Insights
They come to Zurich from all over the world – young talents with passion and visions for their future in the professional field of music. Why they chose ZHdK and what moves them in their studies, they tell here in their own words and give insight into their work.
Jazz and Pop
“I like the diversity that ZHdK has to offer with all the disciplines and was convinced that this environment could only positively influence my development.
In my studies, I am very motivated by my fellow students, who share my passion, and by the openness of the lecturers.”
Marie Poisson, Bachelor Music, Vocals Jazz, 2023
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“I wanted to study music from a very early age. Through a friend who studied pop at ZHdK, I got an insight into everyday life at the university and knew: this is where it should be, this is where I want to go! And since the start of my studies, I have been encouraged and challenged – by my main lecturer Heiko Freund and by my fellow students.
The music department is like a small family where people support and push each other. The many top musicians here are not easy to impress – but I don’t have to. Nevertheless, it motivates me to do my best every day and to move forward.”
Dan Hunziker, Bachelor Music, Guitar Pop, 2022
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Audiofiles: Turn Back Time; Rollercoaster
“The perfect mix of curriculum and individual support, the family atmosphere, the endless possibilities of the Toni Campus, the immense knowledge and heart and soul of the lecturers, the interdisciplinarity – that and much more is what I love about ZHdK.”
Dana Burkhard, Master Music Pedagogy, Vocals Pop (class Rahel Hadorn), 2022
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“I am thrilled with my second master’s degree at ZHdK: Here I have the opportunity to put together my studies from a huge range of options, exactly according to my wishes and interests.”
Florian Weiss, Master Music Pedagogy, Trombone Jazz, 2022
Website – Instagram 1 – Instagram 2 – YouTube
Church Music
“I can describe my first impression of ZHdK in one word: Grandiose! The professional conditions under which all the arts can work here are simply amazing. This gives rise to a dynamic that you can hardly escape – and also don’t want to.”
Cyrille Nanchen, Master Music Performance, Choral Conducting, 2022
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Interpretation & Performance
“Studying at ZHdK was the best choice I could make. My professor Ilya Gringolts opened new horizons in every possible way. The school offers an amazing variety of courses, stimulates to take initiative and prepares wonderfully for what comes after. Toni Campus leaves room for endless possibilities and imagination.”
Jiska Lambrecht, Master Specialized Music Performance, Solo Performance Violin, 2023
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Instagram Turicum Quartet
“ZHdK is the only university I applied for my master’s degree – I was sure it was the best choice for me. The teaching staff is outstanding, the surrounding is supportive, and the school provides a great starting point for a career.”
Ivan Bašić, Master Specialized Music Performance, Soloist Piano, 2022
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“Zurich University of the Arts enjoys an excellent international reputation, especially the conducting class in the Department of Music. The internal courses with ensembles, the work phases with renowned orchestras, the masterclasses with renowned conductors, the guest appearances at the Tonhalle and the opera, the sensibly compiled curriculum and the high level of the exclusive conducting class convince me time and again and form an attractive and promising mixture.”
Aurel Dawidiuk, Bachelor Music, Conducting (class Johannes Schlaefli), 2022
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“The most valuable aspect of any conducting programme is finding enough podium time; our class travels every month or so to a professional orchestra in various countries in a masterclass with either our lecturer Johannes Schlaefli or a guest professor which ends with a concert performance.
It is an understatement to say that I feel lucky for my five (almost) years at ZHdK. I am forever grateful to my teacher, Johannes Schlaefli, and to ZHdK for shaping me into the musician that I am today.”
Holly Hyun Choe, Master Specialized Performance, Orchestral Conducting (class Johannes Schlaefli), 2022
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“I came to study at ZHdK by the luckiest coincidence. My teacher, Johannes Schlaefli, noticed me conducting in a masterclass in Sofia, Bulgaria, with two other American teachers – Larry Rachleff and Donald Schleicher – and encouraged me to apply to his conducting programme. Several months later, he emailed me saying that there would be a vacant space in his class and that I could join in the Spring Semester 2017.
Johannes was the turning point in my musical journey. He helped me realize that being a conductor means being vulnerable and who you are as a human being radiates truthfully in your music and way of leading the orchestra.
