Content and curriculum

The Master’s in Music Pedagogy, School Music II centres around the professional field of music teaching at upper secondary level.
The job profile of upper-secondary-level music teachers is very varied, with the work at upper secondary schools requiring a broad artistic and aesthetic focus. Consequently, the degree programme is diverse in its design, offering many different options for individual career progression. Depending on which minor they choose, students can also continue their studies in music education research.

Course content.

During the degree programme, you will refine your teaching and artistic skills. You will study the subject of teaching and music (classical, pop, rock, jazz, world music) from a practical, creative, theoretical and research perspective. 
You will learn forms of collaborative learning, expand your communication skills and train your critical thinking.
In terms of methodology, we offer group learning, individual tuition, blended learning, internships and self-study.
Thanks to ZHdK’s strong network, you will gain the practical experience you need to prepare you for your professional life in education and the arts. 

Course structure.

Performance

Here, you will enhance your musical skills in instrumental playing, singing, band practice, choir and ensemble leadership, in combination with performance training. You will also investigate issues of aesthetic diversity and differing approaches.

Education

Here, the focus is on meaningful music teaching for adolescents at upper secondary schools. The programme is completed with the Upper Secondary School Music Teaching Certificate. It includes pedagogical content from the fields of educational psychology, music didactics and the basics of research methodology. In the vocational component, students learn tried-and-tested teaching models and try out new ones. In mentored internships with upper secondary school classes, you will develop your own teaching practice and lay a solid foundation for future professional activity in this field. Internships may also take the form of a supervised teaching assignment at an upper secondary school. 

Subject-specific practice

In addition to composing/arranging and music theory, this will also include reflections on the role of music in society.
Graduation exam/project
The acquired skills will be documented via an artistic/creative stage project, teaching practice at upper secondary level and a research-based Master’s thesis on a topic related to music education.

Skills acquired in the course.

  • Independent design of contemporary music lessons at upper secondary level
  • Staging musical projects with your own, personal artistic language
  • Leading ensembles of different styles and instrumentation/formation
  • Linking music with societal issues
  • Helping adolescents to be musically independent and able to participate in creative processes in a responsible manner 
  • Appropriately assessing academic performance
  • Working with other teachers, school management, parents and the extended school environment in a spirit of partnership
  • Scientific/academic examination of musical issues
  • Reconstructing specialist music history and theory knowledge in a manner that is didactically adapted to the teaching situation

Admissions requirements.

You have a Bachelor’s degree in music or an equivalent qualification and are highly motivated to teach music.

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

  • The Teaching Diploma for Baccalaureate Schools, Subject Area Music is recognized by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK).
  • School Music students benefit from the close links ZHdK has with their future professional field through regular internships.
  • You will study at the Toni Campus – a public, cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that offers ideal opportunities to use media, practise and rehearse.
  • You will benefit from the network with students from other artistic disciplines. 
  • Mehrspur, ZHdK’s on-campus music club, is a space for students to showcase their skills on the stage and a popular hub for social gatherings.