Content and structure

Course content.

The course focuses on professional ensemble work in established formations. It takes time and support to grow as an ensemble in artistic, stylistic, social and methodological terms. Due to the intense competition in the professional field and the highly specialist nature of the chamber music repertoire, ensembles today can only gain regular concert work if they work together in a focused, consistent manner over the long term. This Major gives established ensembles the opportunity to further perfect their craft.
They work on the high-level chamber music repertoire in different ways. It requires them to research interpretive traditions and is based on the sensitivity achieved through practice and how they react to the other members of the ensemble.
The considerable amount of time spent working together in a small group, which is usually connected with long periods of travel, also places enormous demands on the individual ensemble members to work as a team. They are supported by professors who also pursue an international career in the ensemble context.

Course structure.

Core

The module area focuses on the study, rehearsal and performance of the repertoire for the ensemble formation. This includes standard works for the formation as well as the profile of the repertoire to consider the artistic-musical focus areas of the ensemble members and enable them to find a unique position in the market. The ensemble tuition is usually divided between two professors to ensure that students receive instrument-specific, broad-based support.

Extension

Concerts, productions and competitions are important for new ensembles to practise their repertoire, gain experience, draw attention to the ensemble, and build a network. They also learn just how much time is involved in organizing such undertakings. In the minor subject tuition, the individual instrumental skills of the ensemble members are developed with selected lecturers, sections of complex ensemble works are examined on an instrument-specific basis, and each student’s artistic profile is promoted.

Profile

Students are able to develop an independent professional profile and improve their use of audiovisual communication and production forms, social media, other digital platforms and company forms. Learning and development steps are continually reflected on, supported and documented in a digital profile as part of a mentoring session. This empowers students to take control of their career planning.

Graduation exam/project

Students demonstrate what they have learnt in a repertoire examination and a public recital, which is supplemented with a written paper.
With the presentation of their digital portfolio, graduates not only show what they have achieved in addition to their Major studies, but also the skills they have acquired to promote their own career when dealing with digitality in aspects such as their online presence, social media profile, and production of audiovisual materials.

Module plan:

Skills acquired in the course.

Ensembles develop an independent artistic profile with the ability to design communicative processes with the public as well as with the respective environments in the concert, performance or production areas, and operate competently in the cultural sector. 
Besides outstanding instrumental and artistic-performance skills, this also includes an independent perspective of a musical professional field connected with an individual profile of the interpretive approach.

Admissions requirements.

The training in the Major in “Ensemble” focuses on professional ensemble work. Students apply as an established chamber music formation and are prepared as such for international concert work. An outstanding level of proficiency in the instrument and the ability to gain analytical insights into musical works and put them to good use in their interpretive work are required.
The Major is offered for duets (violin, viola, violoncello, transverse flute, clarinet with piano), piano and string trios, piano and string quartets/quintets as well as wind quartets/quintets. 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

Studying at ZHdK offers a wealth of unique benefits:

  • The Specialized Music Performance Master’s is a lively degree programme with approx. 80 musicians. 
  • You will gain extensive practical experience and have many opportunities to perform thanks to the diverse relationships with the regional cultural scene and its event organizations.
  • You will enjoy an inspirational environment with colleagues and partners from around the world for discussion and collaboration in a variety of ensembles and orchestras
  • You will meet students from other artistic areas on a daily basis, make contacts and enjoy stimulating collaboration. 
  • You will study at the Toni Campus – a public cultural and university campus for all artistic disciplines that is unparalleled in its dimensions anywhere in Europe.
  • You will benefit from outstanding infrastructure, live electronics and multimedia, audio productions with in-house sound engineers, historical instrument collections and an excellent library.
  • You will have opportunities to undertake exchange semesters and various possibilities to explore other cultures thanks to ZHdK Music’s international network.