When compulsory schools and music schools pull on the same rope
On September 20, 2023, some 50 directors of music schools from the cantons of Central Switzerland gathered for an exchange and their regional conference. The event is organized annually under the joint responsibility of ASEM and the Lucerne University of Music.
Photo: Margot Müller
The theme of this year's conference was collaboration between music schools and compulsory education. Prior to the conference, music schools were asked in a survey what types of projects and collaborations currently exist. The results showed that the range is very broad, and that in many places collaboration is regular and institutionalized. Music and movement" is an integral part of day-to-day teaching at many music schools. Many collaborate on annual projects. These include theme weeks, instrument presentations, concerts and group workshops. Another very frequent form of collaboration is for one-off events of some scale, such as concerts or musicals, often at Christmas time.
Two examples of institutionalized collaboration were briefly presented at the regional conference. In addition, a short film byEMSA contributed to the discussion. The EMSA model (German acronym for "A (music) school for all"), which originated in Germany and comprises various modules, aims to deepen collaboration between music schools and compulsory schools at both pedagogical and structural levels. It is based on the appointment of two coordinators, one from the compulsory school and the other from the music school. They are responsible for ensuring that processes and procedures are organized reliably and professionally, so as to provide a solid basis for collaboration.
The ensuing round-table and group discussions were very lively. Most participants described the collaboration between music schools and compulsory schools as desirable and fruitful. Two important elements were highlighted: firstly, the collaboration should be legally institutionalized. And secondly, music teachers, who are often used to teaching one-to-one, should be given the opportunity to acquire the necessary tools for group teaching through basic and further training.
Philippe Krüttli and Eva Crastan, from the ASEM Board, and Andrea Kumpe and Matthjas Bieri, from the Lucerne University of Music, thanked the participants for their contributions and stimulating discussions, before inviting them to a buffet.
