The Maastricht Conservatory is working on renewing its classical music and jazz training. While the emphasis traditionally lies on the main subject and students and teachers strive for excellent mastery of the instrument, the changing professional practice also requires the development of other skills. The practice of the South Netherlands Philharmonic is an inspiration. There people are considering changes to the selection procedure when hiring new musicians. Traditionally, musical skills are central to this, as well as the social ability to integrate within the orchestra. The question for the orchestra is whether other competencies should not be linked to this.
Orchestra and university work together because students do an internship at the South Netherlands Philharmonic or write a thesis about it. It is especially important for students who are preparing for a career in practice to be able to take a look behind the scenes. This happens, for example, during the concert De Verhalententoonstelling (The Story Exhibition), where not only music but also the stories about that music can be heard. Students from the Master's program in Art and Heritage conduct public research there. The distance between lecture hall and concert hall has become slightly smaller again.
Peter Peters
Director, MCICM
