Music Performance – Jazz and Contemporary Music

• One-to-one instruction from renowned lecturers
• Participation in ensembles in various styles
• Professional recording sessions
• Individual support and coaching
• Performance at festivals and HKB concert series
• Access to a broad network of fellow musicians

• Intensive one-to-one instruction with a focus on technique and interpretation
• Vocal training and stage presence
• Regular performance opportunities
• Professional recording sessions
• Performance and organisation experience at festivals and HKB concert series
• Access to a broad network of fellow musicians

An overview of all study modules can be found in the module plan:

In your core subject (instrument, voice) you will take one-to-one lessons and receive personalised support. You will develop your voice and your style in terms of technique, repertoire, composition, and performance. In the subject Band Coaching and Recording, you will work flexibly with lecturers from the fields of Jazz and Contemporary Music on improvisation, ensemble playing, and recording techniques.

In this module, you will play with fellow students and lecturers in ensembles (jazz tradition, improvisation, themed ensembles of various musicians from modern jazz music and applied styles, live electronics, transdisciplinary work) and perform in renowned local venues. In addition, you can explore music from a broad spectrum of contemporary styles and composers in other ensembles.

By making use of Career Skills and an open-topic discussion forum, you prepare yourself for life as a freelance musician. By attending transdisciplinary courses at the Y Institute, you also open new doors to knowledge. The ‘Music of…’ lecturers provide insight into the work of specific musicians, scenes, and themes. You can also take advantage of composition mentoring.

Optional modules offer you the opportunity to customise your studies to your individual needs and interests. The choice ranges from research courses and lectures at the University of Bern to mental training courses in the study areas of sound arts, theatre, composition, classical music, the Swiss Literature Institute and many more.

You will complete your studies with a public concert, which will be assessed by an expert jury. You will also create an artistic portfolio, a funding dossier and your own website.

We require very good instrumental/vocal or technical skills, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, as well as an open artistic mindset. A lively theoretical discussion with the music material is considered essential. We also require the ability to contribute to a transdisciplinary artistic environment and to collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects.

We operate in an international environment and communicate in German, French and English, and depending on the lecturer, in other languages as well.

Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree in music with a Master’s orientation in Performance or an equivalent qualification are eligible for the aptitude assessment. The Head of Degree Programme may request additional proof of performance from students who pass the aptitude assessment but have not completed the Master’s orientation.

The aptitude assessment is conducted in German, French or English. The examination committee consists of the Head of the Study Programme and relevant lecturers. To pass the assessment, you must achieve a minimum grade of 4.

The aptitude assessment (45 minutes) will be evaluated by the jury based on the following components:

• prepared solo performance, not style-specific (approx. 3-5 minutes)
• original composition (style of your choice), which will be used as the basis for improvisation. You must submit the sheet music for the accompanying musicians along with your exam registration.
• five compulsory pieces that you must prepare in advance for the examination. The jury will select the pieces to be played at the exam. We will send you the scores after the registration deadline.
• spontaneous task, not to be prepared

We will provide a professional rhythm section with piano, bass and drums.  Available infrastructure includes piano, drums amplifier, PA, CD player and practice room.