Since the academic year 2005/2006, the implementation of the Bologna Declaration has been introduced to the Higher Music Education sector in Switzerland. The study is therefore divided into a Bachelor's degree of 6 semesters (180 credits) and a Master's degree of 4 semesters (120 credits).
The Bachelor of Art in Music is general music education that does not confer a professional qualification. It can be taken with Majors in performance and in music theory and composition. The Bachelor of Arts in Music is followed by specialised Master’s degrees. Transition from Bachelor to Master is by way of examination.
The Bachelor of Arts in Music and Movement is a professional, vocational training and it qualifies successful students to teach music to children aged between 4 to 12 years old. Teaching qualifications in public schools vary from canton to canton.
The Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy is offered with a Major in instrumental/vocal teaching. Training in instrumental/vocal teaching qualifies students to teach their specific instrument and in addition to the pedagogical-psychological-didactic part, includes a significant emphasis on performance.
The Master of Arts in Music Performance is offered with three different Majors: instrumental/vocal performance, wind orchestra conducting, and ensemble conducting (contemporary repertoire).
The Master of Arts in Specialized Music Performance is taken by already highly qualified performers who want to develop their solo career. There is a very selective limited number of places. Singing training can be further specialized with opera, in association with other Swiss university schools of music.
The Master of Arts in Music Composition and Theory is offered with a Major in composition. There is particular emphasis on the creative dimension of composition, integrating reflection and craftsmanship. The electronic music section is arranged in partnership with the IRMus of the Accademia Internazionale della Musica in Milan (Civic Schools).
The Master of Arts SUPSI (double degree) in Music Pedagogy with specialization in Elementary Music Education and Music Education Teaching for Secondary Level I is a double degree study programme offered jointly by the Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana and the Department of Education and Learning (DFA) at SUPSI, which allows successful students to obtain two diplomas on completion of their studies, one from each institution, qualifying graduates to teach in secondary education throughout Switzerland and in primary school in the Canton of Ticino.
