Master’s Programme in Double Bass

String Instruments Department, Music and Dance Faculty, Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (HAMU)

Overview

The Master’s Programme in Double Bass at HAMU is a two-year, full-time course designed for advanced performers aiming to refine their technical precision, interpretative depth, and professional artistry. The programme provides intensive individual instruction, performance experience, and professional guidance, cultivating the creative and expressive potential of each student. Emphasis is placed on mastering a broad repertoire—from Baroque and Classical works to modern and experimental compositions—while encouraging individuality, stylistic awareness, and creative exploration. Through personal mentorship, chamber collaboration, orchestral practice, and interdisciplinary engagement, students prepare for professional careers as double bass soloists, orchestral players, chamber musicians, educators, and artistic innovators.

Programme Goals

The programme aims to develop versatile, artistically mature, and professionally prepared double bassists capable of thriving in international performance environments. Key objectives include:

• Advanced technical mastery: Refinement of bowing, articulation, intonation, shifting, and dynamic control across styles and repertoires.

• Interpretative depth: Cultivation of personal artistic expression and stylistic awareness.

• Repertoire excellence: Mastery of solo, chamber, and orchestral works by Czech and international composers, from the Baroque period to contemporary music.

• Professional readiness: Preparing students to perform, collaborate, and lead in professional ensembles and projects.

• Critical reflection: Developing analytical and interpretative skills that inform artistic decision-making.

• Career and creative management: Training in concert programming, artistic self-presentation, and project organisation.

Graduates emerge as confident, expressive musicians ready to contribute creatively to diverse artistic contexts.

Curriculum Structure

The Master’s curriculum spans four semesters, providing a balance of individual study, ensemble collaboration, and professional practice:

• Individual tuition: Weekly lessons tailored to the student’s artistic profile and technical needs, focusing on advanced repertoire and performance preparation.

• Chamber music and orchestral participation: Development of ensemble communication, balance, and leadership skills through practical experience.

• Performance practice and interpretation: Exploration of stylistic approaches across historical and modern repertoire, including Czech national traditions.

• Masterclasses and workshops: Engagement with leading double bassists and visiting artists offering advanced artistic and technical perspectives.

• Professional and pedagogical seminars: Career development, performance psychology, and teaching methodologies for future educators.

• Final recital or artistic project: A culminating performance demonstrating the student’s technical command, interpretative maturity, and professional identity.

This curriculum ensures that students graduate with the artistic depth, technical competence, and professional experience required for success in international performance careers.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Master’s Programme in Double Bass possess:

• Technical excellence: Mastery of complex double bass techniques, dynamic control, and expressive articulation.

• Artistic individuality: A personal interpretative voice and the ability to convey musical expression with depth and conviction.

• Professional versatility: Readiness for solo, chamber, and orchestral performance as well as interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Analytical and reflective skills: Ability to interpret repertoire with historical and stylistic insight.

• Career readiness: Skills for project organisation, ensemble collaboration, and professional self-management.

Graduates are fully equipped for careers as soloists, chamber and orchestral musicians, teachers, and creative leaders.

Why Choose HAMU?

HAMU provides an exceptional environment for advanced double bass study, combining academic depth with rich performance opportunities:

• Specialised instruction: One-on-one tuition from leading Czech and international double bassists.

• Performance opportunities: Frequent recitals, ensemble concerts, orchestral projects, and festival appearances.

• International perspective: English-taught programmes attract diverse students and foster global artistic exchange.

• Masterclasses and mentorship: Collaboration with guest artists and participation in workshops enrich artistic growth.

• Cultural setting: Prague offers a world-renowned classical music scene, with orchestras, opera houses, and historic concert venues.

• Interdisciplinary cooperation: Students may collaborate with composition, dance, theatre, and media departments on creative projects.

The HAMU environment encourages artistic exploration, professional growth, and cultural engagement.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate advanced technical skill, musical understanding, and professional potential:

• Bachelor’s degree in double bass or equivalent qualification.

• Portfolio submission: Recent performance recordings showcasing advanced technique and expressive interpretation.

• Live audition: Performance of a representative programme including contrasting works demonstrating stylistic range.

• Language proficiency: English for international-taught programmes.

• Selection process: Evaluation based on technical command, artistic individuality, and readiness for graduate-level study.

Admitted students receive intensive guidance and access to HAMU’s rich artistic and professional ecosystem.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme are prepared for a broad range of professional paths:

• Solo performance: Concerts, recordings, and appearances at national and international festivals.

• Chamber music: Membership in string ensembles, chamber orchestras, and contemporary groups.

• Orchestral performance: Employment in leading symphony orchestras, opera houses, and theatre orchestras.

• Music education: Teaching positions at conservatories, music schools, universities, and private academies.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with contemporary composers, choreographers, and media artists.

• Arts management: Organising concerts, curating festivals, and leading artistic projects.

Graduates’ versatility, technical strength, and creative mindset position them for success in today’s global performing arts landscape.

Conclusion

The Master’s Programme in Double Bass at HAMU combines technical excellence, artistic exploration, and professional preparation. Through intensive study, performance opportunities, interdisciplinary engagement, and participation in Prague’s vibrant musical scene, students refine their artistry and develop the confidence and versatility needed to excel as professional double bassists in the international performing arts world.