Chamber music plays an absolutely central role in the world of music. From the very beginning, it has been of utmost importance to the Basel Academy of Music, where it has always been intensively practised and developed. Chamber music is one of the most suitable forms for developing a well-rounded artistic personality, on the one hand through immersion in the masterpieces of composers from the Baroque period to the present day, and on the other hand through the unique exchange between the various musicians in an ensemble. Everyone plays an equal role and can contribute with total commitment. Knowledge, creativity and inspiration are shared with outstanding lecturers. This results in lively education and further development on both an artistic and human level.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Master of Arts FHNW in Spezialisierter Musikalischer Performance, Studienrichtung Kammermusik
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Learning environment
- Onsite
- ECTS points
- 120
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language
- A2 level in German required
- Staying abroad
- Possible
- Application fee
- 200 CHF
- Semester fee
- 750 CHF (CH) | 1000 CHF (EU/EFTA) | 1250 CHF (Not-EU/Not-EFTA)
At a glance
- Further development of the ensemble and its artistic personalities through interaction and targeted instruction
- Preparation for international concert and competition activities
- Enrolment of at least one member of the ensemble at the Basel Academy of Music
Why study this?
Primed for competitions and concerts
Over two years, students will be given the opportunity to prepare for an artistic and chamber music career in a goal-oriented, intensive manner, under the leadership of exceptional artists and lecturers. Besides preparing for concerts and competitions, the focus of this graduate programme is on continuous ensemble work.
Holders of this programme are qualified to work as part of a professional chamber music ensemble and perform at specialist chamber music concerts, festivals and competitions.
The FHNW Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance with a Chamber Music Major is aimed at chamber music ensembles (with at least three performers) who already share a musical biography and have a clear professional focus as an Ensemble.
Study variant available
The combined master's programme – Chamber Music and education in music pedagogy
MA Music Pedagogy | instrument / voice | Chamber Music
Students who already hold a master's degree in Music Performance with an instrumental/vocal major have the possibility to combine in one Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy programme artistic specialization in Chamber Music and pedagogical education in their own instrument. This dual profile considerably expands their career opportunities.
MA Music Pedagogy | instrument / voice | Chamber Music
Structure and programme contents
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
Structure MA SP Klassik Chamber Music in German
Module descriptions
Below please find the link with all the information on the module descriptions of several FHNW universities.
- 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.
Study Regulations
Lecturers
Requirements, admission, entrance exam
In order to enter the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialised Musical Performance programme with the Major chamber music, applicants must be awarded a Bachelor in Music/Music and Movement or equivalent as well as they must have passed the entrance exam and were offered a free place at the Academy (limited places).
Only fixed ensembles of at least 3 musicians will be considered. At least one member of the ensemble must be properly matriculated at the Academy of Music in Basel.
For further information on the admission criteria, please see the Study regulations of the Master of Arts FHNW in Specialised Music Performance.
We recommend having sufficient German and/or English language skills.
Entrance exam
The entrance exam is individual for each study programme direction.
Dates
Registration
You may apply between 15th December and 1st March.
Along with the registration, it is mandatory to submit the following documents:
- A curriculum vitae
- a motivational letter
- the school leaving qualification
- the Bachelor Diploma
- for second Master students the Master Diploma
On-Site
The live auditions will take place at the end of April. The exact dates may be seen here.
Announcement of the results
The results of the first round will be communicated by mail at the end of March.
The results of the second round will be communicated by mail in May.
Procedure
The entrance exam is split into the first round, which is held “by video”, and if necessary, the second one, which is a live audition.
Procedure
First round: Video recordings
Applicants must submit a video when registering. The length of the video should be minimum 20 minutes and should contain a representative selection of pieces (or only single movements) of at least three different stylistic areas.
Video requirements
- The single works/movements have to be recorded from a fixed point of view and without any cuts.
- The hands and the face of the musician must be visible.
- We recommend using a suitable stereo microphone and place it conveniently.
- The recording should not be older than 6 months.
- Publicly recorded concerts may be submitted as long as they correspond to the above-mentioned requirements.
Please upload the video onto YouTube and add the link in the registration tool. If one straight video with the whole programme is submitted, the applicant must set marks after every work/movement so that it is possible to purposely skip within the video.
Second round: Live audition
Only if necessary, candidates will be invited to a second round, an audition on site. The repertoire for this audition may be identical to that of the video.
As a rule, instead of a preliminary meeting on site, an online conversation takes place between the programme director and the prospective student, focusing on the planned study goals and content, previous education, career goals and any other questions that may arise.
Organisational matters
Projects / Ensembles
At Hochschule für Musik Basel, students have the opportunity to participate in various project and ensemble programmes.
To the overview of the recurring offers.
Quicklinks
Advising and information events
Contact
Student Administration Academy of Music, Klassik
- Phone
- +41 61 264 57 32 (Direct)
- klassik.hsm@fhnw.ch
Prof. Carl Wolf
- Phone
- +41 79 718 81 37 (Direct)
- carl.wolf@fhnw.ch
Information events
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Registration
The registration window is open from 15th December to 1st March.