Employability
In the London Communiqué (May 2007), the Ministers responsible for Higher Education in the countries participating in the Bologna Process decided to focus on a limited number of areas for action, among which the employability. The need to “consider in more detail how to improve employability in relation to each of [the three] cycles as well as in the context of lifelong learning” was expressed. The Ministers agreed to work with their governments in order to “ensure that employment and career structures within the public service are fully compatible with the new degree system”. In addition, they strongly recommended institutions to further develop partnerships, communication and cooperation with employers and other stakeholders in the ongoing process of curriculum innovation based on learning outcomes.
In order to address this issue within the music sector, the Polifonia working group on the Profession, active during the first phase of the Polifonia project (2004-2007) has been researching and reflecting on current trends in all sectors of the music profession, the (rare and new) competencies they suggest, what this implies for conservatoire training, and the relevance of the AEC learning outcomes and the Dublin descriptors to these competencies. The group has also suggested areas of potential development for conservatoires and studied the issue of alumni, as they are at the crossroads between conservatoires and the profession.
The Final report of the Polifonia working group on the Profession can be found here. It consists in a study on the latest trends in the music profession in Europe (including information on rare and new competences) based on research, site visits and portraits of European professional musicians.
A Handbook on Alumni policies has also been developed, which can be downloaded here:
Downloadable documents This handbook addresses issues such as the creation of alumni strategy and policies; the way student experience shapes alumnus perspective; the institutional responsibility for alumni; the possible ways to contact and track alumni; the foundation of an alumni organisation; the benefits and privileges alumni should be granted; the need for an effective communication with alumni and the role alumni have as ambassadors.
During the second phase of the Polifonia project (2007-2010), issues of employability are being addressed by the External Stakeholders Group. For the first time, a wide representation of experts from the music profession is brought together with the higher music education sector at European level. The External Stakeholders Group, composed of musician unions, employers organisations and other professional organisations, will evaluate the professional relevance of the work being done in the Polifonia project, provide information on the latest trends and changes in the music profession, promote the dialogue between higher music education institutions and the music industry, and identify and disseminate examples of good practice for such a dialogue. |
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