Deutsche Version Master of Arts in Composition and Music Theory Composition Duration of studies: normally two years Extent: 120 CPs The  Master study programs in Composition and Music Theory play a central role in the main body of subjects on offer at the HSM; the presence and constant involvement of the instructors and students thereof are fundamentally important for the whole institution. As an example, all interpretive thinking and action, including historically well-founded analytical techniques, and all research and creative work is supported, challenged and maintained at the highest level by the inspirational force of contemporary composition, and through regular exchange within the HSM. Aims of the study programs Central to the Master of Arts in Composition/Music Theory (MA KMth): Composition is the process of development towards finding a personal tonal language, facilitated by examining compositional and theoretical questions in an analytical, reflective and contextually-related light. Thus it is possible for the students to develop themselves toward becoming independent compositional personalities, aware of their position in a societal context, playing a part in it and gaining a foothold in cultural life. Composer personality with a personal profile; Comprehensive knowledge of different types of compositional techniques; Ability to independently compose and rehearse various types of instrumental, vocal or perhaps electronic and/or audiovisual music; Ability to react to changes in the cultural business (i. e. new technologies and means of production). Admission requirements Bachelor of Arts in Music or similar qualification Sufficient knowledge of German, minimum level A2 („Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen“);  you may be required to take a brief language test before you begin your studies Successful entrance exam, enough free places in a specific class Required skills well-founded basic knowledge in composition techniques, harmony, counterpoint, analysis, ear-training, and music history at above-average Bachelor degree level; advanced-level piano playing or solid technical mastery of another instrument or the voice; the ability to discuss music reflectively, and classify it in a culture-historical and/or societal terms; the ability to analyze musical works independently and extensively, and to present the results in an adequate fashion; Presentation of one’s own works in different instrumentations. Entrance Exam Information about the entrance exam (description of the contents of the exam, sample questions, application form) can be found under Administratives>MA Komposition und Musiktheorie. Contents of studies and curriculum The group of core subjects, comprising 72 CP is the most comprehensive; the courses in the field of music theory are closely linked to the courses in the Major field. The area called Context (10 CP) consists of  a group of elective subjects to be chosen from, all other areas are compulsory. The remaining 4.5 CPs can be earned with free electives.  It is possible to combine this Major with a minor in Music Theory. Due to many synergies in the curriculum, only a few extra CPs are needed. Core subjects The main focus in this program of study is on the instruction in the Major subject: The students are taught individually in composition as well as in music theory, usually by two different instructors. While finding a personal compositional orientation, the students’ intense examination of  the music-theoretical tradition is encouraged according to their individual needs. The Colloquium Composition/Music Theory provides on the one hand information about the work in the Composition- and Music Theory classes, and on the other hand an opportunity to gain experience in presenting one’s own thinking and actions. The Masters project accommodates not only for compositional practice and realization of one’s own works but also for reflexion on music: it consists of an independently organized concert of one’s own works with the corresponding documentation including a portfolio with all of the compositions created during the period of studies  as well as an extensive written analysis of them. Theory Among the subjects in the Theory section, analysis is continued throughout the studies, the exploration of notation is obligatory, as is insight into electronic organology – including those students who do not compose electronically. Independent study of repertoire is expected and is credited accordingly. Practice The group of practical subjects includes ear-training and piano, as well as realization, in which the students learn to rehearse their own works and have the opportunity to gain new ideas and motivation through attending rehearsals. Context The group of contextual subjects is intended as a motivation for students to find their own points of emphasis through taking further classes; along with an in-depth look at the manifold possibilities in electronics, the subjects of improvisation, ensemble conducting and communication (i. e. written and oral presentation) are highly recommended, and students are also encouraged to consider what the University, the Jazz Department and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis have to offer.   Presentation of the students’ creative work Students in the Composition and Music Theory program are offered various forums in which they can present their work; the most important being the Colloquium Composition/Music Theory, which, in association with the “Interpretationsforum” and the colloquium 48 – which are both organized by the Department of Research and Development – offers a podium for the presentation of students’ current work. Also, the presentations included in the MA projects are not only exams, but also public events in which the students can present their work. Students in the Composition classes originated the (at least) annual concert series  „AKUT“, organized exclusively by the students themselves, which is integrated in the weekly student recitals. The Composition students with main focus on the Electronic Studio as well as the students in MA KMth Audio Design present their work inter alia in the series „Nachtstrom“ in the Gare du Nord Basel.  The annual end of season “Schlusskonzerte”are aimed at the general public. One of these is presented by the Ensemble Phoenix and is reserved for works by composition students. Further information about the MA KMth Composition program can be found in the current catalogue of studies that you may download as a PDF document under "Administratives". Beside the curricula, it also contains a catalogue of obligatory and elective subjects.  Information about the Major in Composition at  the Electronic Studio can be found on their website, www.esbasel.ch. Information about deadlines for the final exams can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact the ad interim director of studies, Elke Hofmann (elke.hofmann@mab-bs.ch). Major instructors in Composition: Prof. Georg Friedrich Haas Prof. PhD Erik Oña Prof. Balz Trümpy Prof. Dr. Jakob Ullmann N. N.