Student life
A renowned educational institution, the HEMU – Haute École de Musique trains the professional musicians of tomorrow in a demanding and comprehensive environment. Guided by the values of respect, excellence, innovation and sharing, the HEMU perpetuates tradition while encouraging creativity, artistic development and professional autonomy.
With over 500 students from around 50 countries, the HEMU provides intimate facilities that foster exchange, collaboration, and artistic and collective growth.
Performing in front of an audience is one of the most valuable aspects of your training. Each year, our students participate in over 300 public performances in our concert halls, as well as in major venues across French-speaking Switzerland and beyond. These performances form part of ensemble activities, artistic residencies, and cultural partnerships.
When they join the HEMU, students are assigned to ensembles and projects that enable them to gain solid stage experience quickly, often alongside renowned artists.
The HEMU offers courses in classical, jazz and pop music, as well as music education. This diversity encourages an open, cross-disciplinary approach to music and promotes exchanges between departments.
From their first year of study, students participate in interdisciplinary projects and concerts that bring together different styles.
Our teaching staff is composed of nationally and internationally recognised artists and educators who provide demanding and personalised supervision based on the transmission of knowledge from professionals at the top of their field.
Our annual Information Days in January give you the opportunity to meet our lecturers, attend sample lectures, and find out about our Bachelor and Master programmes.
HEMU has a presence in three cantons and is spread across four sites, each of which has its own distinct identity.
Classical
- HEMU – Vaud, Grotte (Lausanne)
- HEMU – Fribourg-Freiburg
- HEMU – Valais-Wallis (Sion)
Jazz & Pop Music
- HEMU – Vaud, Flon (Lausanne)
Our facilities include:
- approximately 150 practice studios equipped with high-quality instruments and soundproofing;
- a computer-assisted music and audio-visual recording studio;
- five concert halls;
- a library with multimedia resources;
- the Grotte building, which houses a unique collection of Steinway pianos.
These facilities provide optimal working conditions across all our sites.
The Student Associations (ADE) act as a link between students and the management of HEMU. They support students in their endeavours and defend their quality of life and working conditions. They organise social events throughout the year to promote integration and cohesion.
The ADE at each site is on hand to answer your questions and provide assistance, particularly with regard to finding accommodation and practice studios.
Contact them by e-mail or on their Facebook page.