Course content.
The term composition varies in meaning in the different disciplines. In the “Music and Composition” minor, students reflect on compositional thought in music and discuss its ability to connect to other areas of the arts.
The goal of this minor is to bring artists from all disciplines together and initiate dialogue, to assist them in developing conscious analytical listening skills, and to support and challenge them to design artistic-compositional projects.
The minor, which is taught in German, is offered by the Composition and Theory profile. It is aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Skills acquired in the course.
Students acquire a basic understanding of human aural perception and the principles of musical form and design. They delve into exemplary reference works from music history and the present, explore aesthetics and sound typology, and reflect on the interdisciplinary aspects of the concept of composition. To this end, they develop their own personal artistic project in a small format, e.g. on the basis of field recordings. 

Admissions requirements.
The minor is aimed at Bachelor’s and Master’s students at ZHdK with an interest in improving their listening comprehension skills, sound-related design principles, and giving their inner imaginings a tangible external form. Applicants must have a general interest in non-verbal artistic communication. 

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  German and English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  German or English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  German and English: to understand a text
–  German or English: to write a text

Benefits of studying this minor.
Musical principles are an important part of different artistic disciplines. The minor focuses on contrapuntal thought, teaches students how to develop a feel for dissonance/consonance processes, and provides them with an overview of significant events in music development.

Time structure.
The "Music and Composition" minor takes place in the minor weeks and is completed in calendar week 10. Exception: orientation meeting on Friday afternoon in calendar week 40.

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.