The Culture Capital Exchange Developing International Networks and Collaborations in Higher Education

Collaboration between conservatoires: the Polifonia project of the Association Européenne des Conservatoires

Supported by the European Union. Framework of the ERASMUS Programme, the chapter for higher education of the EU Lifelong Learning Programme: es/erasmus13_en.html. Focus on issues related to professional music training at the European level. Led by the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC), and coordinated jointly with Royal College of Music in Stockholm (as lead HEI). Two cycles of funding already complete: ( ), ( ). A third cycle will begin in The network is the biggest European project on professional music training to date. The first two cycles involved more than 60 institutions in the field of music training and the music profession in 30 European countries. The first cycle was designated as an “Erasmus success story” by the European Commission in Polifonia

The 2 nd cycle built on the first and included three strands The "Bologna" strand worked on issues related to the "Bologna Declaration”: curriculum development and design, internal and external quality assurance and accreditation. The "Lisbon" strand focused on continuing professional development for conservatoire management and the further investigation of instrumental/vocal teacher training. The "Research” strand studied the role of research in conservatoires, and set up continuing professional development activities for conservatoire teachers. Clustering of projects has been a feature of its funding success and impact.

Publications from Polifonia II Handbook - Admissions and Assessment in Higher Music Education Tuning Publication - Reference Points for the Design and Delivery of Degree Programmes in Music Handbook - How to Prepare for an Institutional or Programme Review in Higher Music Education Framework Document - Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Music Education: Characteristics, Criteria and Procedures Handbook - Instrumental and Vocal Teacher Education: European Perspectives Pocketbook - Researching Conservatoires Handbook for Work Placements in Higher Music Education Studies in Europe National Music Education Systems - Descriptions of National Systems for Music in Higher Education, Pre-college Music Education and Teacher Training in 31 European Countries

People and leadership Built on existing network through the AEC. Wide range of senior managers and some early career researchers drawn into the project. Incorporated emerging projects such as the InnovativeConservatoire seminars. Catalysed international collaboration across the sector.

Polifonia II – Research Working Group One of 6 working groups Tasked with: Mapping research (particularly practice-based research) across the sector Delivering 3 InnovativeConservatoire seminars for conservatoire teachers. Main output: Researching Conservatoires: Enquiry, Innovation and the Development of Artistic Practice in Higher Music Education. (Included evaluation of the seminars.)

InnovativeConservatoire Seminars Focus on developing reflective practice and a culture of research and innovation for teachers in conservatoires Themes include improvisation, collaborative learning, artist in society, one-to-one tuition, masterclasses, assessment and feedback Moving beyond standard seminar formats to incorporate practical activities and intensive knowledge exchange (to reflect practical orientation of musicians and, in particular develop improvisation skills) Designed to benefit a wide range of senior and early career teaching staff Offered a framework for further development in conservatoires 12 institutions; 25 teachers

Legacy – sustainable development InnovativeConservatoire seminars continuing to run as a stand alone project funded by participant fees. 23 institutions now involved, with growing numbers of participants per seminar. Smaller spin-off seminars in single institutions or small clusters. Collaborative projects developing eg. in relation to improvisation; approaches to practising; coaching techniques in teaching. Growing network at individual and institutional levels. Website planned for early 2012.

European Commission: Erasmus Framework Lifelong Learning Programme /guide/fiches/erasmus13_en.html