Study Music & Performing Arts in Europe

This bachelor's program prepares students for a professional career in music production, recording, and sound engineering through a hands-on, project-based curriculum. In the first year, students build a solid technical foundation by working with industry-standard tools, DAWs, and hardware, developing skills in recording, mixing, and production while applying concepts such as psychoacoustics and acoustics to shape their sound. The second year advances this expertise further, introducing large-scale studio work, mastering, synthesis, sampling, and emerging technologies including AI in music production, while helping students strengthen their artistic identity and critical listening abilities. The first year can also be completed as a standalone Higher Education Certificate for those who wish to begin with a shorter qualification.

By the final year, students take full creative ownership of an original project — from concept through to public release — developing the professional, leadership, and collaborative skills needed to launch a career in the contemporary music industry. Throughout the program, equal emphasis is placed on technical mastery and the development of a clear, distinctive creative voice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to work as producers, recording engineers, or creative practitioners in today's music landscape.

To apply, students must have completed high school at a level that would normally allow university entry in their home country. Applicants who do not hold a formal qualification but have relevant professional or life experience may also be considered through a non-standard admissions route. All applicants must submit personal and educational information, proof of prior education, a portfolio, and a personal statement or audio/video introduction. Since the program is taught in English, a minimum proficiency of IELTS 6.0 (or B2 level) is required, which can be demonstrated through a recognized language certificate or a free online test offered by the institution.

This bachelor's program trains classical musicians to become "performer plus" artists — skilled performers who also pass on knowledge, conduct research, and act as entrepreneurs within the music field. Students choose a principal study from a wide range of instruments and voice, including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, harp, piano, organ, composition, or conducting, and develop toward a high technical and artistic level while building an open, adventurous approach that allows for creative crossovers into areas such as pop, world music, jazz, musical theater, dance, or circus arts.

The four-year curriculum progresses from a broad first year focused on developing technical and artistic skills, ensemble participation, and core theory subjects such as harmony, analysis, counterpoint, and music history, into a second year that deepens both theoretical and practical knowledge and introduces students to teaching methods for transferring musical knowledge to different audiences. In the third year, students select minors from a wide range of options, from entrepreneurship to home recording and conducting, while continuing their studies in theory, analysis, and music history, and working toward historically informed performance practice, exploring how music was performed in its original era. The final year centers on demonstrating mastery through a lecture recital, in which students present and analyze a piece they have rehearsed, a written graduation paper, and a final public recital in which they perform multiple styles both as a soloist and within an ensemble.

Throughout the program, students gain professional experience, often through internships with prominent local ensembles. Graduates go on to work across the breadth of the music profession, from symphony orchestras to musical accompaniment and from opera to wind orchestras, with many combining performance careers with teaching, either independently or through music schools, while others pursue further study at the master's level.

Applicants must hold a havo diploma, an mbo level 4 qualification, or an equivalent foreign certificate, with the specific subjects studied being of secondary importance. Applicants unable to meet this requirement may instead take a capacity test, at their own cost, to demonstrate sufficient general aptitude for the program. Admission also requires a motivation letter and a musical CV detailing prior musical experience, along with an online portfolio submitted for pre-selection, consisting of video recordings in contrasting styles for instrumental or vocal applicants, or representative compositions for those applying in composition.

Based on this pre-selection, qualifying candidates are invited to an entrance exam consisting of a practical component demonstrating musical and technical ability, a theoretical component assessing knowledge of music theory, and a motivation interview covering the applicant's goals and perspective on disciplinary and interdisciplinary work. Because places are limited, meeting the admission standard does not guarantee immediate admission, and qualified candidates may be placed on a waiting list. Since the program is taught in English, applicants must also hold an IELTS Academic certificate with a minimum score of 5.5, or a comparable TOEFL or Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE-C) qualification, unless they qualify for an exemption, such as having completed secondary education through the European or International Baccalaureate with English as the language of instruction and a passing grade in English, having completed secondary or tertiary education in a country where English is the official language of instruction, holding a qualifying secondary diploma with a passing grade in English from a defined list of European countries, or holding a Dutch mbo level 4, havo, or vwo diploma.

This master's program focuses on the exploration of contemporary theater practices and supports students in realizing their own artistic projects. The curriculum is flexible and allows students to personalize their course selection based on their interests. Students can attend modules from various Swiss theater schools and are guided by professional theater practitioners throughout their studies. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary work, artistic research, and collaboration across institutions.

The curriculum consists of four module groups. The "Creation" module (42 ECTS) focuses on developing and presenting students' own artistic work, including the master’s thesis. "Workshops" (29 ECTS) help students enhance their performance skills and experiment with media such as space, text, sound, and body. "Theory and Management" (11 ECTS) covers theoretical, analytical, and organizational aspects of performance, while the "Encounters" module (8 ECTS) encourages networking and artistic dialogue with professionals and peers.

This master's program in performing arts is designed for applicants with a background in theater, dance, performance, or a comparable artistic field. Admission is competitive, based on an aptitude examination that evaluates the applicant’s artistic portfolio and a written project proposal. Candidates are expected to demonstrate basic skills in performance, a clear potential for developing original work, and an ability to engage in artistic reflection and transdisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor's degree or provide proof of equivalent artistic experience, which will be assessed by the admission committee. A sound understanding of theater and cultural criticism is also expected. Courses are conducted in both German and English. Students must actively speak either language at a B1 level and are expected to acquire basic German (A1 level) by the second semester.

This bachelor's program centers on personal artistic development within the field of sound arts, welcoming students from diverse musical backgrounds such as DJs, composers, and sound artists. The curriculum emphasizes self-initiated projects supported through seminars, lectures, and intensive workshops. Students engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and have regular opportunities to showcase their work publicly, both locally and internationally. The program also includes access to studios, instruction from established professionals, and exposure to music research and education.

Throughout the first two years, students build a solid foundation in musical design, media art, and audio technology, with practical courses that may involve Max/MSP programming, video scoring, and audio mastering. The final year allows for greater individual focus, leading up to a bachelor's thesis. Elective topics may include analog synthesizers, game design music, hardware hacking, or Arduino, alongside specialized training in electronic ear training and media theory. Students also study music theory, cultural history, and piano, with a curriculum that integrates elements of both classical and jazz music.

To apply for this bachelor's program, applicants must have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Exceptionally talented individuals without standard academic credentials may be considered for special admission. Candidates should have experience with their own creative musical projects—such as compositions, sound installations, or DJ tracks—and possess basic knowledge of music theory and ear training. Training in voice or an instrument is an advantage but not mandatory. The entrance process involves submitting representative creative work, completing an assigned artistic task, and participating in a 90-minute assignment followed by a discussion on motivations and expectations. Due to limited spaces, selection is competitive.

Instruction is mainly in German, and while advising is also available in French and English, applicants must understand German at B2 level. A passive understanding of French and proficiency in English are recommended. International students must meet visa and residency requirements and purchase health insurance before starting the program.