Content and structure

Course content.

The course is aimed at imparting a wide range of skills in music practice, sound engineering, theory, general education and self-development. You run professional recording projects, develop a representative repertoire in diverse genres and styles and acquire musical and sound engineering knowledge. On top of this, you undertake comprehensive modules that place your thought processes and music-making in a historical, scientific, social and social-critical context. 

Course structure.

Core
The module area combines sound engineering subjects with tuition on an instrument, which can be attended either in the performance module area of jazz, pop or classical music. 

Context
The theoretical music subjects further your understanding of the historical, analytical and scientific aspects of music. They are also relevant for research work, a joint language of discourse, systematic self-reflection, and help you to better understand your own music-making in the context of history and culture.  

Experience 
Tuition in choir, group improvization, physical awareness and learning strategies widens your perspectives. Playing techniques and creativity on your own instrument – or on the piano/keyboard as a complementary subject – as well as academic work and research require personal musical experience.

Graduation project and examinations
You sit major subject and theoretical core subject examinations. You plan and implement your Bachelor project independently. It includes an artistic presentation and a related written paper. You receive support for this independent work in the form of colloquia and individual mentoring sessions. 


Module plans:

From autumn 2023 (Major-Minor)

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Apply in-depth knowledge to sound-engineering issues and resolve them competently.
  • Assume responsibility for all areas of the recording process and do so creatively.
  • Superior command of a representative musical repertoire either in the classical, jazz or pop music area.
  • Independent, critical reflection on music as well as recording processes. 
  • Specific application of comprehensive knowledge of practice, rehearsal and working techniques when dealing with musical material.
  • Deal with various performance situations, installations and production conditions with ease.
  • Actively organize collaborations and teamwork thanks to differentiated self-perception and self-reflection. 
  • Communicate constructively. 
  • Continually promote and critically question your own artistic development. 

Entry requirements.

Participants are expected to have long-standing experience with at least one musical instrument, personal commitment, and want to make music their profession. Further requirements:

  • Experience in recording and processing sounds and music
  • Solid theoretical basis in compositional techniques and aural training
  • Familiarity with computer programmes, in particular in the area of sound processing
  • Healthy hearing and exceptional comprehension
  • Independence and personal responsibility

→ Detailed information on the entry requirements and admission procedure is available here

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of unique benefits:

  • You have access to the Toni Campus: a public, cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe.
  • You benefit from possible collaboration with students from other artistic disciplines. 
  • You have the opportunity to undertake exchange semesters and many possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s extensive international network. 
  • The self-designed graduation projects motivate you to organize your work independently. 
  • You gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations.