The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Design, Music and Dance: The Royal Conservatoire, The Hague

Transcription

1 The Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Design, Music and Dance: The Royal Conservatoire, The Hague Master in Music Master in Sonology Dates of audit visit: the 17 th and 18 th of May, and the 8 th of June 2006 Netherlands Quality Agency (NQA) Utrecht, October 2006

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3 Contents 3 Part A: Topics 5 1. Preface 7 2. Introduction 8 3. Method 9 4. Formation of Judgements Judgements by Topic Matrix of Conclusions and Assessments at Facet and Topic Level Overall conclusion 13 Part B: Facets 15 Topic 1 Aims and Objectives of the Programme 17 Topic 2 Programme Contents and Structure 20 Topic 3 Deployment of Staff 29 Topic 4 Facilities 31 Topic 5 International Quality Assurance 33 Topic 6 Results 35 Part C: Appendixes 39 Appendix 1: Declaration of Independence by the Audit Panel Members 40 Appendix 2: Expertise of the Audit Panel Members 42 Appendix 3: Audit Visit Programme 55 Appendix 4: Overview of the Documents Made Available by the Programme Management for Scrutiny 58 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 3

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5 Part A: Topics NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 5

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7 1. Preface This is the assessment report of master degree courses Music and Sonology offered by the Royal Conservertoire in The Hague. In this report NQA accounts for its findings and conclusions and its working method. The audit was undertaken within the framework of the accreditation of programmes of higher professional education. The audit process started in March 2006, when the institution submitted its internal report for evaluation to NQA. The audit visit took place on May 17 and 18, and June and was executed by an audit panel consisting of the following individuals: Mr. Dr. I. Horsburgh (chairman, generalist and audit panel member domain instrumental, vocals); Mr. Prof. Dr. G. Scholz (vice chairman, generalist and audit panel member domain instrumental, vocals); Mr. Prof. Dr. Phil. P. Reidemeister (audit panel member domain Early Music); Mr. Prof. Mag. K.H. Miklin (audit panel member domain Jazz); Mr. Prof. E. Restagno (audit panel member domain Composition); Mr. Prof. N. Collins (audit panel member New Technology, Sonology); Mr. T. Pokrzywinski (student panel member) Mr. W. van Uden (NQA, auditor-secretary). In the period between the first audit visit and the second one the chairman became ill. Prof. dr. G. Scholz was willingly to replace Mr.dr. Horsburgh during his absence. A few weeks after the second visitation day mr. Horsburgh passed away. From the on Mr. Scholz deputized as chairman for mr. Horsburgh. The panel members deeply regret the decease of their chairman. On request of the Royal Conservertoire Mrs. R. Wouda completed the panel as expertsecretary. Mrs. Wouda is appointed nor registered by NQA and she therefore is not a member of the panel. The audit panel complies with the requirements laid down in the NVAO 1 Protocol ter beoordeling van de werkwijze van visiterende en beoordelende instanties (August 2005). This document contains a protocol of the method used by organisations that review and assess study programmes. The audit panel includes members with domain-specific expertise, teaching and assessing expertise and expertise regarding the international developments within the discipline of the degree course (Appendix 2). The assessment of the Music and Sonology master s courses was part of the Pilot Project for the Accreditation of HBO Fine Arts Master s Degree Programmes. NVAO (the Netherlands- Flemish Accreditation Organisation) and HBO-raad (the Netherlands Association of Universities of Professional Education) agreed to set up a pilot project to determine how NVAO s Accreditation Framework (2003) can be applied to HBO (University of Professional 1 NVAO = Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie [Netherlands Flemish Accreditation Organisation] NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 7

8 Education) study programmes in the Arts, to begin with Arts master s degree programmes in the disciplines fine arts, design, music, opera and sonology. The project has two objectives. The first objective is to establish a frame of reference which after re-editing of the Accreditation Framework applies to the domain of Arts (Frame of Reference for Institutes offering HBO Fine Art Master s Degrees, 2005). This frame of reference can be used by institutes to draft their self-evaluation. The second objective concerns the sequel to selfevaluation. Self-evaluation is followed by an assessment visit and the assessment report, and possibly accreditation of the study programmes that participate in the project. Underlying this Pilot Project for the Accreditation of the HBO Arts Master s Degree Programmes is an extensive project plan (Projectplan Pilot Accreditatie Kunstopleidingen, 2004). The report consists of three parts: Part A: The Topic Report, with the conclusions of the audit panel concerning the basic quality of the programme at topic level. It contains the considerations on which the conclusions are based. The conclusions are graded as either positive or negative. In addition, the final conclusion is formulated in the Topic Report. Part B: The Detailed Report with the assessments of the audit panel concerning the basic quality of the programme at facet level. It states the findings that underpin that assessment. The assessments are awarded on a four-point scale as prescribed by NVAO: unsatisfactory [onvoldoende], satisfactory [voldoende], good [goed] and excellent [uitstekend]. Part C: Contains all the relevant Appendixes. 2. Introduction The Royal Conservatoire is the Music Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Design, Music and Dance in The Hague. The Royal Academy is an institution of higher professional education, offering both bachelor s and postgraduate art programmes for students during the academic year The Royal Conservatoire is visited by the number of 592 music students and 14 students dance in the bachelor s programme during the academic year and 174 music students in the postgraduate programme. The aim of the Royal Conservatoire is to educate musicians who meet the requirements of professional practice and to provide bachelors and postgraduate programmes. The Conservatoire is a broad-based institution that reflects the wide range of activities and performing opportunities in today s music profession. The Royal Conservatoire offers three postgraduate programmes: Music (CROHO-number 04852) and Sonology (CROHO-number 09104) and Opera (CROHO number ). These programmes have been offered since 1998 as a second phase course. In 2002, after the Bologna-statement of the European Ministers of Education, the first phase of the music programme was converted by law into a bachelor s programme of four years. The same law included the transition of the postgraduate or second phase programmes Music, Opera and Sonology into master s programmes. Discussions and activities and the realisation of former thoughts and ideas about the renewal of the VKO-programme to prepare the transition into a master programme took already place in certain departments since NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

