Practice-led exploration of Early Music
The work of the Research Department focuses principally on two areas: music from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, and historical music practice. Research looks at both the technical aspects (notation, repertoires, conventions etc.) and the application of historical music practices in a present-day setting, with particular weight given to the critical examination of the role of primary sources in the performance of Early Music. We use and share our findings in a variety of ways: academic publications, presentations at symposia and conferences, concerts and recordings.
We have a permanent team of researchers, who are supported by scholars working on specific project. Their work helps to inform the teaching and concert activities of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Website
Research portal
The following pages provide an overview of research at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Please also visit the comprehensive research portal, which presents research, publications, events and the research team. Text contributions, audio and video materials from the research projects are also available in open access on this portal:
www.forschung.schola-cantorum-basiliensis.ch
Deepening
Research areas
Our research projects are assigned to two central research areas
Historical Performanc Practice encompasses the exploration of musical sources and repertoires, but also takes into account non-written musical practices and historical conventions.
Organology refers to the practical study of historical musical instruments.
Research in Focus
Presented
Organised as a biennial event
Study day
Improvisation 2026
With Livestream!
Students/PhD
An overview of the collaboration possibilities between degree programmes and research up to university's doctoral thesis.
Presented
Staff of Research
The research department consists of several permanent staff members, supported by colleagues from the teaching staff and project team members. Their activities complement the teaching and concert practice at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Head of Research Schola Cantorum Basiliensis
Prof. Dr. Martin Kirnbauer
Staff
Scientific Board
Network and Partners
Lecture, Symposia, Concert
Events – Insight into Research
Our diverse research communication also includes symposia, concerts and the «Donnerstag-Akademie», a series of events featuring lectures, workshops and experimental presentations.
Every year, our research staff present their work at lectures, conferences, symposia and concerts. Here we showcase the study days and symposia we organise. There are also concerts and the «Donnerstag-Akademie». The complete list of events can be found on the research portal.
Symposias and Study Days
Future
Past
Past Livestreams
News
Publications
The publications of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis are listed in the FHNW Institutional Repository. They are recorded annually in spring. All current new releases and publications can be found on the pages of our research portal.
IRF
The data in the IRF (publications, projects, etc.) is updated with a delay in the spring.
Auszug aus dem IRF ab 2025
Glossa
A selection of audio recordings/CD productions
in German
Contact
Since mid-August 2025, the new temporary home for university teaching during the renovation work at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis has been the Provisorium Letzi in St. Alban-Vorstadt. Regular research events such as the 'Donnerstag-Akademie' take place at the Provisorium Letzi.
The concerts of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis will continue to take place on the MAB campus, and the postal address will also remain the same.
Postal adresse & Concert Place
Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW
Schola Cantorum Basiliensis
Leonhardsstrasse 6
4009 Basel
Schweiz
Lecturers
Provisorium Letzi
St. Alban-Vorstadt 95
4052 Basel
Administration & Website
Mail forschung.scb.hsm@fhnw.ch
Phone +41 61 264 57 42
Forschungsportal www.forschung.schola-cantorum-basiliensis.ch