Major

MA Composition and Theory, Composition

Create music, research sounds, reflect on compositional processes and focus on suitable means of representation in the performance context. Network with students from various artistic disciplines and benefit from experienced lecturers and state-of-the-art infrastructure.


We accompany and support the students in developing their own artistic approaches, techniques and practices. This includes the exploration of performance, installation, sound art or collaborative projects as well as experiments with new performance formats.
The ZHdK provides students with a wealth of materials and equipment, spaces, studios, workshops and performance opportunities.


  • Course commencement

    Autumn semester

  • Application deadline

    1 March

  • Standard period of study

    4 semesters

  • Coursework Major / MA

    90 / 120 credits

  • Main teaching language

    German / Englisch

  • Tuition fee per semester CH / non CH

    CHF 720 / CHF 1220


Degree programme

The students receive a variety of stimuli in practically and theoretically oriented courses, in workshops with guest composers, in performances of the students' compositions by the university orchestra, the contemporary music ensemble "Arc-en-Ciel" and in collaboration projects with the Collegium Novum Zurich.
Students are exposed to various sources of inspiration during practical and theoretical courses and workshops involving guest composers, performances by the university orchestra and the Arc-en-Ciel ensemble for contemporary music, and events involving other departments.



Major-Minor Programme Model

In choosing a major, students choose their core subject area. They can choose one or two minors to deepen the competencies acquired in their major or to expand these competencies across disciplines. Alternatively, they can also choose open courses to form an Individual Area of Study (ISB). 


Possible minors for this major


Individual Area of Study 

Instead of a minor, students can also choose an Individual Area of Study (ISB). Courses chosen as part of an ISB are cross-disciplinary and subject to special admissions requirements. The number of places on such courses is limited.


People

Lecturers


Contemporary Music

The Studio Contemporary Music is one of the institutions within ZHdK with the most public events. Many questions that recur in scores of older music can be directly posed and negotiated in contemporary music.


Other special events include the premiere evenings held several times a year and the «Lange Nacht» (Sounds | Structures | Situations - curated by the students themselves), the performance and installation series "krach&klang" as well as temporary special projects and the events organised by other departments.
Blog Sound in Motion


Events


Infrastructure

Students at the ZHdK Musik benefit from an excellent infrastructure, live electronics and multimedia, audio productions with in-house sound engineers, historical instrument collections, an extensive equipment pool for loan and an excellent library.


Campus tour


Performance practice and ensembles



Career Centre Music

The Career Center Music offers ZHdK music students a whole host of career-related content, enabling them to embark upon their professional life with success. It acts as the interface between study and career. 


Contact


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MA Composition and Theory, Composition