The most valuable aspect of any conducting programme is finding enough podium time; our class travels every month or so to a professional orchestra in various countries in a masterclass with either Johannes or a guest professor which ends with a concert performance. Not only do we gain professional musical experience, but also cultural experience which expand one’s perspective in life.
I still remember my first semester at ZHdK; being incredibly impressed by my fellow conducting colleagues. I felt like the black sheep and inadequate to belong in such a prestigious programme. Looking back, I am sure I improved as much as I did because of my conducting colleagues.
Additionally, I am thankful to have met so many gifted instrumentalist and vocalist students at ZHdK. It has also been a huge inspiration to attend Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich and Zürich Opernhaus concerts where many of our professors perform. Working in Tonhalle Orchestra for two seasons as the Assistant Conductor under Paavo Järvi has been a dream-come-true.
Further, during my studies with Johannes, I became a fellow in Forum Dirigieren, Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, Peter Eötvös Mentoring Programme, and the La Maestra Academy. Recently even joined an artist agency, Karsten Witt Musik Management based in Berlin. I am also a music director of two ensembles: Orchesterverein Wiedikon and HSG (St. Gallen) Alumni Symphony Orchestra.
Being a student of Johannes offered me an insight on how to and what it means to be an educator. What started out as a substitute teaching Orchesterleitung I semester course, grew into teaching Nebenfach conducting and PreCollege Conducting Seminars as well.
His teaching methods are unique and incomparable. He has such a talent for reaching you from within yourself first before the external output of the actual conducting. In a way, one cannot fix an external problem without assessing the internal, often where the root of the problem lies.
I feel fortunate with the class atmosphere that Johannes creates. Conducting is a competitive field, but we do our best to keep the atmosphere very friendly, respectful, and fun. Some colleagues are like sisters and brothers to me.
It is an understatement to say that I feel lucky for my five (almost) years at ZHdK. I am forever grateful to my teacher, Johannes Schlaefli, and to ZHdK for shaping me into the musician that I am today.”
“I wanted to study at ZHdK because of the reknowned ‘Conductors Studio ZHdK’ with Johannes Schlaefli and Christoph-Mathias Mueller. They both motivate and inspire me to constantly work on myself, but there are many other professors throughout the university that inspire us to do so every single day. It is a wonderful place to be!”
Jakub Przybycien, Master Specialized Performance, Orchestral Conducting (class Christoph-Mathias Mueller and Johannes Schlaefli), 2023
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“I decided to study in Zürich predominantly because I wanted to study with professor Anne Jelle Visser. He is an esteemed pedagogue, and the studio which he teaches at ZHdK is internationally recognized for its high standard of excellence. I feel I am constantly surrounded by inspiration in my work as a musician. I have met some extraordinary people since I’ve begun this journey, and I find that I am endlessly learning from them to push myself in numerous facets of my life.”
Frank John, Master Specialized Music Performance, Soloist Tuba (class Anne Jelle Visser), 2022
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“From the first time I visited ZHdK I recognized a strong sense of commitment to new music and art. I always find myself inspired by the amazing work of my peers and professors and leave almost every concert with new thoughts and ideas about music.”
Uday Singh, Master Music Performance, Concert, Saxophone (class Lars Mlekusch), 2022
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“Some of my friends are university professors or leading orchestra flutists in China. They all studied at ZHdK with Prof. Maria Goldschmidt-Pahn. That’s the main reason I came to ZHdK. Supported by my professor and musically stimulated, I made great progress in this first year of study. I also got many performance opportunities and recording experiences – I played in the opera, in orchestra projects and in many chamber music groups. In addition, I study with Dr. Claire Genewein, who taught me how to play various ornaments in the different styles of baroque music. Now I am looking forward to my next step. I am happy to be studying at ZHdK!”
Hexin Zhang, Master Specialized Music Performance, Soloist Transverse Flute (class Maria Goldschmidt-Pahn), 2022
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“When I applied to European conservatories, ZHdK caught my eye from the start and I’m glad I decided to study here. From the first day, I felt welcome. The people create a unique atmosphere in this huge university building, where you would love to spend the whole day. I also appreciate the numerous practice rooms for students.
