Musicology and History of Opera

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The programme in musicology studies the forms, functions and significances of musical expression in different cultures, including cultures close to and far-removed from ours, in terms of both geography and time. The primary field of research is European music from the Middle Ages to the present day.

  Fribourg profile
  The programme in musicology at the University of Fribourg - the oldest in Switzerland and one of the first chairs created in Europe – is noteworthy for its international character and its interdisciplinary approach.
  It promotes studying music as a language, including its connection to codes used in other forms of expression and its role in complex systems such as opera, religious rites, cinema, and audio-visual broadcasting in contemporary societies.

  Moreover, the Department of Musicology at the University of Fribourg is one of the most active music research centres in Switzerland as well as in Europe.

  The Musicology and History of Opera curriculum consists of a bachelor's degree programme (3 years) and a master's degree programme (2 years). As is tradition at the University of Fribourg, the courses and seminars are taught partly in French and partly in German. Students are welcome to take courses in both languages, but are allowed to write their coursework and pass their exams in the language of their choice (French, German or Italian).

  The course requirements for the bachelor's degree programme include introductory courses (history, bibliography, notation, music theory), seminars analysing musical works, music and visual art courses, and thematic courses. Thanks to the BENEFRI network, students can also attend lectures at the Musicology Institute at the University of Berne, and ethnomusicology courses at the University of Neuchatel.

  Students are also encouraged to participate in research activities and in music-related events organised by the Department for the wider public: symposiums, conferences, commentated concerts and operas, film clubs, etc.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  The main career opportunities available to musicology students, in particular after they have obtained a master's degree, include:

  • Researcher (Swiss National Fund projects, universities, music schools);
  • Teacher: middle schools, high schools, universities, music schools (music history);
  • Journalist: radio, print press;
  • Music librarian, museum curator (musical instrument museums, music collections in historical museums, etc.);
  • Musical archivist (municipal and cantonal archives, RISM associate, national sound archives, etc.);
  • Music publishing associate;
  • Associate in an organisation that promotes music (SUISA, ProHelvetia, etc.);
  • Manager or public relations agent for orchestras or festivals; editor of concert hall programmes; stage or floor manager in opera houses;
  • Musician (further to studies at a higher music education institute such as HEM).

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen