Curriculum

We follow the high school curriculum prescribed by the Canton of Graubünden for the Swiss Matura at our boarding school. But even if music is not a main subject, it plays an essential role year after year in improving performance and the formation of identity. The benefits of music education are manifold. Developing creative skills, working as a team, and increased intelligence to name but a few. We have recognised this importance and view the subject of music with special significance and as essential to our educational provision.

How we teach music

The study of music is not purely an academic exercise. Music must be felt. In this way, students can better understand both the epochs of music history and music theory.

Music connects and challenges

Like sports, music is a social subject. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is an international boarding school. Here, the most diverse cultures meet, live and learn together in the same class. And music unifies this multi-faceted community. To make music, students do not have to speak the same language. It’s about gaining experience as well as living out your artistic and musical identity. Interacting with others is the core element of having real fun. Musical groups are arranged according to ability so that students learn from and motivate each other through a project-based approach.

The IB music diploma

We are proud of our graduates who have chosen to specialise in music for their International Baccalaureate Diploma. The IB music diploma includes the four areas of music:

  • Performing (Solo or group performance)
  • Creating (Composing / arranging / copying styles / music software, etc.)
  • Listening Paper (Analysis of predefined pieces of music)
  • An essay on Comparison of two musical cultures”

Students have the choice of music as a subject of Group 6 (Arts) in HL (Higher Level) or SL (Standard Level). The IB Diploma in music provides a suitable basis for further music studies at a university, college, academy or a career in music. Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is ideally positioned to provide individual support to each student.

The facilities – a palace for all music lovers

Ideally, music lessons take place in small groups and with as much practical relevance as possible to immediately reinforce what has been learned. For this reason, our students have two large music rooms and three additional practice rooms at their disposal.

The instruments

Each practice room is well equipped with a variety of instruments for a student to use. In addition to classical stringed instruments, brass instruments and woodwinds, there are also percussion instruments and a piano & keyboard instruments. The instruments include:

  • Piano
  • E-Piano / Synthesizer
  • Drums (acoustic and electronic)
  • Guitar
  • Electric guitar
  • E-Bass
  • Double bass

We work closely together with the Oberengadin Musikschule, as well. Those who take instrument lessons there can rent all string and wind instruments as well as guitars.

Ensembles

Choir

The Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz choir is a way for singing enthusiasts a form of counterbalance to everyday school life. The requirements for participation in the choir are a good singing foundation and presence at the weekly rehearsals. In addition to regular school events such as the Winter Ball, recital evenings and graduation ceremonies, the school choir has excellent opportunities to perform in cooperation with professional choirs and orchestras. The choir is also open to individual projects. Students are welcome to rehearse a song in pairs or smaller groups or to undertake independent projects.

The school band

The school band of Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz is especially for musical students who are confident with their instrument and regularly participate in the weekly rehearsals. The school band is used for internal school events on campus, but can also be recruited for private performances. They play pop-rock supported by drums, bass, electric piano and a female singer. Anyone who wants to be part of a great community and has necessary instrumental or vocal skills is welcome.

The school orchestra

The orchestra is growing rapidly. It consists mainly of classical string and wind instruments. Though on certain occasions, other instruments or the choir may be included. For a few years now, interdisciplinary projects across the arts of theatre, music and visual arts have been materialising. In collaboration with Ivo Bärtsch, the Head of Theatre, several artistic and educational productions have been created which have enriched the cultural life of the school enormously. Unconventional plays, daring musical adaptations and multimedia concepts have created a sensation, as well as a new interest in bohemian culture.

Music Lessons

Together with qualified music teachers from the Oberengadin Musikschule, we offer the students of our school a wide range of instrument lessons. The teachers come to our boarding school on fixed schedules, so that the students can take lessons at their second home on campus. Even more exotic instruments like harp are possible, as well.