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1. Master of Arts in Musical Performance – Early Music
Duration: generally two years
Workload: 120 Credit Points (CP)
Please note: Students who have completed a course of training at an institute of higher learning which is not specialized in Early Music may be required to take additional courses in Theory and Ear Training, since these subjects at the SCB are very different from those at non-specialized institutions. This depends on individual qualifications as well as the type of Master’s Degree chosen.
(see below)
Prerequisites for this program
This Master’s Program is aimed towards students (instrumental/vocal) who are highly qualified and prepared to dedicate themselves to a course of training in Historic Musical Performance with the highest artistic standards.
Prerequisites are: talent, a high level of ability (vocal or instrumental) as well as potential for further development; a completed first phase of higher education (BA or equivalent) combined with experience in Early Music, as well as interest in the historic basis which is essential to understanding the practise of Early Music.
Focus points of this course of training
Achieving a high level of ability as an instrumental/vocal soloist is an important goal in this program; in addition, development as an excellent ensemble musician is particularly essential for Early Music. The Master’s Thesis provides an opportunity to show competence in doing scholarly research.
1.1 Specialization: Medieval - Renaissance
Since music of the Medieval and Renaissance periods is almost exclusively
ensemble music, in this program it receives particular emphasis (20 CP). In addition, basic competence in ensemble direction and in conveying music are also developed. In the second year of studies, a special theme from the period will be explored intensively. (30 CP) Students who enter this program with a BA (or equivalent) from a music institution not specialized in Early Music will be required to take essential courses in Music Theory relevant to the program.1.2 Specialization: Renaissance - Romantic
Students who have completed a BA (or equivalent) at a music institution which is not specialized in Early Music may, according to individual needs, be required to take essential courses in Music Theory (Ear Training, Historical Composition Technique, Historical Notation). If necessary, an additional ‘bridging year’ (60 CP) may be added. This also provides an opportunity to prepare for the special instrumental/vocal requirements of the MA program.
Goals of the programs, professional qualifications
The primary goal of each of these programs is to help to develop the independent artistic personality, individuals who are able to express themselves as instrumentalists/singers at a high level of musical and technical ability, both as soloists and in the context of an ensemble. In addition, specific knowledge of music theory and history pertinent to Early Music should provide the possibility of making independent and well-founded decisions about performance practise and esthetics. This artistic and intellectual autonomy is necessary in order to succeed in a market which is marked more by an interest in the creativity and persuasiveness of individual musicians than by traditional institutional employers.
Instructors:
see the Index of Instructors of major subjects
Directors of the courses of study:
- Specialization Medieval/Renaissance: Dr. des. Jeremy Llewellyn
- Specialization Renaissance/Baroque/Classic: Prof. Dr. Thomas Drescher, Dr. des. Jeremy Llewellyn
Admission requirements:
- Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, High School Diploma, or equivalent
- Bachelor of Arts in Music, or equivalent
- Above-average musical talent, aptitude and sufficient preparatory training and experience in the major subject, as well as a solid foundation in general musical knowledge
- Sufficient knowledge of the German language (which is the official teaching language at the SCB)
- Medical certificate indicating that you are in good health
- Successful entrance exam
For candidates who have completed the BA degree at the SCB:
You must have a grade of at least 5.0 in your major subject, as well as a recommendation from the BA examination board. (See the BA Examination
requirements)
Application form:
- as ‘Word’ form (to be filled out by computer)
- as PDF (to be filled out by hand)
Information:
- Entrance exam: Theory (ear-training, basic musicianship)
- Entrance exam: Practical exam (examples of literature for your major subject)
