All the music in Lausanne

In 2006, on behalf of the State and for reasons of institutional accreditation, the Fondation du Conservatoire de Lausanne took over the training of professional jazz musicians, including the professional section of the EJMA. The amateur section of the jazz school remained independent. Ten years later, the heads of the two entities are convinced of the opportunities offered by bringing their organizations closer together in educational, administrative and structural terms. The new geographical proximity of their premises in Le Flon, the mutual understanding and trust developed over time, and the support of the public authorities were the decisive factors in this strategic merger. A new Fondation HEMU-CL-EJMA, whose ambition is to become a benchmark educational structure in Switzerland, is due to take effect on January 1, 2016. Management and teaching positions will not be affected by this reorganization.

Three entities
The entities making up the new foundation will retain their own identities: "HEMU", "EJMA" and "Conservatoire de Lausanne". They will work closely together to offer a unique range of training courses. Bridges between levels and between institutions will be simplified, enabling students to benefit from an openness to all musical cultures. Eventually, the music-school structure should also be open to EJMA students. Artistic projects between the various organizations will be launched in 2016.

Stephan Kohler, better known as Mandrax, has been appointed Head of the Contemporary Music Department at the HEMU. Active internationally for over 20 years, and a founding figure of the electronic music scene in French-speaking Switzerland, he will bring his skills and network to the school.

The aim is to welcome the first students with a current music orientation at the start of the new school year in September 2016, and at the same time to create a genuine non-professional certification in this style of music.