Learning Outcomes and the Profession

The AEC has been working on the development of learning outcomes (English Français Deutsch) for the 1st and 2nd cycle since 2001 as part of its initial Bologna working group (English Français Deutsch); within the framework of the Polifonia thematic network, these have been enlarged to encompass the 3rd cycle, and the initial 1st and 2nd cycle outcomes have been refined by the Polifonia Tuning working group. An ongoing dialogue between the Polifonia Tuning and Polifonia Profession working groups has taken into account evolutions in the profession and, where necessary, has led to adjustments in the learning outcomes.
At the March 2007 conference held in Groningen and dedicated to “Trends in the Music Profession in Europe; Lifelong Learning & Employability”, the Profession working group adopted the Polifonia Tuning group’s learning outcomes.

Case studies, site visits and portraits made by the Profession working group have led to recommendations to fine tune certain outcomes, notably in the areas of transferable or “generic” skills. These skills can be acquired through non-formal and informal learning. While experience with a broad range of musical styles and the knowledge of and the ability to cope in cross-cultural and cross-arts situations are now considered essential for today’s musician, in and of themselves these are not enough. Leadership, communication and entrepreneurial skills are primordial, as are an open, inquisitive and creative mind.

Among the new skills whose importance has increased exponentially are those related to new technologies: these are vital to the very survival of today’s musician, for they allow him to promote himself to the profession and to the society at large, to create new audiences, and to distribute his music.

While the acquisition of the skills mentioned above appear to be critical to today’s musician, it is clear that a constantly evolving profession will, over time, necessitate the acquisition of yet other, new skills and competencies which will in turn suggest new learning outcomes.
It is all the more essential then, for conservatoires to “keep an ear to the ground” and to pursue an ongoing and open dialogue with the profession as a whole, taking into consideration audience trends and changes within the society.