Photo: Tanja Lander

"Probabilmente una cosa del genere capita una sola volta" dice Luca Carangelo, uno dei quattro membri della direzione della Scuola di musica di Bienne. Nella festa di benvenuto del vincitore dell'ESC Nemo a Bienne il 17 giugno, la scuola di musica ha si è esibita in uno spettacolo di venti minuti: due formazioni, guidate dagli ex insegnanti di musica di Nemo alla Scuola di musica di Bienne, sono salite sul palco e hanno cantato una serenata a Nemo e alla folla in festa. Il primo gruppo di allievi e allieve di canto, alcuni dei quali grandi fan di Nemo già prima dell'ESC, erano visibilmente gioiosamente nervosi e hanno cantato il medley arrangiato da Helena Danis davanti a una Burgplatz completamente invasa da una grande partecipazione di pubblico. E il secondo gruppo, un ensemble di percussioni di Richard Lepetit, ha fatto risuonare molto groove nel centro storico di Bienne.

Nemo was visibilmente commosso dalle esibizioni. "È un compito enorme trasmettere la motivazione e la gioia della musica alle prossime generazioni" ha detto il talento musicale che ha viaggiato molto, rivolgendosi agli insegnanti di musica. "Grazie che lo fate, è un lavoro importantissimo!" Nemo also personally congratulated the students and music teachers: his presence at the music school has a special place in his heart.

"Siamo estremamente felici che tutto sia andato soì meravigliosamente e con successo" has dichiarato Luca Carangelo. Due settimane prima, il Dipartimento culturale della città si era rivolto alla scuola di musica: il motivo erano gli anni di lezione che Nemo ha trascorso nel coro di voci bianche, nell'ensemble di percussioni e nelle materie di canto e pianoforte. Al fine di far conoscere le sue attività ai bambini delle scuole di Bienne, la scuola di musica organizza ogni anni un viaggio attraverso la Scuola di musica di Bienne per le classi dalla 1a alla 6a di una scuola elementare selezionata di Bienne e dintorni. È molto probabile che grazie a questo evento di respiro nazionale abbia fatto un altro grande salto di popolarità. Pochi giorni dopo l'esibizione, la scuola di musica ha ricevuto il primo messaggio proveniente da fan, con la preghiera di inoltrarlo a a Nemo.

Nemo con allievi della Scuola di musica di Bienne e la sua insegnante Helena Danis (Photo: Tanja Lander)

Parlando con l'insegnante di canto di Nemo

All'età di sedici anni, per Nemo era già chiaro che la musica avrebbe determinato il percorso della sua vita: la futura star era sostenuta, tra gli altri, dagli insegnanti della Scuola di musica di Bienne. L'insegnante di canto Helena Danis spiega come ci si deve comportare con allievi particolarmente ambiziosi e che le lezioni di canto portano molti vantaggi anche a chi ha un talento normale.

Helena, insegni canto da oltre vent'anni e ukulele da due anni. Quanto spazio occupa l'insegnamento nella tua vita?

In media, insegno tre giorni alla Scuola di musica di Bienne. Inoltre, sono anche attiva come musicista, in passato in progetti di elettropop come Electric Blanket, e oggi nel cabaret musicale.

La promozione dei talenti è un argomento importante per gli insegnanti di musica. Come accompagni allievi e allieve di talento?

Li motivo a imparare uno strumento come la chitarra o il pianoforte oltre alle lezioni di canto, in modo che possano accompagnarsi e imparare a scrivere canzoni. In addition to the instrument itself, musical theory and solfeggio are also important, as is experience on the piano. La Scuola di musica di Bienne offers a wide range of activities in the field of ensemble and group lessons.

Senti una grande responsabilità nella promozione di allievi e allieve di talento?

Certamente. They took a lot of evaluations, they liked the conversation, even with their parents. Io cerco di portarli al di fuori della loro zona di comfort, ma facendo sempre attenzione che la gioia e la motivazione rimangano a livelli elevati. Non voglio sopraffarli, perché a scuola sono molto impegnati. We should also take into consideration that in singing the students progress in an individual way. Some of them already have an extraordinary voice at the age of 12, others will arrive later. Let them have the time they need. And the most important thing is to always involve allies and children.

Hai molti allievi che decidono di seguire uno studio universitario?

Direi che si tratta di circa un/a allievo/a ogni due o tre anni che continua lo studio all'università, o a una scuola di musical. È bello seguire le loro strade: all'improvviso ci si rivede o ci si accorge che stanno suonando con colleghi professionisti.

Possiamo concludere che la promozione dei talenti è appagante, ma che comporta anche un impegno?

Sì, sì. Si è in costante contatto con gli altri insegnanti coinvolti e si deve cercare di continuare in questo senso, considerando anche le esigenze degli studi universitari, che sono in continua evoluzione.

Hai accompagnato anche Nemo. Come hai vissuto Nemo da allievo?

Era il 2016. A quel tempo, Nemo stava diventando sempre più famoso come rapper grazie alla trasmissione di SRF "I più grandi talenti svizzeri", ottenne un contratto discografico ed era molto impegnato e costantemente in viaggio tra Bienne, Berna e Zurigo. Nemo voleva ravvivare la tecnica, aprire la voce - in quel momento lui stesso aveva appena avuto la muta della voce. Ci dedicavamo alla tecnica vocale pop e abbiamo anche provato alcuni standard jazz. But Nemo also portava le sue canzoni e le sue idee su cui abbiamo lavorato.

Descriveresti Nemo come particolarmente ambizioso?

Nemo sapeva fin da bambino che il suo obiettivo era il palcoscenico. Not rimane molto da motivare (ride). Si trattava di accompagnare Nemo, di dargli degli input. Trovo che sia bello quando si sa so presto di preciso e si decide di intraprendere una strada simile, anche senza avere alcuna sicurezza. At that time, Nemo had already finished the school of duty.

C'era una vocina in te che avrebbe voluto consigliare a Nemo di fare comunque la maturità?

No. Ho pensato che Nemo avrebbe dovuto provare. In Svizzera, del resto ci sono anche dopo molte opportunità. Con Nemo, non ho mai avuto la sensazione che non avrebbe funzionato. In any case, I think that in Switzerland there should be more people who have the courage to concentrate entirely on art. Even senza una laurea. Ci sono molti altri modi.

Non tutte le allieve e gli allievi sono soì ambiziosi: la promozione di massa è anche una parte importante della tua vita quotidiana.

La promozione di massa è la mia attività principale. You can do so much! Voglio risvegliare e promuovere la gioia di cantare. This is also my aim with the ukulele lessons I started recently. Per me è importante che tutti gli allievi imparino qualcosa di nuovo in ogni lezione e possano fare piccoli progressi ogni volta, con particolare attenzione alla gioia di fare musica.

Quindi le lezioni di canto non sono adatte solo a persone con una voce eccezionale?

No, affatto!

Per dirla senza mezzi termini, le lezioni di canto offerrono vantaggi anche a chi è normalmente dotato?

Presentarsi e cantare davanti ad altre persone è un grande passo, soprattutto per gli adulti. You develop the confidence of your own voice, of your own portamento. The voice gives a lot of information about the person. Si può dire che è lo specchio dell'anima.

 

Live stream (concerti della Scuola di Musica di Bienne: da 1:29:00)

 

In the fall of 2012, the music scene in Switzerland cheered - the people and the cantons had approved the "jugend+musik" initiative with an overwhelming majority. "An absolutely brilliant result," says Christine Bouvard, who as former VMS President was at the forefront of the referendum campaign and implementation work. She has just published a chronicle on behalf of the VMS that records the most important stages. "We were all very touched," she says, "and yet it was clear to us that the work was only just beginning." The following is an excerpt of the most important stages.

2008: Popular initiative "Youth and Music" is submitted

More than twenty Swiss music associations are joining forces and developing the initiative text with a politically broad-based committee - with the aim of promoting music education in Switzerland. The demands cover the following areas:

• Broad-based promotionEqual opportunities and secure access to music education for all children and young people in schools, music schools and the amateur sector
• Basic funding: High quality of music education up to and including tertiary level
• Talent development: Promoting young musical talent as part of a national concept

The initiative is submitted with over 150,000 signatures. There is an initial setback: the Federal Council and Parliament do not agree with the intervention in the cantons' competence in matters of education. 

2012: Counter-proposal from the federal government

The Federal Council is in favor of a counter-proposal. The initiative committee weighs up the options carefully and ultimately decides to withdraw the popular initiative - in the hope that it will be implemented in line with the original demands.

23.9.2012: Three quarters say yes!

The federal government's counter-proposal on music education is adopted with 72.7%. The associations allow themselves to celebrate - in the knowledge that this is only a first milestone.

2018: Broad-based promotion with "Youth and Music"

With the "Youth and Music" program, the federal government is laying the foundation for broad-based promotion. In addition, Article 12a of the Culture Promotion Act is intended to regulate the fees charged by music schools. The second point is viewed very critically by the music associations because, among other things, it fails to achieve the original goal of harmonizing public funding throughout Switzerland. An initial evaluation carried out by the BAK in 2019 gives the "Youth and Music" program a good report card, while the tariff system and Article 12a are judged to be unsuccessful. 40% of the music school directors surveyed (BAK survey of all VMS music schools) state that access to their music school is not equitable.

2022: Promoting talent with "Young talents in music"

In mid-2022, the BAK will launch the framework concept for "Young Talents in Music". It defines the content and formal requirements for talented musicians and regulates the financial support that the federal government distributes to the cantons.

Basic funding: What's next?

The Federal Council leaves the implementation of Article 67a of the Federal Constitution on basic funding (paragraph 2) entirely to the cantons. Unfortunately, ten years after the vote, no significant changes are yet apparent. In the consultation on the 2025 - 2028 Culture Dispatch, the VMS is proposing a round table with all relevant music associations, the Confederation and the EDK. 

After completing her work on the chronicle (available for download on the website), Christine Bouvard is left with one memory above all: the solidarity between the associations. "It was a closing of ranks for a common cause," she says. In view of the fact that the original goals  s not yet been achieved, particularly in the implementation of Article 67a, paragraph 2, she adds: "Political work is not like a construction project - it is always evolving, it goes one step forward, sometimes one step back." She wishes the presidents of the music associations continued courage and perseverance in their commitment to music education in Switzerland.

   

Messaggio Culturale 2025-2028

One of the most important points on the agenda of the day was the 2025-2028 cultural message, for which the ASSM has published a detailed report for consultation. President Philippe Krüttli illustrated the objectives for the development and impact of the new cultural strategy, which will come into force in May 2025 following a detailed consultation with the Council of States and the National Council. In reality, musical education will receive a little less funding from the federal budget.

