Strengthening Music in Society: The way forward for UK conservatoires

The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) has recently produced a major report which is the culmination of a four-year project, Strengthening Music in Society. It could not come at a more timely point.

On 16 December 2021, the Institute for Social Impact Research in the Performing Arts at Guildhall School of Music & Drama is presenting a conference, Strengthening Music in Society to consider the report. In association with AEC, Conservatoires UK and SEMPRE the conference will bring together diverse voices from across the music sector concerned to bring about positive change; it will be the first opportunity for those working in the music sector across the UK to collaboratively unpack and respond to the report.

The conference is presented by Jess Gillam (saxophonist, broadcaster and Guildhall School alumna), the keynote presentation will be given by Professor Helen Gaunt, principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, whilst other speakers will give a variety of perspectives on the report:

• Ankna Arockiam, PhD candidate at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and founder of Shared Narratives – the student perspective
• Diana Salazar, Director of Programmes at the Royal College of Music – the pedagogic perspective
• Professor Graham Welch, UCL Institute of Education Established Chair of Music Education – the research perspective
• Linda Begbie (Development Director) Manchester Collective – the employer perspective
• Gillian Moore, CBE, Director of Music, Southbank Centre, London – the Industry perspectiveJames
• Njoku-Goodwin, CEO, UK Music – the Government & Policy perspective

As well as an invited, in-person audience, key sections of the conference will be available as a live-stream. Full detail from the Guildhall School website.