New Music Theory focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries and offers an aesthetic-scientific discourse as well as a practice-based and artistic approach in the unique multifaceted creative environment of sonic space basel.
Focus on today
Even though the theoretical approaches, concepts and discourses of the 20th century are extensive, diverse and well-documented, music theory of the 20th and 21st centuries has only played a minor role in university teaching so far. The specialized Master's degree in New Music Theory completes the Music Theory programme at Basel Academy of Music. This new matrix programme combines theory, practice, science and artistic research. The Master's degree focuses on theory formation in the 20th and 21st centuries and its application. It extends the concept of theory in an inter- and transdisciplinary way and repositions the approaches, methods and knowledge of the subject. The course combines an aesthetic and scientific discourse and a practical and artistic approach. New Music Theory is a unique study programme in the international landscape of music academies, in combination with the broad field of contemporary music practice in the environment of sonic space basel.
sonic space basel is a platform for Composition (BA, MA and MA SP), Open Creation, Contemporary music, Audiodesign (BA and MA), Music Theory (MA MP and MA SP) and Research of FHNW Basel Academy of Music. We consider ourselves a laboratory, a communication tool and an information hub for contemporary music.
Overview
The aim of the programme of the Master of Arts FHNW in Specialised Music Performance, field of study New Music Theory, is to enable students to understand, reflect on, formulate and communicate music theory at the highest level, both orally and in writing (e.g. in university teaching in the main subject are). This includes comprehensive theoretical knowledge of music of the 20th and 21st century and its sociopolitical and aesthetic connotations. Further skills will be acquired in the field of systematic musicology.
The course is aimed at applicants from the fields of performance, composition, music theory and musicology as well as career changers from related artistic disciplines who are experienced in transdisciplinary work.
The specialization in the broad history of theory of 20th/21st century and the ability to develop creative theory offers a broad range of career opportunities and qualifications in the professional fields of contemporary art. Career opportunities range from university teaching in the field of music theory as a major subject to music publishing, entry into practical and/or theoretical music research and related doctoral study. Graduates can also make a name for themselves as curators, ensemble leaders or festival organizers in the analogue and/or digital music market.
Below please find the link with all the information on the module descriptions of several FHNW universities.
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Admission criteria In order to enter the FHNW Master of Arts in Specialized Musical Performance programme with a New Music Theory Major, applicants must be awarded a Bachelor (instrumental/vocal, Composition or Music Theory) or equivalent as well as they must have passed the entrance exam and were offered a free place at the Academy (limited places). Applicants who have submitted all the necessary registration documents in time and have passed the first round of the entrance exam will be invited for the entrance exam by mail and by videoconference. For further information on the admission criteria, please see the Studienreglement of the Master of Arts FHNW in Specialised Musical Performance.
Required skills
Very good knowledge of music theory due to training in Composition, Music Theory, instrumental or vocal performance
Potential to develop an independent artistic personality capable of analysis and reflection
Particular aptitude for interdisciplinary work
Particular aptitude for scientific and artistic research-orientated work
Language Skills We expect students to have sufficient German language skills at the beginning of the studies. Students who are not German native speakers must present a B1 German language certificate according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the beginning of the studies. Furthermore, a very good knowledge of English is recommended.
Entrance exam: The entrance exam is split into two parts.
Procedure Applicants must submit a video/letter and a portfolio when registering. Video/Letter It can be chosen between a Motivation video* or letter of motivation. It should include personal perspectivesand expectations of the degree programme. Portfolio The portfolio should include both, a written as well as an audiovisual theoretical or artistic work.
Via Zoom/online:
Presentation of a chosen topic/a chosen question (lecture 10')
Analysis of a work (work excerpt) from the 20th/21st century (5') (preparation time 1 hour)
Commentary with detailed observations on the techniques used,pitches, rhythms, tone colours, etc. after listening to a musical example from the 20th/21st century.
Interview (approx. 15')
Dates The entrance exam by mail and the zoom meeting will take place in mid-April. The exact dates may be seen here.
Registration You may apply between 15th December and 15th February. Along with the registration, it is mandatory to submit the following documents:
A curriculum Vitae, a Motivation video* or letter of motivation (including personal perspectivesand expectations of the degree programme)
the school leaving qualification, the Bachelor and Master Diploma (including transcript of records)
Portfolio (a written as well as an audiovisual theoretical or artistic workmust be submitted): Written theses, performance videos/audios, written artistic works(scores, concepts), written analyses, lectures, personal lists of work
*Please upload the video onto YouTube and add the link in the registration tool or send it by mail to cmVnaXN0cmF0aW9uLmhzbUBmaG53LmNo until 15th February at the latest.
Announcement of the results The results will be communicated by mail in May.
At Hochschule für Musik Basel, students have the opportunity to participate in various project and ensemble programmes. To the overview of the recurring offers.
