Research in conservatoires
The working group reflects on the emerging role of research in conservatoire training. The group collects and disseminates findings related to research activities taking place in institutions throughout Europe. Objective is to use information and examples of good practice on research for implementation into teaching and learning. Additional research methods will be devised, suitable for research in higher music education, especially on master’s level. Goal of the working group is to establish a platform for exchange and cooperation on a European level on research activities in Higher Music Education. The project is supervised by the Association of European Conservatoires AEC and the Royal Academy of Music Stockholm.

Innovative Conservatoire Seminars
Between April 2009 and April 2010 three seminars are held aimed at the continuing professional development of teachers in higher music education. The objective is to bring together the expertise and experience of musicians who teach in higher music education institutions. The seminars are intended to reflect on practice, debate on key topics and develop innovative projects and collaborative research. Twenty-five participants from twelve institutions in ten European countries have been selected to participate in all three seminars, among which the Prince Claus and Royal Conservatoire. Through the seminars participants learn to formulate and undertake development of their work as musicians-teachers, drawing on appropriate research tools, funding, and collaborative skills. Secondly participants can integrate the results of this programme within their own institution. The role of the lectorate is to evaluate these seminars

Seminars in Villecroze and Helsinki
The working group has organised its first Innovative Conservatoire Seminar in Villecroze, France in April 2009 and the second seminar took place in October 2009 in Helsinki. A range of topics has been addressed focusing on underlying values and ideas about teaching. In these seminar there has been exchange of experience and expertise on among other things ‘One-to-one instrumental and vocal teaching’, ‘Masterclasses’, ‘Health and well-being’ and ‘Creativity in learning, improvisation and innovation’. More information is to be found at the website that has been created especially for the seminars and contains a lot of information and films.

About Polifonia
Polifonia, the Erasmus Thematic Network For Music, is the largest thematic network in higher music education to date and is supported by the European Commission. It started in 2004 and is studying various subjects related to professional music training in Europe. The partnership in "Polifonia" involves more than 60 organisations in professional music training and the music profession in 30 European countries. Research in Conservatoires is one of Polifonia’s three main project strands.