Intercultural dialogue and the mobilisation of aural skills

Abstract

ABSTRACTA model for incorporating diverse musical content into the core conservatory aural skills curriculum is presented. We position the contemporary conservatory as a solid institution providing Western musicians with a sense of stability and heritage in an age of anxiety (Bauman’s ‘liquid modernity’). Despite these benefits, we argue that the conservatory education leaves graduates ill-equipped for the society in which they will build their careers. We therefore advocate for diversification as a means of producing more versatile graduates. Two aural perception classroom workshops were led by a Chinese pipa expert. A range of Chinese notation systems were introduced, before students were led through interactive practical activities engaging these systems. Reflecting on the success of our workshops alongside student feedback, we conclude that intercultural musical experiences encourage students to critically examine their existing skillsets. Intercultural dialogue presents an opportunity to mobilise these skills and recognise their diverse potential.