Music education in Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt is the smallest canton in Switzerland in terms of area. Accordingly, there is only one VMS music school on its territory. What makes it unique is the inspiring proximity of the music school to the conservatory.
The Basel Music School was founded in 1867. Today, the campus of the Basel Music Academy Foundation unites both the music school and the Basel University of Music FHNW.
For principal Thomas Waldner, taking over the music school department of the Music Academy five years ago has brought everything full circle. He was born and raised in Basel and studied here: "It was like coming home." He appreciates the proximity to the internationally renowned university and the creative urban environment - at the same time, the music school has been at a structural disadvantage for years, which causes him and his team great concern. "With the resources available to us, we can finance a certain amount of lessons, no more and no less. But the interest in them is much higher" "he says. This means that for popular instruments such as piano, guitar or drums, the waiting time for a place at music school is three or even four years. "If a child is enthusiastic about an instrument and has to wait four years, the spark will go out"he says. Families with sufficient financial means could switch to private providers that are not subsidized - this contradicts accessibility for all and equal opportunities. Thomas Waldner: "As head of the music school department, it is my job to ensure that as many children and young people as possible have fair access." The canton's contributions to music education are agreed every four years - the new performance agreement period starts in January 2025. Despite these challenges, the Basel Music School is proud of its wide range of offerings, which range from early music to classical to jazz and producing/songwriting and, in addition to broad-based promotion, also offers a support program, including PreCollege. The age range of the students extends from 2 to 84 years. "A music school for everyone, that's what we work for every day," says Waldner.
Playing like in the old days - and writing for professionals
In addition to individual lessons, various ensemble projects are also offered at the music school's four locations. In the field of jazz, these include various bands, choirs and big bands. At the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis music school, talented young people from all over Switzerland gain an insight into baroque music in the "Youth Baroque Orchestra", develop a program and play concerts in Basel and the region. Future composers, on the other hand, write their own music in the KOMPOSITION PLUS course, which is then reflected on together with a professional ensemble and performed as the crowning finale. The latter is a new offer - "a real heart project", says Thomas Waldner, "Now we can also support and promote talented composers."
