PHILIP A. DRAGANOV

Pre-College Violin at ZHdK – led by Prof. Philip A. Draganov

Prof. Philip A. Draganov is the only faculty member with a permanent appointment for Pre-College Music in Violin at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). For over 20 years, he has been among the most successful mentors in preparing students for music studies in Switzerland and across Europe.

His Pre-College class at ZHdK brings together highly motivated young musicians who are purposefully preparing for entrance into a music university. Currently, exceptionally talented students from all over Switzerland as well as from Germany, Austria, and Poland study in his class – many of them perform regularly in concerts and achieve outstanding results in national and international competitions.

In Philip A. Draganov’s class, these young talents not only receive excellent musical training, but also find an inspiring community of like-minded peers. Alongside their regular school education, music becomes a central part of their lives.

Students of the Arts and Sports High School Rämibühl can also join Philip A. Draganov’s Pre-College class, allowing them to combine their academic and musical education in the best possible way.

Structure of the Pre-College Program with Prof. P. A. Draganov

• Weekly individual lessons (90 minutes) – intensive, personalized instruction (16 lessons per semester)

• Regular class sessions – exchange and collaboration with peers

• Numerous performance opportunities – internal recitals and public concerts

• Secondary subject: piano – for well-rounded musical development

• Chamber music (optional) – valuable ensemble experience

• Music theory classes – targeted preparation for Bachelor entrance exams

• Participation in university-level projects – perform with the Sinfonietta ZHdK, a university orchestra where Pre-College students play alongside degree students – an inspiring, formative experience

• A wide range of elective modules – for tailored areas of focus

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-COLLEGE TRAINING

Philip A. Draganov understands the value of thorough pre-college preparation from his own experience. At just 13, he was already a junior student at the Julius Stern Institute of the Berlin University of the Arts (formerly Hochschule der Künste). He later continued his studies at the prestigious Pre-College of The Juilliard School in New York. These formative years showed him one thing clearly: a professional music career begins long before entering a conservatory.

The education of a professional musician typically spans about 20 years — starting with early instrumental lessons (around age five), followed by intensive pre-college training, and culminating in conservatory studies. Since nearly two-thirds of this training is completed by the time a student enters a university program, Philip A. Draganov places great emphasis on this crucial second phase: pre-college preparation.

A strong pre-college education equips young musicians to compete successfully on an international level — first in conservatory entrance exams and later throughout their professional careers.

PERSPECTIVES

To make the transition to a university-level music program smoother, the ZHdK PreCollege Music offers a unique and highly practical preparation for the demanding entrance exams of a bachelor’s program.

The curriculum combines a wide range of required and elective modules in performance, theory, and general music education. It not only equips students with the skills they need for further studies but also provides valuable insight into the artistic and professional realities of a career in music.

As part of a renowned university of the arts, the ZHdK PreCollege Music program offers comprehensive, targeted preparation for all types of bachelor’s studies. Students gain formative experiences through close interaction with university students and faculty, as well as direct exposure to programs, productions, expectations, and the working methods of higher education in music.

PreCollege Music at ZHdK connects, inspires, and motivates young musicians who are pursuing a professional career in music — opening the door to their artistic future.

More information about the ZHdK PreCollege Music program:
https://www.zhdk.ch/vorbildung/precollegemusik