Deutsche Version
Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance
Chamber Music/Ensemble
Trios, String Quartet, and larger Ensembles
A) Admission Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) or equivalent or Diploma in Performance (pedagogical or artists' diploma)
B) Entrance exam
- Duration of the exam: 40 Minutes per ensemble
- Each ensemble should prepare 50-60 minutes of repertory
- Three works (or three single movements) from three different stylistic periods should be prepared
- You may choose the first piece; the jury will then choose the others.
Information on the entrance exam can be found under Administratives>MA Specialized Administratives>MA Spezialisierte Musikalische Performance.
Duration of Study for Masters: 2 years Credit Points: 120
The Master of Arts in Specialized Musical Performance - Chamber Music Ensemble represents the highest instrumental and interpretational level of studies. It is generally offered upon completion of a Masters in Musical Performance or in Music Education, to professionally oriented, experienced ensembles of exceptionally high musical and technical standards, whose stage presence and aptitude for performance are clearly evident. In this Masters program, those qualities can be further developed and refined to an even more advanced level meeting international standards, especially those of national and international concert stages and competitions.
Required Skills
In order to be eligible for this program of studies, an ensemble must fulfill the following criteria:
It must already have a solid repertory at its command, a common musical biography, a clear concept of the image it wishes to develop, an personal ensemble sound, good stage presence, an instrumental/vocal technique at Masters level, and self-assurance in leading as well as accompanying.
- the highest level of instrumental/vocal technique
- convincing musical expression
- ability to convincingly portray personal interpretations
- experience and poise on stage
- a solid mastery of all of the diverse styles of the repertory, which can be developed in a specialized Masters program to meet the highest professional standards
Contents of study
Students have opportunity for two years of intense systematic preparation for a professional soloist's career, working with distinguished artists and teachers. In addition to performing in concerts and competitions, the main emphasis of these studies is on ensemble work.
The HSM-organized student recitals and lecture recitals offer ensembles the opportunity to distinguish themselves and gain experience in performance.
Further subjects are offered in
- Ensemble psychology and communication
- Rehearsal techniques
- Interpretation and reflection (analysis and research in Interpretation, pertaining either to the studied works or in a cultural-historical context)
- Stage presence
- Individual coaching in the field of Culture Management
- Recording techniques
- Ensemble Workshop
plus the whole range of courses offered by the HSM which are open to ensembles in this Masters program.
Distribution of CP (credit points):
Major Field: 97 CP including 75 CP Instrumental/vocal instruction 10 CP external concerts and competitions 12 CP Masters project: concert and lecture recital
Ensemble 7—12 CP
Interpretation 4—8 CP
Elective courses The whole range of subjects listed in the HSM directory are available. Students must choose a sufficient number of courses to acquire the Credit Points necessary for the Masters, with approval by the head of the Masters program.
Walter Levin Chair (String Quartet studies)
Instructors: Walter Levin (LaSalle-Quartett) and Rainer Schmidt (Hagen-Quartett)
The HSM Basel's String Quartet program cultivates a tradition exceptional in all of Europe. Both of its main instructors are world-renowned and sought-after musicians, having greatly influenced the quartet profession over the last several decades, in many respects.
Quartets seeking to begin a professional career have the opportunity to work with Rainer Schmidt and Walter Levin in six one-week intensive phases during each winter semester. Some of these phases are tied in to a particular theme, the others are open. Ensemble concerts in Switzerland and Germany conclude each such phases.
During the summer semester the quartets are taught by Rainer Schmidt. In addition, students have the opportunity to elect any other Masters subjects and to give lecture-recitals.
It is advisable to contact Walter Levin or Rainer Schmidt before taking the entrance exam.
If you have any questions concerning this Masters program, please contact the Administrative Director of the MA program, Tobias Schabenberger: tobias.schabenberger@mab-bs.ch
Soloist with instrumental/vocal Major Liedgestaltung – voice and piano Opera (in cooperation with the Swiss Opera Studio) Improvisation Wind Ensemble Conducting Choral Conducting Contemporary Music Composition Music Theory |