Promozione di base: incontro con la CDPE

Since the approval of Article 67a of the Federal Constitution, the ASSM has been working to promote mass, basic and talented music. While the Confederation has already made its first steps in promoting mass education with the "Youth and Music" program and in promoting talent with "Young Musicians Talent", adequate measures are lacking for basic promotion, i.e. music lessons in public schools. The ASSM describes the situation regarding the quality of music teaching in public schools as a matter of concern. There are gaps in the training of teachers, the objectives mentioned in the programs are not always met and cooperation with music schools is inadequate. Philippe Krüttli reported on an informal meeting held on 24 April between the ASSM, the Swiss Music Council (CSM) and the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education (CDPE). The key obstacle to changes of major importance is cantonal sovereignty with regard to public education. Various delegates intervene with the reports of the various cantons.

Tariffe nelle scuole di musica: articolo 12a LPCu

Another political issue is article 12a of the law on cultural promotion concerning tariffs in music schools. Although the competence is left to the cantons, the implementation is very varied and often lacking in terms of equal opportunities. Also in this case, an animated discussion between the delegates took place at the AD, some of whom have been and are still intensively involved in the drafting of cantonal legislation on music schools. 

La sfida di coprire i posti vacanti

The presence of qualified collaborators is also being felt in the music schools. The ASSM has held a study to discuss the relevant issues and, together with the Conference of Swiss Music Universities (CSUMS), has set up a working group to tackle the issue and prepare the first proposals for autumn 2024. 

Anniversario 2025

Per il suo 50° anniversario, l'ASSM sta pianificando delle attività specifiche: tra agosto e ottobre 2025, un autobus radiofonico raggiungerà le scuole di musica di (ad oggi) 16 cantoni e in questo contesto creerà delle trasmissioni. Le scuole di musica o le associazioni cantonali interessate sono invitate a iscriversi a info@musikschule.ch. Ci sarà anche un'anteprima del prossimo Forum Formazione Musicale nel gennaio 2025 a Baden.

Notizie dai Cantoni

Molti hanno preso la parola al punto all'ordine del giorno "Rapporti dai Cantoni". Adrian Meyer spoke about the situation regarding the law on music schools in the canton of Switzerland. "For a long time, the situation has not progressed, but this year has been a vertical rise," he said. Il Cantone si è rivolto all'Associazione delle scuole di musica di Svitto (VMSZ) e l'ha coinvolta attivamente nella stesura della legge. The referendum is still in progress until the end of July, with implementation scheduled for 2025/2026. The first steps towards a law on music schools have also been taken in the canton of San Gallo and the government was officially tasked with drafting one in May 2024. Philipp Gisler from the Canton of Uri illustrated the drafting of the ordinance on the new law on education, in which cantonal contributions to teachers' stipends should be increased as much as possible. Jacques Hurni spoke about the new regulations for teaching staff in the Canton of Vaud, which will come into force on 1 July 2024. Various other cantons spoke about the progress of the "Giovani Talenti Musica" program.

All of this is very gratifying, says Philippe Krüttli: "We always say that in Switzerland things are changing very slowly, but the changes are visible".

Discussioni in piccoli gruppi

After a briefing all together, the delegates dedicated themselves to four topics in an in-depth discussion. In small groups, they discussed the promotion of talent, the professional model and issues relating to communication. It was interesting to learn that many music schools are active on social media and that, as a result, they also create or offer their own jobs (in percentages).

Al termine, il Presidente dell'ASSM ha ringraziato i presenti, alcuni dei quali provenienti da lontano, e ha augurato loro molta forza ed energia per continuare il lavoro nel campo dell'educazione musicale.

Lo sapevate? L'ASSM è su LinkedIn and Instagram. Saremo felici di ricevere i vostri like o commenti positivi!

   

Cultural Message 2025 - 2028

One of the most important items on the agenda was the Cultural Message 2025 - 2028, for which the VMS had prepared a detailed consultation response. President Philippe Krüttli provided an insight into the development and objectives of the new cultural message, which will come into force in January 2025 following detailed discussions in the Council of States and National Council. In fact, music education will receive slightly less funding from the federal budget.

Basic funding: Meeting with the EDK

Since the adoption of Article 67a of the Federal Constitution, the VMS has been committed to the implementation of popular, basic and talent promotion. While initial steps have already been taken by the federal government in the areas of mass promotion with the "Youth and Music" program and talent promotion with "Young Talents in Music", corresponding measures are lacking in the area of basic promotion, i.e. music lessons at elementary school. The VMS describes the situation with regard to the quality of music lessons at public schools as worrying. There are gaps in the training of teachers, the objectives set out in the curricula are often not achieved and cooperation with music schools is inadequate. Philippe Krüttli reported on an informal meeting held on April 24 between the VMS, the Swiss Music Council (SMR) and the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Education (EDK). The obstacle to far-reaching changes is cantonal sovereignty as far as public education is concerned. Several delegates spoke with reports from their cantons.

Tariffs at music schools: Article 12a KFG

Another political issue is Article 12a of the Culture Promotion Act, which deals with fees at music schools. As the competence lies with the cantons, implementation varies greatly and is often unsatisfactory in terms of equal opportunities. This was also the subject of an animated discussion at the DM among the delegates, some of whom were and are intensively involved in the drafting of cantonal music school laws. 

