• Number of credits of the qualification: 60 ECTS
• Compulsory subjects: 32 ECTS
• Optional subjects: 2 ECTS
• External work experience: 20 ECTS (in the Basque National Orchestra and in the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra)
• Dissertation: 6 ECTS

The Master’s Degree is structured in five modules:

• Instrumental module: this is a practical-instrumental module in which a study is made of the orchestral repertoire in its most important historical manifestations and in which the individual instrumental class can be oriented towards perfecting the repertoire for competitive exams for orchestras.
• Theoretical training module: this presents the study of the history of the orchestral repertoire, and the musical analysis of said repertoire, oriented towards performance.
• Work experience module: this presents the opportunity to acquire work and artistic experience with an orchestra, temporarily taking part in its dynamics (concerts, rehearsals, tours). The work experience will be paid (1400 euros) and will include social security payments as a scholar.
• Optional module: this offers areas to widen the range of professionalising knowledge of the orchestra and which can be personalised according to the student’s interests.
• Research module: this allows the students to acquire competence appropriate to a Master’s Degree, by means of the study of different research methods and techniques, and the carrying out of a dissertation which they will defend in public. 
  

Type of Teaching: Classroom-based teaching

One-to-one instrument classes

Collective classes in Orchestral Repertoire by speciality which include a final project of a public concert as string orchestra with a guest teacher of recognised international prestige.

Collective classes of compulsory and optional areas linked to the specialisation of the orchestra repertoire.

Work experience in the Basque National Orchestra (OSE, Orquesta Sinfónica de Euskadi) and in the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra (BOS) for ten weeks tutored by one of the musicians of the orchestra.

The defence of the Dissertation will be held in public, once the rest of the Master’s Degree credits have been passed.

The official languages of instruction at Musikene are Spanish and Basque. However, group classes are given in Spanish and individual classes are given in the preferred language of communication between the student and teacher (Spanish, Basque, English, or French).

Selection process

Student selection will be carried out by means of online access tests and through previously sent videotapes.

Registration

Registration dates: from 15^th April to 15^th May 2025

Interested candidates must complete the registration form and send the following documentation to the Musikene address, or by email to master@musikene.eus:

1. Photocopy of National Identity Document, residence card, identity card or current passport.

2. Academic transcript, showing gradings and examinations in all required subjects to access official Masters studies.

3. Curriculum Vitae

4. Letter of motivation for taking this Masters and other merits which the candidate wishes to contribute.

Auditions

Dates: recordings sent 29^th and 30^th May, 2025

Structure:

1) Performance of a free repertoire with the instrument, representative of different styles and periods, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes for all specialties. It is not recommended that the duration is less than 15 minutes. Complete works, movements and orchestral passages are allowed.

The repertoire will be videotaped (no edition or cuts allowed) and sent to Musikene following the instructions the candidates will receive once they have been admitted for the tests.

The works that require a piano accompaniment, should be performed with an accompanist.

2) Personal interview. The candidates admitted for the tests will answer to the questions received several days before the date of the test. The answers will be videotaped and sent to Musikene following the instructions received for such purpose.

Grading: Test 1: 80% / Test 2: 20%

The jury will be made up of three teachers, specialized in the instruments under examination. There will also be a participant from the Bilbao National Orchestra (BOS).

Publication of results: 12^th – 13^th June 2025

Access requirements

To be in possession of an official qualification in higher arts education, an official qualification or graduate degree or its equivalent from an institution of the European Higher Education Area or to finish the studies of the aforementioned qualification during the 2024/2025 academic year.

Likewise, students may also access the course with qualifications from educational systems outside the European Higher Education prior checking by the competent educational administration that they show an equivalent level of training.

Presentation of the qualification (or the receipt for payment of the rights to it) will be required upon enrolment. Those students who are currently undertaking the final year may submit this documentation at the end of it. In the latter case, such documentation should be submitted by October 15^th, 2025.

• The Royal Decree 1614/2009 , of 26 October, establishes the regulation of higher artistic studies regulated by Organic Law 2/2006. Article 7 of this Royal Decree authorises higher artistic education centres to offer master’s degrees.
• Resolution dated 8 May 2015 from the Director of Schools, ordering the publication of the curriculum for the Master’s programme in artistic education for orchestral studies at the authorized higher-level school of music, “Musikene”, of San Sebastián.
• Approval Certificate of the Master’s Degree.