What is also outstanding about ZHdK is the freedom of choice – the number of modules and activities is overwhelming, and everyone can find something of interest to them. I have access to fantastic musical and academic resources and excellent lecturers who are always ready to help.”
Kinga Wojdalska, Master Specialized Music Performance, Soloist Viola (class Lawrence Power), 2022
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When applying to European conservatories, ZHdK struck my attention from the very start, and I am glad that I chose to study here. Since the first day, I felt incredibly welcomed by the staff and fellow students. Despite the immense building the school is based in, people create a unique environment that one wants to spend there all day. I also appreciate numerous rooms for student practice. Artistic schedules are often flexible, and it is helpful to know that I will always find a space to warm up before my lesson or rehearsal.
Most importantly, ZHdK represents a crucial value: freedom of choice. The number of modules and activities is overwhelming, and anyone can find something they are interested in. I am doing the Master Soloist programme, which is ideally suited for my current development. The school seems to support my performing plans and creates new opportunities.
Meanwhile, they provide me with access to fantastic musical and research resources and excellent faculty who are always willing to help. At ZHdK, I am privileged to learn from a teacher, Lawrence Power, whose musicality has inspired me for years. His striving for perfection is a real challenge for his students. I think a master’s degree is indeed about discovering our personal voice in the musical world; therefore, learning with such a distinct personality is undoubtedly inspiring.
“As my goal was to be an orchestra musician, I am very satisfied with the orchestra specialized master at ZHdK which helped me to reach my goal.
I learned from many great teachers who are or were a concertmaster. They all have different ideas and focus on other things, which helps me to wide my musical view.
Also the ZHdK has practical classes to support us, for example the ‘Vorspieltraining’ which helped me to prepare the audition.
I am very grateful that I could study at ZHdK.”
Yesong Jeong, Master Specialized Music Performance, Orchestra Violin (class Rudolf Koelman), 2022
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Composition / Sound Design / Sound Engineering
Inspired by a dear friend of mine, I decided to embark a new quest and study Sound Design at ZHdK, as I felt the need for a new twist in my life.
The master’s degree is a wonderful platform to expand my artistical knowledge and open up to new creative applications and fields of musical and personal interests.
ZHdK is a great place to connect and interact with new people: it doesn’t matter if fellow students or teachers, I’ve found a new family, everybody supporting and inspiring each other, regardless of the background or the study department.
The campus is offering me so many new possibilities for projects and collaborations: I’m very grateful for every amazing day spent here!
Joel Gilardini, Master Sound Design, 2024
Website – Youtube – Instagram – Bandcamp
“My studies at ZHdK were surprising - in the very best sense. I went there with the firm conviction that I wanted to develop my craft in particular. Even before my studies, for example through my training, I always had the goal of improving my skills - be it in orchestration, composition or other areas.
What then completely surprised me was that what I learned at ZHdK went far beyond mere technical skills.”
Leo Brennauer, Bachelor Composition for Film, Theatre and Medien, 2023
Website – Patreon – Instagram – YouTube
"Of course I could have guessed – it's in the name: ZHdK is a university of the arts, not just of the applied arts. But naive as I was at the time, I didn't initially think about the artistic component that would await me. My lecturers repeatedly challenged me in individual and group lessons and pushed me in directions that I would never have taken on my own initiative. Once we had to compose exclusively with sounds, another time we were restricted to a single genre or had to limit ourselves in other creative ways. These experiments helped me to discover myself as an artist and to break new ground. This not only refined my craft, but also changed my perspective on my own work. Through ZHdK, I found aspects of myself that I might not have discovered otherwise. On the one hand, the course provided me with solid knowledge and basic skills, but at the same time it helped me to get to know myself – as an artist and as a person.
Something I would particularly like to highlight about my studies were the studio sessions in film composition. We worked intensively on these over several weeks during the semester – from developing the compositions and creating the sheet music to scouting the musicians. On the day of the recording itself, the aim was to lead the sessions independently. The structure over the semesters was great: we started with small one-person sessions, for example with a pianist, and worked our way up to large orchestral recordings in the concert hall. This step-by-step approach prepared me extremely well for my future career, not only in terms of my technical skills but also in terms of organisation. In particular, the confidence that I gained from this experience stood me in good stead for the big recording session with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra in my final year. After more than 15 studio sessions, I had gained so much experience that I felt really comfortable and well prepared on the day.