The challenge of filling vacancies

The shortage of specialists is also affecting music schools. The VMS conducted a survey that confirmed the corresponding assumptions and, together with the Swiss Conference of Music Universities (KMHS), founded a working group to address the issue and draw up initial proposals in fall 2024. 

Anniversary 2025

The VMS is planning a special campaign for its 50th anniversary: between August and October 2025, a radio bus will travel to music schools in (as of today) 16 cantons and make broadcasts there. Interested music schools or cantonal associations are still welcome to register at info@musikschule.ch. There is also a preview of the next Forum Musikalische Bildung in Baden in January 2025.

News from the cantons

There were numerous requests to speak on the agenda item "Reports from the cantons". Adrian Meyer reported on the status of the Music School Act in the canton of Schwyz. "Things didn't really move forward for a long time - but last year there was a flying start," he said. The canton approached the Schwyz Music Schools Association (VMSZ) and actively involved it in writing the law. The referendum deadline is still running until the end of July - implementation is planned for the 2025/2026 school year. The first steps towards a music school law were also taken in the canton of St. Gallen, and the government was officially tasked with drafting one in May 2024. Philipp Gisler from the canton of Uri gave an insight into the drafting of the ordinance on the new education law, in which the cantonal contributions to teachers' salaries are to be increased as far as possible. Jacques Hurni reported on the new collective regulation for teaching staff in the canton of Vaud, which came into force on January 1, 2024. Various other cantons reported on the status of the "Young Talents in Music" program.

Philippe Krüttli noted that all of this was very pleasing: "People always say that progress in Switzerland is always so slow - and yet changes are visible."

Inputs in small groups

After a joint lunch, the delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on four topics. In small groups, they expressed their opinions on talent promotion, the professional mission statement and communication issues. It was exciting to learn that many music schools are active on social media and often create or release their own positions (percentages) for this purpose.

At the end, the VMS President thanked those present for the long journey and wished them much strength and energy for their future work in music education.

Did you know? The VMS is on LinkedIn and Instagram. We look forward to a thumbs up or a friendly comment!

The canton of Zurich is clearly urban in character - the city of Zurich and its agglomeration have the highest population density in Switzerland. Nevertheless, there are also rural areas such as the Zürcher Weinland or parts of the Zürcher Oberland. This is reflected in the very different sizes of the music schools. The Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich, for example, is the largest music school in Switzerland with around 25,000 students, making it one of the largest in Europe, while other music schools only teach a few hundred students.

Music School Act since 2023

January 1, 2023 was an important milestone for music education in the canton of Zurich. On this date, the Music School Act, which the Association of Zurich Music Schools had been campaigning for for several years, came into force. "The law improves equal opportunities for children and young people," says Thomas Ineichen, President of the Association of Zurich Music Schools (VZM) and delegate for the VMS. Since its introduction, the canton has covered around ten percent of the costs of music education (previously three percent). After deducting municipal contributions, parents still bear around a third of the costs for their children's music lessons. The music schools are currently being accredited by the Department of Education in a process that will continue until 2027. After the first year of the Music School Act, Ineichen draws a positive balance and describes it as a great relief in political terms. The quality of the music school offer can now be maintained or even improved - benefiting everyone involved.

Talent development

The cantonal support program "Young Talents in Music" also recently came into force with the support of the federal government, which consolidates the existing talent promotion at many schools on a cantonal level. Around one percent of pupils benefit from the program for the most talented - a figure that, according to Ineichen, could still be increased.

Music as a life's work

Thomas Ineichen is involved in music education at all levels. Since 1997 he has been the director of the Zurich Oberland Music School. He has been a board member since 2002 and took over the presidency of the VZM in 2018, helping to shape the musical landscape at cantonal level and, as a delegate for the VMS, at national level too. "It is my life's work to champion music as a cultural asset," he says. "As music teachers and school leaders, we should make it clear how important music is to us and that society cannot be without it."

The canton of Graubünden consists mainly of mountain landscapes and valleys - in addition to the two main valleys of Surselva and Engadin, which run parallel to the Alps, there are 150 smaller ones. This explains the sometimes large distances between the 120 municipalities and the low population density, as well as the historically high degree of autonomy of the municipalities compared to other Swiss cantons. The challenge for music schools is therefore obvious. Pupils often have to travel quite far for lessons, as it is not worth the effort for teachers to travel to the individual villages. "The distances are long in the smallest municipalities"confirms Mengia Demarmels, delegate for the canton in the Swiss Association of Music Schools and head of the Upper Engadine Music School before her retirement. She is also involved in the Association of Singing and Music Schools of the Grisons (VSMG)which has been campaigning for music education in the canton since 1971. Politically, the conditions in the canton are generally good - the Culture Promotion Act came into force in 2018, which also sets out the framework conditions for music schools, including cantonal contributions averaging 30% of eligible costs. 

Promoting talent: an important milestone

The concept for the "Young Talents in Music" talent development program is with the canton and is well on its way. "This will take us a big step forward," says Mengia Demarmels. 

A highlight for the most talented pupils is the annual Graubünden Music Competition, which is held in collaboration with the Graubünden Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra and the Swiss Music Pedagogical Association (SMPV). The auditions take place in January each year, at which the soloists are selected to perform with the Kammerphilharmonie at the prizewinners' concert in June.

Youth symphony orchestra for the whole canton

An equally important VSMG project is the Graubünden Youth Symphony Orchestra (JUSI). As the music schools in the canton of Graubünden are generally too small to put together their own school orchestra of symphonic size, the VSMG founded the Graubünden Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2005.

