work
- chamber music
- instrumentation
- literature studies
It's possible to attend on demand additional classes from the specialised Master's programme in wind orchestra conducting and selected elective courses, thereby deepening your knowledge in specific areas.
Modules and Reglements
The CAS/DAS-programmes at the Basel Academy of Music are based on modules.
The legally binding structure provides an initial guide to the content and weighting of the subjects on the continuing education. Several modules correspond to those in the degree programme. For self-study, you should plan on spending about 250 hours per CAS.
The detailed content and modalities of the individual subjects can be found in the module descriptions.
The continuing education regulations form the legal framework.
Remark: The CAS Wind Orchestra Conducting Basics module can also be taken without further study towards the DAS.
Structure
The continuing education programme is structured as follows:
Credit Points | |
|---|---|
CAS Basic | 15 CP |
CAS Advanced | 14 CP |
examination module | 1 CP |
In In detail per semester:
Structure DAS Wind Orchestra Conducting in German
Module descriptions
Below please find the link with all the information on the module descriptions of several FHNW schools.
- Switch the language settings to English.
- 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 to call up a document from each overview and save it for yourself.
- Course registrations are made via the intranet.
Continuing Education Regulation
Evidence of Academic Achievement/DAS-qualification
The Evidence of Academic Achievement consists of a guided wind orchestra rehearsal followed by a colloquium and the submission of an instrumentation.
Lecturers
Bjørn Sagstad
Institut Klassik
Requirements and admission
Admission criteria
- Master's degree in an artistic music programme (or equivalent, verifiable skills)
- Written statement explaining the reasons for choosing the CAS/DAS (motivational letter)
- Successful entrance exam
- Available study places
Entrance exam
The entrance exam is individual for each programme.
Dates
Registration
You may apply until 31st May.
Along with the registration, it is mandatory to submit the following documents:
- a motivational letter
- Master diploma
On-site
As part of the regular entrance exam or at least one week before the start of the programme.
Announcement of the results
The results of the entrance exam will be communicated by mail.
Procedure
The entrance exam consists of two rounds on-site.
Exam on-site
After reviewing the registration documents, the continuing education applicants selected by the evaluation committee will be invited to an on-site examination.
- Brief analysis of a self-selected work for wind orchestra (approx. 15 minutes)
- During an interview, candidates must explain their motivation for applying for this continuing education programme and demonstrate a professional attitude towards the profession of wind orchestra conductor.
Organisational matters
Lecturer
Abschluss
- Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW in Blasorchesterdirektion – Basis (12 CP)
- Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW in Blasorchesterdirektion – Aufbau (12 CP)
- Diploma of Advanced Studies FHNW in Blasorchesterdirektion (30 CP)
Die Zertifikate (CAS) werden nach erfolgreichem Kursbesuch erworben. Das Diplom (DAS) wird nach Abschluss der Weiterbildungslehrgänge CAS Basis und Aufbau und einer erfolgreich abgelegten Schlussprüfung verliehen.
Kosten
Kurs CAS Basis | CHF 5'250.- (semesterweise zahlbar: 2'625.-) |
Kurs CAS Aufbau | CHF 5'250.- (semesterweise zahlbar: 2'625.-) |
Prüfungsgebühr DAS | CHF 350.- |
Advising and information events
Contact
Student Administration Academy of Music, Klassik
- Phone
- +41 61 264 57 32 (Direct)
- klassik.hsm@fhnw.ch
Prof. Beat Hofstetter
- Phone
- +41 61 264 57 36
- beat.hofstetter@fhnw.ch
Information events
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Registration
Final registration date 31.05. for programme start in the current year
After consultation with the head of programme, it is also possible to begin the programme in the spring semester. Please contact the student administration.
DAS Wind Orchestra ConductingStart per autumn semester
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Date
- Rolling intake possible
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Place
- Campus Musik-Akademie Basel
- Course management
- Bjørn Sagstad, Basel Academy of Music FHNW