Range of services

Research + Development

Whether historical or contemporary musical instruments, music theory, dance, theatre and music practice – the Institute Interpretation is dedicated to a wide variety of topics in the field of applied research in the arts.

Contract Research + Services

Knowledge acquired and tested in the course of research projects can be translated into customised services for institutional or private external partners. Existing competences with project examples:

• Historical research
• Interpretation practice
• Musical instruments
• Process analysis

Infrastructure

• Musical instruments
• Welte-Mignon piano and rolls

Teaching and Research

Pathways into research for lecturers

HKB lecturers can participate in research projects in various ways and to varying degrees:

1. As the applicant responsible for research projects funded by the SNSF, Innosuisse or other foundations. This task requires several years of research experience (usually with a doctoral degree), the ability to write scientific texts and team leadership qualities. It is also associated with a part-time position in the field of research as a «SERI researcher».
    
2. As a doctoral student in a SNSF-funded research project (see 1. above). This task extends over three to four years and is associated with a doctoral programme at a Swiss university and, if possible, with funding via the research project.
    
3. As a practitioner for selective, additional scientific and/or artistic collaboration in a research project. As such activities cannot always be financed via the research project, individual solutions for financing will be sought in accordance with budgetary possibilities.
4. For the preparation of larger projects, funding can be obtained through the Practical reasearch projects, while financial support for smaller projects and basic funding are available through the HKB.
    
5. All ongoing and many completed research projects at the HKB offer selective research inputs for regular courses in the departments. Course leaders can order such inputs directly from the projects leaders (see contacts) (CC in Martin Skamletz, who is available for advice and mediation). The time, duration, teaching format and content are negotiated individually. As such short teaching assignments are part of the researcher’s remit, they are generally not associated with costs for the department.
    
6. In consultation with the Head of Research, guest lecturers from outside the HKB can be invited for courses, lectures or guest teaching in their own course. The costs for this are covered by the Research Department, provided that the invited guests have research experience and their input is related to a research topic.

Project ideas are always welcome. Contact persons:

• Head of the Institute Interpretation: Martin Skamletz
• Head of Research:  Thomas Gartmann

Information relating to current research symposia can be found here.

Pathways into research for students

All MA programmes at the HKB provide an introduction to research worth 2 ECTS credits. Various teaching formats and “Forschungs-Mittwoch” (Research Wednesday) are available for this purpose. In consultation with the responsible heads of degree programmes and institutes, the MA thesis can also be written in connection with a research project and under the co-supervision of researchers. In addition, many research projects allow students to participate.

Even as part of the BA programme interested students can take part in individual teaching, discussion and presentation events.
 
In order to focus on research topics in greater depth after the MA degree – e.g. as part of a doctorate in the Studies in the Arts (SINTA) programme of the University of Bern and the HKB or in collaboration with the Anton Bruckner Private University Linz or the University of Music in Freiburg i. Br. – it is advisable to complete a minor in Research during the MA programme. The MA Specialised Music Performance programme offers its own specialisation in Research.