Cantonal exchange

Mengia Demarmels travels to the VMS delegates' meetings in Olten two to three times a year. She really appreciates this exchange - it's interesting to see what's going on politically in the other cantons, even if the structures are often very different.

Mengia Demarmels, VMS delegate for the canton of Graubünden. Picture: ZVG

Il Canton Grigioni è costituito principalmente da paesaggi e valli montane: oltre alle due valli principali Surselva ed Engadina, che corrono parallele alle Alpi, ce ne sono 150 di più piccole. This reflects the large distances between the 120 municipalities and the low population density, as well as the historically greater autonomy of the municipalities compared to other Swiss cantons. For music schools, this is without doubt a challenge. Allievi e allieve devono spesso fare lunghe trasferte per andare a lezione, perché per gli insegnanti non vale la pena recarsi nei singoli villaggi. "Nei comuni più piccoli, le distanze sono lunghe" conferma Mengia Demarmels, delegata per il cantone nell'Associazione svizzera delle scuole di musica e, prima di andare in pensione, direttrice della Scuola di musica dell'Alta Engadina. Fa anche parte dell'Associazione delle scuole di canto e musica dei Grigioni (ACMG)which has been working for musical education in the canton since 1971. From a political point of view, the conditions in the canton are generally good: in 2018, the law on cultural promotion came into force, which also stabilizes the conditions for music schools, including cantonal contributions equal to 30% of the eligible costs. 

La promozione dei talenti: un traguardo importante

The idea of the "Giovani Talenti Musica" talent promotion program is already well underway in the canton. "In this way, we are taking a big step forward," says Mengia Demarmels. 

Un evento clou per allievi e allieve più talentuosi è l'annuale Concorso musicale dei Grigioni, che si svolge in collaborazione con la Kammerphilharmonie Graubünden e l'Associazione svizzera di pedagogia musicale (SSPM). Le audizioni si svolgono ogni anno nel mese di gennaio per selezionare i solisti che possono poi esibirsi con la Kammerphilharmonie al concerto dei premiati nel mese di giugno.

Orchestra sinfonica giovanile per tutto il Cantone

Another important ACMG project is the Orchestra sinfonica giovanile dei Grigioni (JUSI). Dato che le scuole di musica del Cantone dei Grigioni sono di solito troppo piccole per organizzare una propria orchestra scolastica di dimensioni sinfoniche, nel 2005 l'ACMG ha fondato l'Orchestra sinfonica giovanile dei Grigioni.

Scambio cantonale

Three times a year, Mengia Demarmels travels to Olten for the ASSM delegates' meetings. Apprezza molto questo scambio: è interessante vedere cosa succede attualmente a livello politico negli altri cantoni, anche se le strutture spesso differiscono notevolmente.

Mengia Demarmels, Delegata dell'ASSM per il cantone dei grigioni. Photo: ZVG

Il Canton Zurigo è chiaramente urbano: la città di Zurigo e il suo agglomerato hanno la più alta densità di popolazione della Svizzera. Tuttavia, ci sono anche aree rurali, come la regione vinicola di Zurigo o parti dell'Oberland zurighese. As a result, the dimensions of the music schools are very diverse between them. Il Conservatorio di musica di Zurigo, ad esempio, è la più grande scuola di musica della Svizzera con circa 25'000 allievi e allieve, e quindi anche una delle più grandi d'Europa, mentre in altre scuole di musica sono solo poche centinaia gli allievi e le allieve.

Legge sulla scuola di musica dal 2023

Il 1° gennaio 2023 è stata un'importante pietra miliare per l'educazione musicale nel Canton Zurigo. In this date è entrata in vigore la legge sulle scuole di musica, per la quale l'Associazione delle scuole di musica di Zurigo si batteva da diversi anni. "La legge migliora le pari opportunità per bambini e giovani" afferma Thomas Ineichen, presidente dell'Associazione delle scuole di musica di Zurigo (VZM) e delegato dell'ASSM. Following its introduction, the canton will cover around one third of the costs of musical education (previously three percent). Deducendo i contributi comunali, i genitori devono pagare quindi circa un terzo dei costi per lezioni di musica dei loro figli. Currently, the music schools are being accredited by the Directorate of Education, in a process that will continue until 2027. After the first year of the law on music schools coming into force, Ineichen has drawn a positive balance and sees it as a major achievement from a political point of view. It is now possible to maintain or improve the quality of the music schools on offer: all the people involved will benefit.

Promozione dei talenti

Recently, the cantonal program "Giovani Talenti Musica" with the support of the Confederation, which consolidates the promotion of talents already in action in many schools at the cantonal level, also came into force. Approximately one in a cento of pupils and students benefit from the talent offer, a number that, according to Ineichen, could continue to grow.

La musica, quale impegno per la vita

Thomas Ineichen è attivo nell'educazione musicale a tutti i livelli. Since 1997 è direttore della Scuola di Musica dell'Oberland zurighese. Since 2002 è membro del consiglio direttivo della VZM, cui nel 2018 ha assunto la presidenza, contribuendo soì a plasmare il panorama musicale a livello cantonale e quale delegato dell'ASSM anche a livello nazionale. "It is the commitment of my life, that of working in favor of the cultural heritage of music," he says. "As music teachers and school directors, we want to show how important music is for us and that society can do no less".

