Jørgensen, Harald: Research into higher music education

Higher music education institutions are numerous and spread all over the world. What does research tell us about these academies, conservatoires and schools of music? How can research be utilized in the institutions’ quality improvement process? These are the basic questions addressed in this book. The book is the first international overview of research into higher music education, and includes a presentation of nearly 800 studies. The studies address basic characteristics of the institutions, their resources and internal processes, as well as their relation to external sectors. The book is primarily written for leadership, staff and students in these institutions, but is also aimed at people engaged in or interested in higher education, especially education in art subjects.


Harald Jørgensen has nearly 40 years experience from the Norwegian Academy of Music, where he is former Rector and Head of Research and Development.

Contents

Preface 9

1 Introduction 11

Higher music education, research, and quality 11

What is an institution for higher music education? 12

The status of research into higher music education 14

A model of higher music education institutions 15

An overview of research 17



2 Core characteristics of the institutions 19

History 19

History of higher music education 19

History of institutions 19

Topic history 21

Comment 21

Institutional mission, goals and objectives 22

Type of institution 24

Tradition 24

Artistic basis: single- or multi-discipline institutions 25

Size 26

Degree levels and duration of study programs 26

Professional and amateur training 27

Institutional autonomy 27

Funding 28

Comment 29

Institutional organization 29

The governance structure 29

The educational structure 31

The administrative structure 31

Institutional culture 32

Conclusion 34



3 Resources 37

Educational resources 37

Programs 37

Courses in subjects and disciplines 43

The organization of programs and curricula 46

Human resources 47

Students 47

The faculty 52

Leadership and administrative personnel 62

Musical resources 65

Material resources 66

Finances 66

Housing, facilities, instruments and equipment 67

Conclusion 67



4 Processes 69

Recruitment of students 69

Entrance examinations and prediction of success 71

Student learning and development 74

Students’ motivation 75

Learning style 77

Learning development 78

Skill in transferring learning 81

Use of computer-aided learning and interactive media 81

Practicing alone 81

Practicing with others 92

Students’ performance and creative activities 92

Students’ research activities 94

Student counselling 95

Monitoring student persistence and dropout 99

Teaching 101

Performance teaching in a one-to-one situation 101

Teaching performance and performance-related issues

in groups 112

Teaching of instrumental and vocal performance groups 114

Teaching conducting 114

Teaching of composition 117

Teaching music theory and ear training groups 118

Teaching educational knowledge and skills to music

education students 120

Teaching practice in music teacher education 127

Teaching of other subjects for music majors 134

Teachers’ performing and creative activities 135

Teachers’ research activities 135

Assessment of student achievement 136

Leadership and management 144

Monitoring institutional quality and change 147

Social interaction and behaviour 153

Participation in decision-making processes 154

Conclusion 154



5 The institution and external sectors 157

Relationship to external sectors 157

Relationship to the political and economic sectors 158

Relationship to pre-college music education institutions 160

Relationship to other institutions in higher education 161

Relationship to the music professions and the job market 162

The job situation 162

Work conditions in the musical professions and workplaces 168

Cooperation with music institutions and professions 170

Relationship to former students 171

Relationship to cultural life 174

Participation in society 174

Audiences 175

Media 176

Conclusion 176



6 Outcomes 179

What comes out of it? 179

Intended and hidden outcomes 180

Outcome assessment and educational indicators 181

Conclusion 184



7 Quality, research and change 185

Quality 185

Research for change? 188

Research quality 190

Research “from within” and “from outside” 191

Conclusion 192


References 195

Index 260


ISBN 978-82-7099-538-7, 273 pp., paperback
Format: 17x24 cm, weight 0,6 kg, year of publication 2009, language: English