Musical training in Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt is Switzerland's smallest canton in terms of surface area. As a result, it has only one music school. What sets this school apart is its stimulating proximity to the University of Music.
The Basel School of Music was founded in 1867. Today, the campus of the Musik-Akademie Basel (Basel Music Academy Foundation) unites the music school and the Basel University of Music (FHNW).
For director Thomas Waldner, the integration of the music school department into the Musik-Akademie five years ago brought things full circle. Born and raised in Basel, he studied here: "It was like coming home. He appreciates the proximity to the renowned university and the creative urban environment. But at the same time, the music school suffers from a structural handicap that is of great concern to him and his team. "The resources at our disposal only allow us to finance a certain volume of teaching, no more, no less. But the interest is much greater than that." As a result, for popular instruments such as piano, guitar or percussion, the waiting list for a place at a music school can last three or even four years. "When a child is enthusiastic about an instrument but has to wait four years, the spark will be extinguished," he sighs. Wealthy families can certainly opt for unsubsidized private providers. But Thomas Waldner points out that this runs counter to equal opportunities: "As head of the music school department, it's my responsibility to ensure that as many children and young people as possible have fair access." Cantonal contributions to music training are agreed every four years - the new performance agreement period will begin in January 2025. Despite these challenges, the Basel School of Music is proud of the breadth of its offering. This ranges from early music through classical to jazz and producing/songwriting, and includes, in addition to general support, a talent development program with a pre-professional track. Students range in age from 2 to 84. "A music school for everyone - that's what we're working towards every day," says Thomas Waldner.
Playing as in the past - and composing for professionals
In addition to individual instruction, various ensemble projects are offered at the four music school sites. These include jazz groups, choirs and big bands. At the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis music school, talented young musicians from all over Switzerland can learn about baroque music, develop a program and give concerts in Basel and the surrounding area as part of the "Jugendbarockorchester". The KOMPOSITION PLUS course offers aspiring composers the opportunity to write their own music, which is then tested with a professional ensemble and presented at a final concert. This course is a new offering, "a pet project" for Thomas Waldner: "Now we can also support and encourage talent in the field of composition."
