Music Schools in Changing Societies: How Collaborative Professionalism Can Transform Music Education

Music Schools in Changing Societies addresses the need to understand instrumental and vocal pedagogy beyond the individual sphere of teacher–student interactions and psychological phenomena, focusing instead on the wider sociocultural, spatial, and institutional contexts of music education. Viewing music education through the perspective of collaboration, the book focuses on the context of European music schools, which have developed a central role in publicly funded educational and cultural systems. The authors demonstrate that multilevel collaboration is a vital part of how music educators and the schools where they work can respond to wider societal concerns in ways that improve educational quality.

Presenting examples of innovative practices and collaborative settings from twelve European countries, this book offers new and inspiring perspectives on how music schools can support the transformation towards collaborative professionalism in instrumental and vocal music education. With contributions from a wide range of researchers and professional educators, the book shows how a collaborative approach to music education can address major policy issues such as inclusion, democracy, and sustainability. Addressing current institutional and curricular challenges, Music Schools in Changing Societies presents a unique outlook on how music schools in contemporary societies can survive and thrive in times of change.

Michaela Hahn was a professor for music school research at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, and CEO of the Music and Art School Management in Lower Austria. Her research interests centre on music schools’ organisational development, music education system landscapes, and collaborative learning.

Cecilia Björk is an assistant professor (Tenure Track) for music school research at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna. Her research interests include music education in music schools and compulsory schools, the philosophy of music education, and ethical issues in music education and research.

Heidi Westerlund is a professor at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki. Her research interests include higher music education, teacher education, collaborative learning, cultural diversity, and democracy in music education. She is the co-editor of Expanding Professionalism in Music and Higher Music Education (2021).