Research in conservatoires
The working group reflected on the emerging role of research in conservatoire training. The group collected and disseminated findings related to research activities taking place in institutions throughout Europe. The objective was to use information and examples of good practice concerning research for implementation into teaching and learning. Additional research methods were devised, suitable for research in higher music education, especially at master’s level. The working group's goal was to establish a platform for exchange and cooperation at European level concerning research activities in Higher Music Education. The project was 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 were held, aimed at the continuing professional development of teachers in higher music education. The objective was to bring together the expertise and experience of musicians who teach in higher music education institutions. The seminars were 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 were selected to participate in all three seminars, among which the Prince Claus and Royal Conservatoire. Through the seminars participants learned to formulate and undertake development of their work as musicians-teachers, drawing on appropriate research tools, funding, and collaborative skills. Secondly participants could integrate the results of this programme within their own institution. The role of the research group was to evaluate these seminars.

Seminars in Villecroze and Helsinki
The working group 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 seminars there has been an exchange of experience and expertise on among other things ‘One-on-one instrumental and vocal teaching’, ‘Masterclasses’, ‘Health and well-being’ and ‘Creativity in learning, improvisation and innovation’. More information can be found on the website that was created especially for the seminars and which contains a lot of information as well as a number of 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 since that time has been 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.

The research has been completed by now. You will find more information in the publication below.
AEC pocketboek Researching Conservatoires, 2010