1. Bern University of Applied Sciences
  2. School of Architecture, Wood and Civil Engineering
  3. Continuing Education
  4. Advanced Studies in Music
See table of contents See table of contents

Advanced Studies in Music

Individual instrumental or vocal lessons with options for specialisation in Chamber Music, Contemporary Music, Early Music or Historically Informed Interpretation Practice.

The programme:

  • is designed for candidates who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent degree in Switzerland or abroad,
  • include the option to specialise in Chamber Music, Early Music, Contemporary Music or Historically Informed Interpretation Practice,
  • further develop your personal instrumental or vocal skills,
  • expand on the most important stylistic and literary knowledge,
  • extend your instrumental and vocal skills by adding a parallel instrument to your core instrument.
CAS Kernfach und Advanced

Factsheet

  • Degree/Certificate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)
  • Duration 2 semesters
  • Schedule 26 x 45 min, in consultation with the lecturer
  • Application deadline 1 June 2026
  • ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits
  • Costs Tuition fee: CHF 6'600
    Application fee: CHF 250
    Examination fee: CHF 150
  • Teaching language German, French & English
  • Location Bern Ostermundigenstrasse
  • School Bern Academy of the Arts
  • Next session Autumn 2026

Contact

Structure + Content

Portrait

Working musicians and professional chamber music groups can develop their skills during this one-year course in the company of renowned artists and core subject lecturers. Instrumental or vocal music skills are fostered in core subject lessons.

In addition, you have the opportunity to focus on your own interests and thus gain a higher profile in your occupational field. The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Music offers options for specialisation in Chamber Music, Early Music, Historically Informed Interpretation Practice or Contemporary Music.

Learning outcomes

The participants pursue individual goals:

  • To further develop instrumental or vocal skills
  • To expand on their stylistic and literary knowledge
  • To extend their instrumental and vocal skills by adding a parallel instrument
  • Training of stage presence, stage performance
  • Preparation for orchestral auditions or competitions
  • Preparation for a second master’s degree
  • Focusing on their own interests with opportunities for in-depth study

Specialization in chamber music group

The chamber music group further develops their stylistic, musical and social skills. Refining their musical interpretation and developing a shared sound and analytical perfection go hand in hand here. The musicians constantly strive for harmonious expression and an interpretative vision based on precise analyses. Chamber music lecturers from HKB accompany the training in all aspects of joint work and guide students on their way to expressing a shared musical idea.

Specialization in Contemporary Music

The specialization in Contemporary Music addresses musicians who would like to expand their knowledge of contemporary and 20th-century music. Students engage intensively with all aspects of contemporary music. Numerous contemporary works and composers form the basis for learning and refining advanced playing techniques. Stylistic and interpretational challenges are linked here with the development of skills in conceptual work.

Specialization in Early Music

Are you preparing for a Baroque concert? Would you like to hone your skills on your historical instrument? Do you need stylistic and analytical support in researching and performing Early Music? Then HKB offers you outstanding specialists in this field. In the specialization in Early Music, a differentiated examination of historical instruments and written sources becomes the basis for a personal, lively approach to the pre-Classical repertoire.

Specialization in Historically Informed Interpretation Practice 

The specialization in Historically Informed Interpretation Practice (HIP) for Classical to Romantic music offers professional instrumentalists, conductors and singers the necessary knowledge and skills to interpret past epochs using the stylistic and expressive means of their time of origin. The wide range of instruction available can be individually adapted to repertoire wishes up to the early 20th century and is also aimed at musicians working in the fields of music management and music journalism.

Furthermore, there is the option to select additional specialisations according to individual interest, in consultation with the Head of Continuing Education.

Per semester 13×45 minutes of individual instrumental/vocal lessons in the core subject and 140 minutes of piano accompaniment. 

In consultation with the Head of Continuing Education, complementary lessons in the core subject or piano accompaniment can be organised. Depending on the additional minutes, the semester fees of the CAS Advanced Studies are augmented. An elective module can also be taken from the study programme. 

Teaching methods 

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 they can contribute their 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. 

Title + Degree

Certificate of Advanced Studies in Music

Lecturers

Head of Studies

Barbara Aeschbacher: assistant in the divisions MA in Performance and MA in Specialised Performance

The team of lecturers consists of specialists from the Bern University of the Arts HKB.

Eligibility + Admission

Working musicians and professional chamber music groups: Persons who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent degree in Switzerland or abroad.

Admission requirements

The admission decision is based on a short audition with the desired core subject lecturer. The applicant is accepted as soon as the lecturer submits a written declaration of consent to work with the applicant for one year, confirming that he or she has necessary capacity available. The declaration of consent must be enclosed with the application. There is no age limit. On request, we will be happy to put you in contact with the core subject lecturers.

Exceptions

Admission “sur dossier” is possible in consultation with the Head of Studies. This admission procedure requires a thorough evaluation of existing skills and an admission interview.

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).

Practicalities + Application

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Music takes two semesters and includes a total of 26 teaching weeks. The CAS comprises 15 ECTS credits. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 30 working hours.

Lessons are individually scheduled with the lecturers.

Application deadline: 1 June 2026
Beginning of studies: Autumn 2026

Tuition fee: CHF 6'600
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

Head of Studies: Barbara Aeschbacher
T +41 31 848 39 17

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

Locations + Facilities

Bern Ostermundigenstrasse 103