The last decade has seen increasing focus in the conservatoire sector on issues concerning power relations, equity, inclusion, agency, integration of technology and evolutions in artistic and interdisciplinary research. At first glance, these may all be seen (and indeed have sometimes been seen) as at odds with more traditional points of conservatoire focus, particularly in relation to traditions of excellence. The proposal in the panel here is to see these different aspects not as points of conflict so much as potential paradoxes seeking fresh institutional harmonies.

Each panellist will initially share a story building out of their experience where potential for conflict has evolved over time towards fresh dreamscapes – in some cases even realities – where coexistences have become (or might be becoming) possible. The areas to be touched on include:

Power dynamics in the conservatoire setting

Diversity of genre, gender, cultural background and socio-economic status

Evolutions in production approaches in performance spaces (real, hybrid and virtual)

Opportunities for Music in the research space: possibilities of cross-disciplinary partnership (e.g. health, social justice, education, ecology)

Enabling a culture of safety and agency which encourages innovation and diversity: implications for curriculum and ways of working

Building out from the original presentations, the majority of our 90-minute session will involve discussion around these points drawing perspectives also through interactive audience participation.

Panellists:

Prof. Bernard Lanskey

Director, Queensland Conservatorium - Griffith University, Australia

Prof. Deborah Kelleher

President of the European Association of Conservatoires and

Director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Ireland

Prof. Jeffrey Sharkey

Principal, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Scotland

Lin Xiangning

Teaching Assistant, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Asst. Prof. Anothai Nitibhon

School of Music,  Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, Thailand

Queensland Conservatorium - Griffith University, Australia (via Zoom)

Assoc. Prof. Donna Weston, Deputy Director (Learning & Teaching)

Dr. Alexis Kallio, Deputy Director (Research)

Dr. Chris Stover, Senior Lecturer (Music Studies & Research)