Structure + Content
You will improvise, interpret, arrange, compose and play in various ensembles. Over the course of the Jazz degree programme, you will acquire the basic technical skills, build up a stylistically varied repertoire and develop an overview of the tradition, the contemporary practice and the context of jazz. A BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music is a requirement for admission to the professional MA in Jazz and Contemporary Music, whether in Performance, Music Pedagogy or Composition and Arrangement.
Portrait
The three-year bachelor’s degree programme in Jazz and Contemporary Music involves intensive study of your main instrument and playing in various ensembles with different repertoires and styles. It also includes subjects such as ear training, jazz harmony, music history (social, political and musical), notation, sequencing and sound aesthetics. In other words, the course provides all-round individual encouragement and support.
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Learning outcomes
At HKB, we train students to become jazz musicians. This not only involves honing your instrumental or vocal skills but also developing your own artistic profile and acquiring the tools that will allow you to find your place in the music world. As a musician, you will also need to be adept at self-management and communication.
Specialisations
The third year of the bachelor’s degree programme offers ample opportunities to build up your profile. For example, you can opt to focus on composition, and you can choose from over 30 themed ensembles (from Django Bates’ Belovèd to Benny Golson and from The Music of John Coltrane to Zero 7). The master’s orientation courses offer you an idea of the follow-up master’s degree programme, focusing on Performance, Pedagogy or Composition and Arrangement.
Mode of study + Duration
Our bachelor's degree programme is offered on a full-time basis only and comprises 180 ECTS credits. It is typically completed in six semesters.
Curriculum + Modules
The 180 ECTS credits you need in order to be awarded a BA in Jazz and Contemporary Music
come from seven separate areas:
- Core subject 74 ECTS credits
- Practical work/ Projects 28/23* ECTS credits
- Theory 48/53 * ECTS credits
- Optional modules 0–20 ECTS credits
- Y-modules (interdisciplinary) 10 ECTS credits
- Master’s orientation course 10 ECTS credits
- Bachelor’s concert + written thesis 10 ECTS credits
*with specialisation in composition
The programme concludes with a public concert and a written thesis.
Student mobility
Are you a Swiss student interested in living, working or studying in another country? Or do you want to spend a semester at another Swiss university? Or maybe you’re an overseas student who’d like to spend a semester at Bern University of Applied Sciences? Mobility opportunities offer unique and valuable experience. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to spend exchange semesters and experience work placements elsewhere in Switzerland or abroad.
Partners
HKB maintains close ties to a number of partner universities, both in Switzerland and abroad, and collaborates with international partners on numerous projects. HKB is also a member of several international networks.