BA Music | Jazz Instrument/Voice or Composition

Basel Academy of Music

Develop your own musical voice. The Bachelor in Jazz offers the space to deepen your personal artistic expression while further developing your instrumental, theoretical and artistic skills. Internationally active faculty members support students as artistic mentors, guiding them along their individual paths. As part of an international community, students encounter diverse musical approaches and gain valuable experience through exchange with fellow students and guests from around the world. The facilities of Jazzcampus Basel and the vibrant music scene of Basel provide an environment for artistic development, collaboration and networking.

Factsheet

Degree: Bachelor of Arts FHNW in Musik, Studienrichtung Jazz Instrumental/Vokal oder Komposition
Study mode: Full-time
Learning mode: Onsite
ECTS credits: 180
Next start: 13.9.2027
Duration: 6 semesters
Stay abroad: Possible
Application fee: 200 CHF
Semester fee: 750 CHF (CH) | 1000 CHF (EU/EFTA) | 1250 CHF (Not-EU/Not-EFTA)

At a glance

Practice-oriented curriculum including principal study, ensembles, composition, theory, music production and music business studies
Individual mentoring by internationally active faculty members
Masterclasses, projects and interdisciplinary collaborations
A wide range of elective courses offered across all institutes of the Basel Academy of Music

Why study this?

The Bachelor of Arts FHNW in Music Jazz marks the first stage of higher education in music, aiming to develop versatile musicians who can apply their skills independently. Students acquire solid instrumental, vocal, or compositional skills, strong theoretical knowledge, and practical experience across a wide stylistic repertoire. At the same time, the program nurtures each student’s artistic expression, encouraging them to realize their own projects and collaborate creatively with others. Students also develop skills in communication and artistic reflection, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the professional field of music.

The Bachelor’s degree prepares you for further specialization and professional qualification in a consecutive Master’s program.

The program is designed for talented and dedicated musicians who want to turn their passion into a profession and prepare for careers in today’s diverse music world.

What is so special about studying jazz? What do you like about Jazzcampus Basel?

Neža Ožinger provides some insight

“I used to think, How could jazz musicians pick notes out of thin air? I had no idea of the knowledge it took. It was like magic to me at the time.” Calvin Hill in Paul F. Berliner’s outstanding book Thinking In Jazz – The Infinite Art of Improvisation

Samuel Nkuh Egeh, Student

Coming from Central Africa, I could never have imagined having the opportunity to study at a place like the Institut Jazz. What I particularly value is the respect for the music – from the inspiring environment and high-quality facilities to the diverse programme and the opportunity to learn from world-renowned musicians. As a self-taught musician, studying here has given me a musical language that helps me better understand what I was already doing intuitively and communicate with other musicians. I am also learning new techniques and discovering new musical material that enriches my playing and deepens my musical knowledge. At the same time, I am constantly exposed to different musical backgrounds, projects and perspectives. The Jazzcampus is a peaceful and diverse place where it is easy to connect, form bands and build professional relationships. For anyone considering studying here, I can only say: you’re in the right place.

Structure and programme contents

The bachelor's program focuses on the foundations of musical and artistic development through a strong emphasis on practice. Central to the program is the development of a solid instrumental or vocal technique, a broad repertoire and a nuanced understanding of the language of jazz.

From the very beginning, students are encouraged to develop their own compositional work alongside core subjects such as theory, ear training and rhythm. The curriculum is complemented by a broad range of carefully coordinated required and elective courses. Students are supported in developing their own musical voice and in contributing professionally within a wide variety of musical contexts.

Modules and regulations

The BA and MA degree 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 degree programme.
The detailed content and modalities of the individual subjects can be found in the module descriptions.
The study regulations come into force together with the study and examination regulations of the Basel Academy of Music FHNW and form the legal framework.

Structure

Module descriptions

Study Regulations

Lecturers

Institut Jazz

More details

Requirements, admission, entrance exam

Applicants must be awarded a baccalaureate, specialised baccalaureate or an equivalent general education qualification (in exceptional cases, outstanding artistic talent may also qualify), have passed the entrance exam and have been offered a study place (limited number).
For full admission criteria, please consult the Study Course Regulations of the Bachelor of Arts FHNW in Music, Jazz Instrumental/Vocal or Composition (in German).

A good basic knowledge of English is required at the start of the programme. This will be assessed during the admissions process.

General Registration Procedure All about Studying in Basel