9 In the new programme, master s degree requirements, such as research and reflection, are incorporated. Its object has remained the same: to prepare musicians to occupy key positions in the international music scene. It was decided that the transition of the second phase into a master s programme was to undergo an accreditation by the NVAO (Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation). In order to determine whether the programme meets the demands of a master s programme, a pilot project was started by applying the NVAO Accreditation Framework to HBO Arts master s degree programmes. The Royal Conservatoire is one of the institutions that takes part in this pilot project with its postgraduate programmes Music and Sonology. Within the music programme the postgraduate programme Opera (De Nieuwe Opera Academie) (DNOA) is run in co-operation with the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. This programme will be visited separately. The master s programmes Music and Sonology requires two years of full-time study and research. Part of the programme is developed and offered in co-operation with Leiden University. For admission to the programme a Bachelor of Music degree is required, obtained with at least mark 8 (eight) and well founded on an individual studyplan. After a selection focused on talent and ambitions, a number of approximately 90 students (80 for the music programme and 10 for the sonology programme) is allowed to start the postgraduate programme each year. The investigated Music programme is composed of six departments: Early Music, Classical Music, Jazz, Composition, Art of Sound and Art Science. The Sonology programme consists of one department: Sonology. More than half of the number of master s students is foreign (however a lot of foreign students first follow a bachelor s programme in the Netherlands). The majority of the groups that started in 2002 and 2003 has graduated. 3. Method The audit to the institution followed the procedures set down in the assessment protocol of NQA which is described below. The audit panel found that the internal report for evaluation and the appendixes were a clear basis for the audit. The review took into account the domain-specific frame of reference applicable to the programmes (facet 1.2). NQA distinguishes three review phases: the preparatory phase, the audit visit and the reporting phase. A brief elaboration by phase is stated below. The Preparatory Phase An NQA auditor checked the internal report for evaluation for its quality and comprehensiveness (the screening), and determined its usefulness for the audit. After the internal report for evaluation and the appendixes had been found in order (April 2006), the panel members started preparing for the actual audit visit (May 2006). They read the internal report for evaluation (and the appendixes), formulated provisional assessments according to a prescribed review format. The panel members passed their questions on to the NQA auditor. With a matrix of provisional assessments the NQA auditor made an inventory of main points and priorities for scrutiny of documents and for conducting interviews. The visit was prepared in a preparatory meeting. The main topics for review were determined. They NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 9

10 formed the agenda for the visit, enabling the institution and the panel to prepare adequately for the visit. In its internal report for evaluation the institution indicated what domain-specific frame of reference it chose. Together with the field expert in the audit panel the NQA auditor established whether the specific aims and objectives for the field of study were adequate, or whether detailed supplementation or specification was needed. The Detailed Report states on what national, professional and programme profiles the domain-specific framework (and the programme contents and structure) was based. The Audit visit The NQA-protocol has a standard timetable for the visit. This timetable was adjusted to the specific situation at the institution (Appendix 3). Interviews were held with the Executive Board, the course management, lecturers, students, alumni and members of the advisory board and external examiners. At the beginning and during the visit the documents requested for scrutiny were studied. In between the interviews the audit panel had discussions to exchange findings and to arrive at joint and definite assessments. The panel members substantiated their findings in writing. At the end of the two visits the chairperson at the time gave oral feedback on a few impressions and experiences of the panel without an explicit conclusion. The Reporting Phase Based on the findings of the panel, NQA drafted a two-part report consisting of the Detailed Report and the Topic Report. In the Detailed Report NQA reported on facet level. The institution received a draft of this report in the beginning of September 2006 and checked it for errors of fact. This led to a few adaptations. In the Topic Report NQA states its conclusions on the topics and the study programme as a whole. This report was presented to the institution in September 2006 for a check on errors of fact. The definite audit report was presented to the institution in October The institution could then submit it to NVAO together with an applicition for accreditation. 4. Formation of Judgements In this Chapter a judgement is passed on each topic by weighing the facets of that topic. The Decision Making Rules set by NQA in the review protocol [Beoordelingsprotocol] and elaborated on further in the NQA memorandum Guidelines for the Formation of Assessment [Handreiking voor oordeelsvorming], have a main role in this decision-making process. Moreover, the review takes into account any special emphasis the institution might have placed on the programme, the domain-specific framework, and a comparison with other relevant study programmes on a number of aspects. The panel members are persons with great experience and authority in the international world of (classical) music and sonology. Their judgement is based on this international experience so that an international benchmark was easily to be made. 10 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

