Master of Arts in Music Theory and Composition

Specialization:  Theory of Early Music
(in cooperation with the Musicology Institute of the University of Basel)

Duration: generally 2 years
Workload: 120 Credit Points (CP)

Beginning in the 1970’s,the historic approach to music theory became an
important part of the SCB program. The then entirely new concept puts the ‘work of art’ at the center of study and derives the analytical tools from it.
            
Contrary to the systematic approach taught at most institutions of higher education in music, setting technique and compositional esthetics are considered exclusively in their immediate historical context. The program has evolved considerably over the years and has become an object of ever-increasing interest in the world of musical academia.

Prerequisites, target group
This program is intended for candidates who have already completed studies in Music Theory and who are interested in deepening their knowledge by learning about the special conditions which apply to the Theory of Early Music.

Focus of studies
The Master of Arts in Theory of Early Music covers a wide variety of focal points, from the first evidences of European music to the early 19th century. Areas of traditional music theory are touched on, and a basis established to apply historic theory to later music.  The major subjects in this program are Historische Satzlehre (analysis and historic composition technique), Notation, and Figured Bass. These are complemented by other courses at the SCB and at the Musicology Institute of Basel University. In addition, special emphasis is placed on historic and current methodology of teaching the Theory of Early Music.

Goals of the program, professional qualifications
Graduates of this Master’s program are qualified for a variety of types of work as teachers of music and teachers of Music Theory, as well as in the context of practical music:  their special analytical ‘tools’ are useful not only for theory, but also for work with ensembles, etc.

Instructors:
Dr. Johannes Menke, Dr. Felix Diergarten      

Directors of the course of study:
Prof. Dr. Thomas Drescher, Dr. des. Jeremy Llewellyn

Admission requirements:

• Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, High School Diploma, or equivalent
• Successfully completed Diploma, BA or MA at another institution of higher learning in music, a Diploma as a teacher of Music Theory,or completed studies in Musicology (Magister/Master, Lizenziat)           
• Special qualifications for studies in Theory, as well as experience and ability in in practical music
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language (the official teaching language at the SCB)
• Successful entrance exam
• Available space in the program of your choice

Application form:
- as ‘Word’ form (to be filled out by computer)
- as PDF (to be filled out by hand)