Historical Performance Practice

Basel Academy of Music

Research Schola

This area of research is concerned with the technical aspects of playing Early Music: from its historical context to the source material right up to its interpretation and performance.

A critical approach to sources and careful examination of interpretive approaches are essential to the performance of Early Music. Our research deals with subjects and issues related to historically-informed musical practice, develops the requisite groundwork and shares this with musicians. Our findings are used in teaching, concert performances and CD recordings.

Overview and results of the research projects: www.forschung.schola-cantorum-basiliensis.ch

Projects

Selected projects

Basel Bibliography of Historical Music Practice

Motet cycles (c.1470-c.1510)

Compositional design, performance and cultural context

"… vnd machens nur aus dem Synn"

Improvisational practices of 16th and 17th century trumpet ensembles

Polifonia sforzesca

The Motet Cycles in the Milanese Libroni: Between Liturgy, Devotion and Ducal Patronage

Institutional repository

Publications, projects and presentations

Degree programmes offerings

Info for Students/PhD

Doctoral thesis, Education, Student projects

Music and Research

Music Pedagogy | instrument / voice | Music and Research

Thinking of choosing a specialisation or Music Pedagogy as a second master’s degree? Why not both? Students who have already completed a master’s degree in Performance, instrument/voice have the opportunity to combine artistic-scientific research with a teaching qualification for their own instrument as part of an MA in Music Pedagogy. This dual profile expands your professional opportunities: Acquiring in-depth research skills through one's own pedagogical-focused research project and simultaneously developing the own practical teaching skills.

Studying mode: Full-time
Teaching language: German and English
Place: Basel
Duration: 4 semesters
Next start: 14.9.2026

Specialised Performance | Music and Research

Combine artistic practice and research into a unique profile: with the support of committed mentors and peers, carry out your own artistic research project. Whether in preparation for a PhD or as a tool for your artistic work, Music and Research offers space for artistic innovation and reflection.

Studying mode: Full-time
Teaching language: English
Place: Basel
Duration: 4 semesters
Next start: 14.9.2026

Other Study fields

Students at the Basel Academy of Music can take modules at the University of Basel free of charge, particularly those offered by the musicology department. The credits earned are recognised by the Academy.
Further information: Course registration at the University of Basel

Contact

Claudia Schärli

Administration of Events and Research Department

Phone: +41 61 264 57 43
E-Mail: claudia.schaerli@fhnw.ch

Historical Performance Practice, Basel Academy of Music