Music schools are often referred to as "conservatories" - the origin of the term is unexpected at best. From the 16th century onwards, priests in Italy founded institutions for young girls who were orphans or came from very poor families. They were "preserved" until they were of marriageable age by preparing them to become respectable women, in particular by giving them a good musical education. Gradually, music lessons in these "conservatories" became open to the public.

In France, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal School of Singing were closed during the French Revolution. In their place, a new institute modeled on the Italian schools was established in 1795. It was called the Conservatory of Music. Its function? "To produce musicians who could celebrate national festivals."

The concept crossed the border in 1835: the financier and patron François Bartholony founded the Geneva Conservatory of Music - the first Swiss music school, which counted Franz Liszt among its teachers. In 1858, the city of Bern opened its first music school, which was renamed the "Conservatory of Music" in 1927. The Lausanne Conservatory was founded in 1861. It was followed by Schaffhausen in 1866, Basel in 1867, Zurich in 1876 and Fribourg in 1904.

The Vevey Conservatory of Music was founded in 1915 by Mathilde and Emile de Ribaupierre, and Neuchâtel in the fall of 1917. Georges Humbert, its first director, was inflamed in his opening speech: "It is abnormal that a city like Neuchâtel does not have a musical educational institution worthy of its rank as a city of education and teaching in Switzerland."

In 1927, Charles Faller was involved in the founding of a music school that would soon be called the La Chaux-de-Fonds Conservatory. In 1949, the Cantonal Conservatory of Valais was founded by Georges Haenni.

In addition to these official institutions, there were and are of course many other music schools. From the Middle Ages onwards, monasteries and convents offered courses based on liturgical singing. Instrumental courses were mainly offered privately by musicians, but also in trumpet, pipe and drum societies as well as in military music ensembles, from which today's brass bands emerged. Secular or religious choirs are also worth mentioning. In addition, there were personalities who founded their own schools, such as Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, a teacher at the Geneva Conservatory, who founded the institute named after him in 1915 and continues to shape music education to this day.

After the Second World War, there was a movement throughout Europe to establish new music schools - including in Switzerland. This upswing gave rise to the European Union of Music Schools (EMU) in 1973 and, two years later, the Swiss Association of Music Schools (VMS), to which around 400 music schools from Switzerland and Liechtenstein belong today.

Is your music school also celebrating an anniversary? We would be happy to highlight your activities in our newsletter. Get in touch with info@musikschule.ch.

Instrument course for the smartphone: the App of the music school Oberer Sempachersee

For the fifth time, the VMS is launching a competition for projects from music schools - several finalists will be given the opportunity to present their project to a larger audience during the Forum Musikalische Bildung in January 2025. The prize money for the various prizes amounts to several thousand francs. Since the competition was launched, 36 finalists have already shown how committed and creative the work at Swiss music schools is. The seven projects that have won the main prize so far give an impression of this:

Instrument course for the smartphone (2022)

Every year, numerous music schools hold an instrument course on their premises - prospective pupils listen to and look at instruments, try them out and then decide on a possible future favorite instrument. The app version, developed by the Oberer Sempachersee music school, is the perfect complement to this. It can be modularly adapted to the offer of each music school.

Département de musique assistée par ordinateur (2019)

Since 2018, the Ecole de Jazz et de Musique Actuelle Lausanne has been offering a course in computer-assisted music. It has five levels, consists of individual and ensemble lessons and is open to students from the age of 8.

imPro - Teaching aids for improvisation (2019)

Improvisation can be learned - preferably through play. The Swiss Jazz School app enables  provides easy access to improvisation for various music schools. It can be used both as a teaching aid in instrumental lessons and as a practice aid at home.

Little monsters, big sounds (2017)

The K'Werk Bildschule and the Basel Music School collaborate on one to three interdisciplinary workshops in the field of image and sound each year. The offer is aimed at children and young people between the ages of 6 and 16.

CAMI: Classes avec apprentissage musical intégré (2015)

Every week for 90 minutes, pupils in grades 4-8 learn seven different instruments in small groups. The program was launched by the Conservatoire populaire de musique, danse et théatre Genève in 2014.

A journey through the Biel music school for primary school classes (2015)

For one morning, primary school classes from neighborhoods that are not (usually) familiar with the music school's offerings visit the music school. The project has increased the number of registrations in the neighborhoods concerned.

Jeki Bern - an instrument for every child (2015)

The Bern Conservatory project offers a comprehensive and barrier-free introduction to the world of music - regardless of social background and economic status. It is carried out in schools with conspicuous social indicators and consists of singing groups, instrumental lessons and ensemble playing, in close cooperation with the elementary school.

Has your music school also launched a project in the areas of cooperation, integration and inclusion, new forms of teaching/digitalization and/or tapping into new target groups? Register it easily via web form or pdf by April 30, 2024. Here go to the registration.

Photos: Anicia Kohler

Guitar bags next to cello cases, the harpsichord next to the Nord Stage Piano - 

Even at first glance, it was clear that the first Pre-College Days on January 13/14 at the Conservatoire Neuchâtel brought together different musical traditions. However, the young people between the ages of 16 and 19 were not bothered by their different home countries (classical, jazz or Comédie Musicale) or the language differences. On the first day they attended various workshops, and on the second day they presented the results of their work at a concert, crowned by three joint final pieces.

