Quality, accountability, change

Abstract

At a time when Higher Education providers are increasingly being held to account for the career outcomes of their graduates, improving preparation for professional life has become a priority for many conservatoires. Recent employment data indicates that graduates of higher education music programs will commonly engage in portfolio or protean careers that will require them to be pro-active in their planning in order to ensure the sustainability of their careers. This has produced a growing awareness of the need to provide programs that will enhance students' prospects of employment. This paper presents a case study of one conservatoire that has attempted to provide a balance in its program offerings between the demands of traditional performance goals and the skills required to assist in maximum employability.