Schola Cantorum Basiliensis – Centre of Excellence in Early Music

The Schola Cantorum Basiliensis is an acclaimed centre of excellence in the study, research and practice of Early Music. It is a place of learning for both amateur musicians (Music School SCB) and aspiring professionals (Institute of Early Music within the FHNW Academy of Music). The SCB also has its own research department specialising in the academic investigation of historical music practice, and organises and hosts concerts for the wider public. Our institute attracts teaching staff and students from around the world. Thanks to their enriching presence, the SCB offers a stimulating, multilingual and multinational learning, research and performance environment.

At the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the understanding and performance of Early Music are informed by the historical context in which the works were created. The study of Early Music combines reflective observation and active experimentation, and explores the differences between historically-informed performance and reconstructive historical music practice.

Teaching and research at the SCB cover more than 1,000 years of music and music practice, from the 9th century through to the 19th and 20th centuries. Its renowned and highly accomplished teaching staff and alumni help shape and advance historical music practice around the world. The Schola Cantorum Basiliensis has cemented its reputation as a pioneering forum for Early Music and a trendsetter in the revival of our musical past.

The Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, which was founded in 1933, is the oldest and probably the most complete Early Music teaching and research institute. In 2008 it became part of the group of professional institutions of higher education known as University of Applied Sciences and Arts (FHNW). In 2008, the SCB’s higher education institute joined with the Institutes of Classical Music and Jazz to form the Academy of Music of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW Academy of Music).

The Music School of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, which is part of the organisational structure of the City of Basel Music Academy, specialises in teaching amateur musicians of all ages. It also runs a talent development programme for promising young Early Music students, as well as courses to prepare Early Music students for their transition to higher education (‘PreCollege’ programme).