The Music School

Above is a picture of me behind ZHdK in the flower garden.
August 10, 2011

During a two-semester academic year at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Zürich University of the Arts), I will document varying audition system procedures of European orchestras.  I will meet for weekly bassoon lessons with Tonhalle-Orchester principal bassoonist and professor at the University, Matthias Rácz.  He will provide an essential bridge towards the artistic understanding of playing a qualified orchestral audition in Europe.  I will meet with Hans Agreda, contrabassoonist of the Tonhalle-Orchester and Artan Hürsever, principal bassoonist of the Zürich Opera.  These professional musicians will act as mentors and will provide knowledge of European performance standards and expectations.

Matthias uploaded a number of audio samples to his website, if you're interested in listening.
http://www.matthiasracz.de/hoerbeispiele.html

The Zürcher Hochschule der Künste offers the widest range of subjects and courses compared to any other Swiss higher education institution with elite faculty, differing specializations, and talented musicians.  My studies at the University will include a one-year voluntariat position with the Zürich Opera which includes regular rehearsals and performances. I also have the opportunity to perform with the Bern Symphony.  Both positions must be won through a professional audition process.  Valuable orchestral audition perspective will be gained during this music study in Zürich.  Skills acquired throughout this academic pursuit will allow for educated stylistic choices and audition proficiency in Europe.  I will learn further instrumental, theoretical, and musical techniques during group chamber music coaching, collegiate master-course involvement, and orchestral ensemble immersion.  Each of these components will contribute to understanding the systems of European professional orchestra auditions.

The Herbstsemester begins on September 19, and I am getting really excited!  

Let me know if you have any questions about the application process into the Hochschule. It's pretty straight forward, but can be intimidating when it's all in German.