Study at the University of Ostrava

Welcome to the Faculty of Fine Arts

The Faculty of Fine Arts is the only Czech higher education institution to offer degrees in both art and music-related fields.

Music degrees at the Faculty are based on a combination of practical and theoretical courses, enabling students to test their talent in real-life professional conditions and preparing them for future careers in the music world – whether as soloists, ensemble members or orchestral players.

Art degrees at the Faculty are based around a traditional studio-based system, which offers several major advantages. Students benefit from encountering a range of different approaches to teaching, and above all from the highly individualized teaching format, which recognizes and develops the personal talents of each student. Art degrees strike a balance between technical and intellectual aspects of art, preparing students for active participation in the contemporary art world and the cultural sector.

The Faculty of Fine Arts cultivates close links with a range of art schools, galleries, cultural institutions and musical ensembles – both in the Czech Republic and abroad. Music students have the opportunity to do practical placements with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra or the opera orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre. Art students exhibit their own work and gain direct practical experience of exhibition curating. The Faculty hosts several annual masterclasses and workshops featuring leading figures in the art and music worlds.

Teaching and learning

Degrees

Bachelor’s degree – Music
Master’s degree – Music
Doctoral degree – Music
Bachelor’s degree – Fine Art
Master’s degree – Fine Art

Music degrees

Music degrees at the Faculty of Fine Arts enable students to develop their skills and knowledge under the guidance of leading Czech music teachers and renowned performers. Students also have the opportunity to become involved in professional musical life by doing placements in chamber ensembles and orchestras (the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra or the opera orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre). Other key elements of the degree programme include excursions, workshops, and discussion sessions with invited guests. The Department of Vocal Studies has its own opera studio, with close links to the opera company at the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre. The Department of Keyboard Instruments organizes the ‘Gradus ad Parnassum’ festival of piano exercises. In addition to regular teaching, students can also participate in a series of international masterclasses featuring leading performers (assisted by Faculty staff). Among the instructors who have given masterclasses at the Faculty are P. Bernold and H. Schmeiser (flute), O. Zoboli and D. Walter (oboe), J. Montilla, F. Héau and S. Brill (clarinet), P. Portejoie (saxophone), I. Ženatý and J. Holloway (violin), M. Fukačová and J.-G. Queyras (cello), E. Indjic and I. Klánský (piano), M. B. Willi (harpsichord), M. Janková, C. Visca, S. Toczyska and D. Weeks (vocalists). In 2014 the Faculty co-organized the First Czech Clarinet Congress. We also have strong links with the Czech Radio studio in Ostrava, which offers students the use of its facilities to record public concerts and radio performances. Music students have numerous opportunities to gain real-life experience of performing, including

placements in professional orchestras (the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra and the opera orchestra of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre);
annual solo competitions as part of the Janáček Philharmonic’s regular ‘Jeunesses Musicales’ season;
the opportunity to perform as part of Czech Radio’s ‘Ostrava University Music Evenings’ cycle.

Department of Wind Instruments
instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, cor anglais, trombone

Department of Keyboard Instruments
instruments: piano, harpsichord

Department of String Instruments
instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass

Department of Vocal Studies

Art degrees

Art degrees at the Faculty of Fine Arts give students the space to find their own personal forms of artistic expression, gaining broad-based knowledge of all aspects of art and benefiting from the personal guidance of the Faculty’s teaching staff, who help students develop their talents to the full. Students are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of forms and styles, enabling them to express their own individual artistic personality. The teaching process is based on open communication between students, teachers and peers, beginning with the discussion of the initial idea and culminating in the final work.

The degree programme builds on the key cornerstones (art history, philosophy and ethics) to develop students’ knowledge and proficiency in traditional fine art disciplines. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees incorporate courses focusing on drawing, painting, installations, performance art, the use of digital technologies, data processing, and other key areas. Students learn to use a full range of materials and technologies as part of their courses and workshops. Teaching consists of a balanced mixture of practical guidance and theoretical support, helping students to acquire skills in data processing, postproduction, the presentation of their work, and commercial activity. Discussions focus not only on the technical aspects of the creative process, but also on the content and ethos of artistic production, with an emphasis on the artist’s social and moral engagement.

Department of Intermedia Studies
intermedia studio
video, multimedia and performance studio
photography studio
animation and audiovisual art studio

Department of Graphics and Drawing
free graphics studio
book and cover design studio
graphic design studio
drawing studio

Department of Painting
painting studio I
painting studio II

Department of Sculpture

Department of Fine Art Theory and History
This department teaches theoretical courses for both music and art students at all three levels – Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral studies. Teaching focuses on current issues in art and music – including conceptual art, aesthetics, philosophy of art, art history, intermedia, tonal systems, and musicology research.

Why study at the Faculty of Fine Arts

We offer a free, open, creative and stimulating environment enabling students to develop their talents to the full.
Our teaching is personalized, based on individual contact with each student.
Our teachers are leading figures in the art and music worlds.
We organize workshops and international masterclasses featuring renowned artists and performers from the Czech Republic and abroad.
We offer double degrees in digital graphics for application in virtual environments and computer games.
Our students have achieved outstanding success in international competitions and their professional careers.
Students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of professional life in their chosen field.