"The students immediately got talking to each other, which was really nice to see," says singing teacher Mallika Hermand (Conservatoire Neuchâtel), who taught an electro-pop workshop. This was also confirmed by Stewy von Wattenwil (Swiss Jazz School Bern), whose workshop on "Exam and performance anxiety" was attended by both classical and jazz students, who all spoke openly about their experiences. "Everyone knows these fears, and yet they are rarely talked about," he says, "Anyone who attends a pre-college will have to take exams - they all have that in common." 

The idea for the Pre-College Days was born just six months earlier at a meeting of the Pre-College CH conference with representatives from all nine certified Swiss pre-colleges. "It is important that the students can exchange ideas and make contacts not only at cantonal but also at national level," says Nicolas Farine, principal of the Conservatoire Neuchâtel, which volunteered to host the event. He considers the fact that 80 young people registered for the first edition to be a success - as did the concert on Sunday. After just one rehearsal, everyone was on stage together, playing and singing two classical pieces with equal virtuosity as a specially arranged version of the bossa nova "Manha de Carnaval". "I was very moved overall," says Nicolas Farine. "We took a risk, both organizationally and musically, and I think it was worth it." 

 

Lisa, 16 years old, harp

It was really great. I met a lot of people - it's nice to get to know others who also make music. In the evening we all jammed together. It was a very cool atmosphere.

 

Edgar, 17 years old, trombone

There were no language difficulties at all. That's actually amazing, but music is what connects you, you have a common topic of conversation. For me, the weekend was really brilliant. 

Information about the Pre-College

At pre-colleges, musically talented young people are usually prepared for music studies during upper secondary school. The courses are offered in close cooperation between music schools and music colleges. The Swiss Association of Music Schools (VMS) and the Conference of Swiss Music Universities (KMHS) jointly award the Pre-College Music CH quality label to nationally recognized providers of pre-college courses. Nine schools are currently certified with the quality label: 

• Conservatoire de Lausanne VD (2021)
• Conservatoire de Musique neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel NE (2021)
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, Lugano TI (2021)
• Bern University of the Arts BE (2022)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Music LU (2021)
• Winterthur Conservatory ZH (2021)
• Music School Conservatory Zurich ZH (2021)
• Swiss Jazz School BE (2023)
• Zurich University of the Arts ZH (2021)

• Conservatoire de Lausanne VD (2021)
• Conservatoire de Musique neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel NE (2021)
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, Lugano TI (2021)
• Bern University of the Arts BE (2022)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Music LU (2021)
• Winterthur Conservatory ZH (2021)
• Music School Conservatory Zurich ZH (2021)
• Swiss Jazz School BE (2023)
• Zurich University of the Arts ZH (2021)

Photo: Anicia Kohler

Custodie di chitarra accanto a quelle di violoncello, il clavicembalo accanto al piano elettrico - già a prima vista era chiaro che ai primi Pre-College Days del 13 e 14 gennaio al Conservatorio di Neuchâtel erano presenti tradizioni musicali diversi. But i giovani di età compresa between i 16 e i 19 anni non hanno avuto problemi con i anche se provenivano da ambiti diversi (classica, jazz o comédie musicale) o parlavano lingue diverse. Il primo giorno hanno partecipato a vari workshop e il secondo giorno hanno presentato in un concerto i risultati del lavoro svolto, terminando con tre brani finali eseguiti tutti insieme.

"Gli studenti e le studentesse hanno subito iniziato a parlare tra loro ed è stato bello vederli" dice l'insegnante di canto Mallika Hermand (Conservatorio di Neuchâtel), che ha tenuto un workshop elettro-pop. Lo conferma anche Stewy von Wattenwil (Swiss Jazz School Bern), il cui workshop sul tema "La paura degli esami e delle esibizioni in pubblico" ha visto la partecipazione di studenti sia di musica classica che di jazz, e in cui tutti hanno raccontato apertamente le proprie esperienze. "Tutti conoscono queste paure, eppure non se ne parla molto" dice. "Chi frequenta il Pre-College deve sostenere degli esami - è quello che hanno tutti in comune". 

The idea of Pre-College Days was born just a few months ago, during a meeting at the Pre-College CH conference with representatives from all Swiss pre-college schools. "È importante che studenti e studentesse possano scambiarsi idee e stabilire contatti, non solo a livello cantonale ma anche nazionale" afferma Nicolas Farine, direttore del Conservatorio di Neuchâtel, che è si reso disponibile ad ospitare l'evento. Considera un successo il fatto che 80 giovani si siano iscritti alla prima edizione - e anche il concerto di domenica. After a solo performance, all of them got together on stage and sang and sang two classic pieces with the same virtuosity in which they performed an appositely arranged version of the bossa nova "Manha de Carnaval". "Il tutto mi ha molto commosso" dice Nicolas Farine. "Abbiamo avuto il coraggio di fare qualcosa di concreto, sia dal punto di vista organizzativo che musicale, e penso che ne sia valsa la pena". 

 

Lisa, 16 anni, arpa

È stato davvero fantastico. Ho incontrato un sacco di gente, è bello incontrare altre persone che fanno musica. La sera abbiamo suonato tutti insieme. C'era un'atmosfera molto bella.

 

 

 

 

Edgar, 17 anni, trombone

We have never had problems at the linguistic level. In reality it is unbelievable, but music unites, it is a moment of common conversation. For me, the final session was really fantastic. 

