Music educators and artists gather in Denmark for the AEC Pop and Jazz Platform Meeting 2024

Odense, Denmark – The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) successfully hosted its annual Pop and Jazz Platform meeting from February 8th to 11th, 2024, at the Syddansk Musikkonservatorium – Danish National Academy of Music in Odense. This year’s theme, “HANDS ON! Methods, Skills and Sustainability for a Future In Music,” brought together a diverse group of educators, musicians, and students from around the globe to discuss and explore sustainable practices within the music industry.

 

The event kicked off with a series of pre-conference sessions, offering attendees a chance to dive deep into various topics before the official start. The innovative program included workshops, keynote speeches, and open floor presentations, aimed at sparking discussions on the sustainable future of the music profession and presenting practical skills and methods.

 

One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of a new program element – Workshops. These sessions, ranging from “Dance your repertoire” to “Features of teaching improvisation for vocalists,” provided hands-on experiences for participants, allowing them to gain insights into the creative and pedagogical approaches of their peers.

The conference also continued the pre-conference format introduced in Rome last year, closely linking the meeting’s themes with the discussions and activities. The VoCon meeting for vocal pedagogues on Sunday further enriched the program, offering specialized content for voice teachers and students.

Keynote speakers, including Karen Vincent, addressed critical issues such as representation and sustainability in the music industry. Plenary sessions, breakout groups, and networking opportunities facilitated exchanges of ideas and experiences, reinforcing the community’s commitment to advancing popular music and jazz education.

The AEC Pop and Jazz Platform meeting is a testament to the organization’s dedication to supporting higher education in popular music and jazz. Through such gatherings, the AEC fosters a collaborative environment where educators and artists can confront the challenges of globalization and technological advancements, while exploring new opportunities for creativity and sustainability in music.

As the music world continues to evolve, the insights and discussions from the AEC Pop and Jazz Platform meeting 2024 will undoubtedly influence the future direction of music education and practice, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the next generation of musicians and music educators.

Photos by Askil Holm