Plenty to do in 2019

Lucas Bennett - The Central Committee and some sections are planning a number of changes in the field of continuing education. With regard to the central association, the CC intends to deepen collaboration with the Centre pédagogique romand (CPR), the aim being to be able to offer events perfectly adapted to the needs of SSPM members.

For several decades, the D-A-CH colloquia co-organized by the German Association of Musician Artists (DTKV), the Austrian Working Community for Music Education (AGMÖ) and the SSPM, have provided an important platform for exchange and continuing education for musicians, and in particular for music teachers from German-speaking regions. However, since 2017, the sustainability of these events has been jeopardized due to the withdrawal of our Austrian partner AGMÖ. The Central Committee is clearly in favor of maintaining these colloquia, which have a long tradition, and is continuing its commitment to D-A-CH (a commitment also enshrined in the reference document adopted by the 2016 Delegates' Meeting). In accordance with the principle of rotation, the SSPM will prepare the 2020 edition.

The search for new members is a priority for the association, which is experiencing an erosion in its ranks mainly linked to demographic change. Among the measures planned by the central committee for 2019 are the publication of a new information brochure in the spring, and an active promotional campaign in favor of SSPM membership.

This year, the Central Committee is planning a major overhaul of the member section of the SSPM website. The main objectives are improved visibility, expanded multimedia functions, the introduction of specific tools for sections and the CC (e.g. online forms, instant messaging, mailing lists), as well as improvements to the online diary. The platform for private teaching, in operation since 2017 (www.privatermusikunterricht.ch), is attracting growing interest and now boasts over 500 active profiles of SSPM music teachers. Opportunities for improvement relate mainly to search engine ranking. Continuing this work will be a priority in 2019.

It is also during this year that a working group will meet with representatives of the sections and the central association, as proposed by the 2018 Presidents' Conference in Zurich, initially focused on the theme of communication. The organization and content are now available to the Delegates' Meeting, since section motions have been submitted that broaden the range of topics and touch on fundamental issues such as association structures, development prospects, etc. (other motions concern the central secretariat, the emergency fund and the Music Agenda).

The Swiss Union of Trade Unions (USS) plays a decisive role in the network defending our interests at federal level. Its project to strengthen the 1st pillar, presented in the form of a popular initiative, is particularly important for those working as employees or self-employed in the music training sector. The Central Board is also working to strengthen collaboration with the Swiss Union of Musician Artists (USDAM). It also plans to intensify exchanges with the Swiss Association of Music Schools (ASEM).