The Center for Excellence in Music Performance Education (CEMPE) recently concluded its ten-year journey focused on knowledge development in higher music education. As a part of their farewell, CEMPE organized the “Connection, Collaboration & Co-creation – Ways Forward for Higher Music Education” conference. The event took place in Oslo over two days, from November 2nd to November 3rd.

Challenges in Higher Music Education:

The conference aimed to address the pressing challenges currently facing higher music education. These challenges include the need for innovation, increased diversity among student groups and study programs, and the demand for curricula that better align with the rapidly changing job market and the evolving demands of society. Several key questions were raised during the event:

How can music education proactively respond to these challenges?
How can students be encouraged to develop their artistic visions during their studies?
How can the field encourage more collaboration across genres, disciplines, institutions, and between teachers and students?
How can changes be implemented without compromising the quality inherent in traditional conservatory culture?

Conference Highlights:

The conference provided a platform for experts, educators, and students to discuss these vital questions and explore potential solutions. The event featured a rich program, including keynote speeches, presentations, and panel discussions. These activities allowed for a diverse range of voices and practical examples to converge and inspired participants to pursue further development in the field. The keynote speakers offered valuable insights into the future of higher music education and the role it plays in nurturing artistic talent and preparing students for the ever-evolving music industry.

Key Takeaways:

Collaboration is Essential: Many speakers emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers between genres, disciplines, institutions, teachers, and students to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. This approach was seen as vital for preparing students for the multifaceted demands of the modern music industry.

Nurturing Artistic Visions: Participants discussed the need to challenge students to develop their unique artistic visions during their time in higher education. Encouraging creativity and personal expression was deemed crucial for the next generation of musicians.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Attendees grappled with the challenge of maintaining the quality and cultural traditions of conservatories while embracing innovative teaching and learning approaches to meet the demands of the 21st-century music landscape.

Future of Higher Music Education: The “Connection, Collaboration & Co-creation” conference served as a pivotal moment for the higher music education sector. It illuminated the path forward, encouraging proactive adaptation to emerging challenges, while preserving the core values of musical education.

As CEMPE concludes its ten-year journey, the impact of this conference will likely be felt for years to come, shaping the way music institutions approach teaching, learning, and the development of future musicians

Photo by CEMPE

Source: https://nmh.no/aktuelt/cempe-oppsummert