Another aspect that I found incredibly enriching about ZHdK was its interdisciplinary approach. Through my work in the student association VERSO, I had contact with people from many different fields: design, art, dance, film, theatre and more. We had inspiring discussions, got involved in university politics and built bridges between disciplines. This environment made my studies a holistic experience.
When I look back, I see a time full of inspiration, in which I was able to develop enormously artistically, technically and, above all, personally. ZHdK gave me a side to myself that I hadn't expected."
“I chose to study at the ZHdK because diverse practices coexist under the common Toni roof. This creates an inspiring atmosphere and supports students in their search. Here, the individual needs of the students determine the focus of the composition programme. This coincides with my own values regarding artistic autonomy.”
Polina Korobkova, Master Composition, 2022
Audiofile – YouTube
“ZHdK has: the best constellation of professionals, recording studios and artistic environment; a flexible curriculum that allowed me to customize my schedule as I needed – and the most inspiring course I have ever had: dramaturgy with Stephan Teuwissen.”
Sebastian Androne-Nakanishi, Master Composition for Film, Theatre and Media, 2022
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“As a student of sound engineering, I rely on infrastructure, given by the university a lot. ZHdK provides a wide range of technical possibilities and support, which I am enjoying during my studies very much. As well, ZHdK offers all opportunities to create new contacts and gives space and inspiration for all sorts of collaborations. The last four years in this university were a real boost in my personal life and career!”
Dominykas Gircius, Master Sound Engineering, 2022
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Music Pedagogy
“What I like about my Rhythmics studies are the endless possibilities and freedom I have here at ZHdK! This versatility – united under one roof – as well as the ‘we make it possible’ attitude of the lecturers offers an inspiring atmosphere that allows me to grow artistically.”
Laura Moser, Master Music Pedagogy, Rhythmik, 2022
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Website “Alpechrüterchili”
"I find the close connection between jazz and pop particularly inspiring at the ZHdK. The vital exchange and the competent lecturers enable the students to fully develop musically, artistically and emotionally."
Lea von Mentlen, Bachelor Music, School Music Jazz, 2023
Instagram – Youtube 1 – Youtube 2
Students Master Elementary Music Education, 2023
- "One is richly gifted in this study and leaves it with a bulging suitcase full of wonderful, musical tools of the trade. An enrichment that you can share with others, pass on but also enjoy entirely for yourself."
Katharina Busch Website – Instagram – Facebook - "I experience the combination of music and pedagogy as a great enrichment. What inspired me the most was that we were allowed to experience and live the content ourselves. The dancing, drumming, improvising, moving, making music and singing have inspired me - off to new horizons!"
Claudia Fäh - "During the children's singing week in our village, I was allowed to lead the choir as a layperson and realised that I enjoyed it enormously. I wanted to know how to "do it right" and so I ended up at the ZHdK. The practical subjects and the lecturers, who exemplify what they teach us with their enormous know-how, motivate and inspire me very much."
Irene Bucher - "The contact with all the people from different fields of study is enriching; you network throughout Switzerland and beyond. In addition, you can benefit from a very rich range of subjects and a very well-developed infrastructure at the ZHdK."
Konrad Germann Bandprojekt - "I started studying Elementary Music Education because I was looking for a new way of looking at music that leaves aside the rules of classical music. Studying Elementary Music Education was one of the most beautiful things I have done in my musical life. Elementary Music Education is everything we should be learning and unfortunately we don't encourage enough: Creativity, group work, musicality in many aspects, imagination, movement, improvisation, singing.... After studying Elementary Music Education, you see music in a different light. Every subject of the study was an inspiration to discover a new Carla, who is not only a cellist, but now a more holistic musician."
Carla Rovirosa Guals
“I moved to Zurich to study because I wanted to get to know a new city and new people. ZHdK is big and has different departments – I like that. You come into contact with all kinds of people. I’m inspired by ambitious people who put a lot of heart and soul into their work. That motivates me to work on myself as a musician and teacher.”
Jeanaine Oesch, Master School Music II, 2022
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