Informatiozoni sul programma Pre-College

In the Pre-College, talented young musicians are prepared solo, during the period in which they attend secondary school, for university-level music studies. I corsi vengono offerti in stretta collaborazione tra scuole di musica e scuole universitarie di musica. L'Associazione svizzera delle scuole di musica (ASSM) e la Conferenza delle scuole universitarie di musica svizzere di musica (CSUMS) assegnano congiuntamente il marchio di qualità Pre-College Music CH a coloro che offrono corsi pre-college riconosciuti a livello nazionale. Currently, there are nine schools certified with the quality mark:

• Conservatoire de Lausanne VD (2021)
• Conservatoire de Musique neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel NE (2021)
• Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana, Lugano TI (2021)
• Bern University of the Arts BE (2022)
• Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts - Music LU (2021)
• Winterthur Conservatory ZH (2021)
• Music School Conservatory Zurich ZH (2021)
• Swiss Jazz School BE (2023)
• Zurich University of the Arts ZH (2021)

25 paesi e quindi circa 6000 scuole di musica europee sono rappresentate all'interno dell'EMU. I membri si riuniscono per l'assemblea generale annuale e in incontri regionali - i membri del consiglio direttivo dell'ASSM partecipano alle riunioni dei gruppi regionali Onda Latina (Francia, Italia, Spagna, Lussemburgo, Belgio, Svizzera) e LLACHD (Liechteinstein, Lussemburgo, Austria, Svizzera, Germania). In mid-December 2023, dieci rappresentanti del gruppo LLACHD sono recati a Lucerna, hanno visitato la sede del Kampus Südpol e parlato dei progetti in corso nei vari paesi. They intensively discussed the various aspects of the presence of qualified collaborators in music schools and the complete structural motivations of this phenomenon, which often differ significantly in different countries and regions. Le discussioni durante la giornata e mezza trascorsa insieme sono state straordinariamente intense, cosa che è stata confermata da diversi partecipanti. "È bello sapere che altri stanno affrontando sfide simili", ha detto ad esempio Friedrich-Koh Dolge, direttore della Scuola di musica di Stoccarda e uno dei co-fondatori del Gruppo LLACHD. Anche Nadine Eder, direttrice della Scuola di musica di Echternach (Lussemburgo), che partecipa per la prima volta, apprezza questo tipo di scambio. "Stiamo lavorando agli stessi temi, ma con regole del gioco diverse", he said. Una passeggiata nel mercatino di Natale nella Pilatusplatz a Lucerna e una cena insieme hanno portato una boccata d'aria fresca.

25 countries and thus around 6000 music schools from all over Europe have joined the EMU represented. The members meet at an annual general assembly as well as at regional meetings - VMS board members take part in the meetings of the regional groups Onda Latina (France, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland) and LLACHD (Liechteinstein, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Germany). In mid-December, ten representatives of the LLACHD group traveled to Lucerne, visited the premises of Kampus Südpol and talked about current projects in the various countries. Among other things, the shortage of specialists at music schools and the complex structural reasons for this, which in some cases differ greatly in the various countries and regions, led to intensive discussions. The discussions during the one and a half days together were remarkably intense - as several participants confirmed. "It's good to know that others are facing similar challenges," said Friedrich-Koh Dolge, Head of the Stuttgart Music School and one of the co-founders of the LLACHD group, "The exchange provides good political arguments." Nadine Eder, Head of the Echternach Music School (Luxembourg), who is taking part for the first time, also appreciates the exchange. "We work on the same topics, but with different rules," was her assessment. A stroll through the Christmas market on Pilatusplatz in Lucerne and dinner together provided a breath of fresh air.

Per la formazione continua ha fornito un contributo Richard-Emmanuel Eastes di HES-SO. Circa un anno dopo la comparsa di ChatGPT e di altre IA generative, ha tratto una prima conclusione. All'inizio ha chiesto "Quanti di voi hanno già provato ChatGPT?". Virtually all of them have done it. Alla domanda su quanti dei partecipanti utilizzino regolarmente strumenti di IA generativa nella vita di tutti i giorni, un terzo ha risposto di sì. Eastes has made a demonstration of conversations with ChatGPT, has created images and has shown that artificial intelligence is undergoing rapid development, also in the field of music. "ChatGPT non è Wikipedia, non raccoglie conoscenze", ha sottolineato, "è interessato solo alle regole e alle probabilità". E lo ha dimostrato concretamente: ha convinto ChatGPT che nella tonalità di Re maggiore ci sono tre diesis invece dei due corretti, al che l'IA si è scusata e gli ha dato ragione. As an assistant, in any case, ChatGPT is very useful: it can read long tests, send a font of ideas, give form to e-mails and much more.

Successivamente, Philippe Müller has fornito informazioni dall'associazione. In 2025, the Swiss Association of Music Schools will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of tours of Switzerland, in collaboration with the Pestalozzi Foundation's PowerUp radio station for children. There was also an animated discussion about the Giovani Talenti Musica promotion program and the relative situation in each canton.

In any case, the future of the Swiss Conference was also on the agenda. Almeno a livello organizativo, ci saranno cambiamenti a partire dal 2024, poiché all'Assemblea dei delegati il 24 novembre è stato deciso che in futuro non si terrano più conferenze regionali "dall'alto verso il basso", ma secondo il principio "dal basso verso l'alto". This means that the ASSM will not organize more intercantonal conferences, but will remain available if this is necessary. The interventions of the presenters have clearly shown that Switzerland needs this conference. I rappresentanti del Canton Vaud hanno accettato di assumere l'organizzazione della Conférence Romande 2024.

Photo: Anicia Kohler