Workshop on Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Music 23 February 2009 Conservatorio Di Musica Nicolo' Paganini, Genova

Welcome by Martin Prchal, AEC Chief Executive and Patrizia Conti, Director of the Conservatorio Di Musica Nicolo' Paganini

Presentation of the AEC Framework Document and of its use in formal and informal contexts Linda Messas Polifonia project manager

Structure of the session 1. The AEC and Polifonia 2. Some definitions 3. Presentation of the framework developed by the AEC 4. Use of the framework in 2 different contexts

1. The AEC European association for professional music training institutions More than 250 members all over the world Aims: – to promote European cooperation between its members – to represents the interests of the sector AEC Council

AEC Activities Events Advocacy Collection, analysis and distribution of relevant information European projects

The Polifonia project 66 partner organisations 30 European countries Coordinated jointly by the Royal College of Music in Stockholm and the AEC Project period 1 October 2007 – 1 October Working Groups with 47 experts from 18 European countries

2. Some definitions (a) Quality assurance: The collective term for the systems by which courses, qualifications and the institutions which run them are monitored to ensure reliability, consistency and the maintaining of fair, rigorous practices and high standards Quality assurance system: The organisational structure which sets out the responsibilities, processes, procedures and establishes the means to carry out the quality assurance

Some definitions (b) Internal quality assurance: The systems which are set up and operated by the institution itself (e.g. annual monitoring, the use of external examiners, periodic major review of courses, etc) External quality assurance: a system which is operated by others (such as government, accreditation agencies)

3. The AEC framework The AEC Institutional and Programme Review Scheme (IPRS)

A new service for AEC members Review of the institution or one or several programme(s) by a team of ‘critical friends’ Report with recommendations for improvements Aim: Assist AEC member institutions in their quality enhancement activities

Short history of the IPRS AEC Accreditation project A European and subject-specific approach to QA/accreditation in music: Specificities higher music education Existing expertise in the institutions Criteria developed by the sector itself International nature of music

Important outcomes of the Accreditation Project AEC Framework Document Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Music Education: Characteristics, Criteria and Procedures Register of experts Handbook How to prepare for an institutional or programme review in Higher Music Education? Dissemination conference, June 2007, Brno AEC Position paper  Framework of the AEC IPRS

AEC Framework Document Built up in several chapters: Characteristics in Higher Music Education – an introduction Characteristics for QA in music Programme outcomes: ‘Polifonia/Dublin Descriptors’ and AEC Learning Outcomes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd study cycles in music (‘Polifonia’ project) Criteria for programme and institutional review in music Procedures for programme and institutional review in music Annexes: AEC Learning Outcomes + Glossary of Terms

AEC Position paper 1) AEC position in relation to QA/accreditation Assisting institutions in the enhancement of their quality Taking into account the specific nature and characteristics music 2) Recommendations National and regional governments, European institutions QA/accreditation agencies in European countries Higher music education institutions All stakeholders

Functioning of the IPRS 1. Interested institution contacts the AEC 2. Framework document + handbook sent to the institution 3. Date and timeframe agreed upon 4. Evaluation committee composed (AEC) 5. Self-evaluation report + documentation produced (institution) 6. Schedule of the visit organised 7. Visit 8. AEC Report produced

Practical aspects Length of the visit: 2-3 days Budget: – Travel of the experts: covered by the Erasmus Network for Music "Polifonia” – Local accommodation and meals covered by the visited institutions

4. Different contexts 1. Informal: the AEC Institutional and Programme Review Scheme 2. Formal: National quality assurance and accreditation procedures in music

Informal context Realised reviews – Oviedo – Groningen Highlights – Hardwork, but useful for other purposes – Very positive feedback – Informal character

Formal context Ongoing cooperation with: – The OQA in Switzerland Basel, Genève, Lausanne, Lugano and Luzern – ACQUIN in Germany Trossingen

Contacts/ Websites Contacts – Websites – – –

Introduction to the work of the Accreditation working group by members of the group

Monitoring the AEC Institutional and Programme Review Scheme Target of 9 peer-review visits Target of 9 peer-review visits Gather feedback Gather feedback Reviewed institutions Reviewed institutions Reviewers Reviewers AEC forums AEC forums Update the AEC Framework Document Update the AEC Framework Document -

Reflections on national quality assurance and accreditation systems by members of the group

Coffee break

Introduction Round and Discussion with the audience

THANK YOU!