1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. Continuing education
  3. CAS
  4. Foundations of Conducting
See table of contents See table of contents

Foundations of Conducting

The CAS qualifies graduates for conducting positions in amateur orchestras and choirs. It also qualifies graduates for the professionally oriented DAS.

The programme:

  • is designed for musicians who would like to take up conducting as a further metier,

  • teaches you a thorough and professional baton technique as well as methods for score development and rehearsal preparation,

  • imparts knowledge about orchestras and vocal parts,

  • offers a considered view of the conductor’s role in the musical process,

  • includes projects with orchestras and ensembles – to allow you to apply and refine the skills you have acquired.

CAS Dirigieren

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
  • Duration 2 semesters
  • Schedule Wednesday and Sunday
    Monday and Tuesday by arrangement
  • Application deadline 1 June 2025
    Aptitude auditions: 10 & 11 June 2025
  • ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits
  • Costs Tuition fee: CHF 7'250
    Application fee: CHF 250
    Examination fee: CHF 150
  • Teaching language German
  • Location Bern Ostermundigenstrasse 103, Papiermühlestrasse 13 as well as orchestra projects at various locations
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts
  • Next session Autumn 2025

Contact

Structure + Content

Portrait

CAS in Conducting: You will learn a thorough and professional baton technique as well as methods for score development and rehearsal preparation and you will have the opportunity to try them out in practice.

Learning outcomes

With the successful completion of the CAS in Conducting, students have the following skills at their command:

  • A sure command of the basics of baton and movement technique with both hands
  • Reading and learning a musical score
  • Good knowledge of working with orchestras, ensembles and choirs, thorough knowledge of instruments and playing techniques, rehearsal methodology and planning
  • A sound understanding of the conductor’s role in musical work, insights into the working methods of professional ensembles
  • Initial practical experiences

The CAS in Conducting includes the subjects: Conducting in group and private lessons, Score preparation (score playing, listening, coaching) as well as practical workshops with guest lecturers and/or various ensembles.

The methodology and didactics are aligned with the principles of current university and further education teaching. The face-to-face lessons are designed to permit students a high degree of involvement so that you can contribute your own knowledge and experience. A balance is maintained between professional input and practical work. The development of new ideas and solutions is promoted through methodological diversity, discussions and critical observations. Self-study includes preparation and follow-up for face-to-face lessons, script and literature studies, reflection on and documentation of your own learning processes, and practical application.

Assessment + quality control

The Head of Studies offers extensive learning support and tries to ensure a uniform approach to teaching, course design and practical relevance. Each course is evaluated by the Head of Studies and the students. The students’ concerns are acknowledged as concrete suggestions for the constant optimisation of the course design. The final assignments are graded according to transparent assessment criteria.

The Head of Studies assumes that all participants will fulfil the requirements for certification in the CAS in Conducting. This includes participation in face-to-face lessons in accordance with the study regulations, demonstrating the relevant practical applications and presenting their own project at the final event.
Depending on the skills to be acquired, you will receive a selection of assignments during the programme that will allow you to apply what you have learned to your own field of practice in an individual way and to reflect on this implementation. You will document this practical application and receive feedback from the Head of Studies.

Titel + Abschluss

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in «Foundations of Conducting»

  • DAS

Orchestral Conducting

The CAS qualifies graduates for conducting positions in amateur orchestras and choirs. It also qualifies graduates for the professionally oriented DAS.

Lecturers

Head of Studies

Florian Ziemen: lecturer in Orchestral Conducting, since 2016 Head of Studies for the CAS/DAS in Conducting. Since the 2017/2018 season he has been General Music Director and Opera Director of the Theater für Niedersachsen in Hildesheim.

www.florianziemen.com

Eligibility + Admission

The CAS is designed for musicians who have already earned a degree (at least a bachelor’s or the equivalent) and would like to take up conducting as a further metier.

Entry requirements

The Head of Studies grants admission to the CAS in Conductin based on an aptitude assessment and the submitted documents.

Aptitude assessment

The aptitude assessment consists of the following components:

  • Conducting two pianists: C.M. v. Weber: Overture to the opera "Der Freischütz"
  • Performance of a self-chosen short piano piece (to determine current abilities)
  • Short test in sight-reading and hearing

Application documents

The application must include a CV in tabular form and a copy of the relevant degree certificate (incl. matriculation number for university degrees) as well as a letter of motivation. In case of a large number of applicants, the Head of Studies reserves the right to make a selection.

Exceptions

"Sur dossier" admissions are possible, based on a consultation with the Head of Studies regarding the candidate’s interest in music projects for and with different social groups and in various concert formats.

Language skills

German

Practicalities + Application

Each programme takes two semesters and comprises 15 ECTS credits 

Wednesday and Sunday
Monday and Tuesday by arrangement

Application deadline: 1 June 2025
Aptitude auditions: 10 June 2025 in the afternoon
Beginning of studies: Autumn 2025

Tuition fee: CHF 7'250
Application fee: CHF 250
Examination fee: CHF 150

The fees are tax deductible. 

The Continuing Education Regulations of Bern University of Applied Sciences, as well as the Implementation Provisions for the Continuing Education Regulations apply. The right to make changes is reserved. In case of doubt, the wording of the legal provisions and regulations shall prevail.

Information

Student advisory service

Head of Studies: Florian Ziemen
Telephone +41 31 848 39 33

Secretarial Office: Secretariat HKB Continuing Education
Telephone +41 31 848 38 15 

Location + Facilities