11 In the judgements on the separate topics the judgements of the facets is repeated each time followed by a weighing that leads to the final conclusion. Extensive substantiation is to be found in the Detailed Report. In case a substantiation/assessment of the Music programme deviates from Sonology programme, this is mentioned explicitly. In case it is not mentioned, then the same substantiation/assessment is valid for both programmes. 5. Judgements by Topic The judgements given by the panel are based on the Protocol VBI s 2005 that describe a four grade judgement scale: unsatisfactory, satisfactory, good end excellent. Because of the dates of visitation the new NVAO directive for this scale is not appropriate in this visitation process. Topic 1: Aims and Objectives of the Programme Marks for the Music Programme and the Sonology programme are the same for this topic. The facet master s level is judged satisfactory. The facets domain-specific requirements and orientation HBO master s degree were judged good. Consequently, the judgement on this topic for both programmes is positive. Topic 2: Programme Contents and Structure For the Music Programme the facets Relationships between aims and objectives and contents of the programme study load and co-ordination of structure and contents are judges satisfactory. The facets HBO requirements, coherence of the programme, intake and duration are all judged good. The facet assessments and examinations is judged excellent. For the Sonology Programme the facets study load and co-ordination of structure and contents are judged satisfactory. The facets HBO requirements, relationships between aims and objectives and contents of the programme, coherence of the programme, intake and duration are judged good. The facet assessments and examinations is judged excellent. The conclusion on this topic for both programmes is therefore positive. Topic 3: Deployment of Staff Both programmes are judged good on the facets HBO requirements, quantity of staff and quality of staff. The conclusion on this topic for the programmes is therefore positive. Topic 4: Facilities The Music Programme is being judged good for the facets material facilities and student counseling. The Sonology Programma is judged excellent for the facet material facilities and good for the facet student counselling. Consequently, the judgement on this topic for both programmes is positive. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 11

12 Topic 5: Internal Quality Assurance The judgement on the facets of this topic is the same for both programmes. The facets evaluation of results, measurements for improvement and involvement of staff, students, graduates and the professional field is judged satisfactoriy. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 6: Results For both programmes the judgement on the facet level achieved is excellent. The judgement on the facet educational outcomes is satisfactory for both programmes. Consequently, the judgement on this topic for both programmes is positive. 12 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

13 6. Matrix of Conclusions and Assessments at Facet and Topic Level Topic/Facet Music Sonology Aims and Objectives of the Programme Facet 1.1 Domain-specific requirements Good Good Facet 1.2 Master s level Satisfactory Satisfactory Facet 1.3 Orientation University of Professional Education (HBO ) Good Good Overall conclusion Positive Positive 2. Programme Contents and Structure Facet 2.1 Requirements University of Professional Education (HBO) Good Good Facet 2.2 Relationship between aims and objectives and contents of the programme Satisfactory Good Facet 2.3 Coherence of the programme Good Good Facet 2.4 Study load Satisfactory Satisfactory Facet 2.5 Intake incoming students Good Good Facet 2.6 Duration Good Good Facet 2.7 Co-ordination of structure and contents Satisfactory Satisfactory Facet 2.8 Assessments and examinations Excellent* Excellent* Overall conclusion Positive Positive 3. Deployment of Staff Facet 3.1 Requirements University of Professional Education (HBO) Good Good Facet 3.2 Quantity of staff Good Good Facet 3.3 Quality of staff Good Good Overall conclusion Positive Positive 4. Facilities Facet 4.1 Material facilities Good Excellent Facet 4.2 Student support and guidance Good Good Overall conclusion Positive Positive 5. Internal Quality Assurance Facet 5.1 Evaluation of results Satisfactory Satisfactory Facet 5.2. Measures for improvement Satisfactory Satisfactory Facet 5.3 Involvement of staff, students, graduates and the professional field Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall conclusion Positive Positive 6. Results Facet 6.1 Level achieved Excellent* Excellent* Facet 6.2 Educational outcomes Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall conclusion Positive Positive * The marks excellent were given before the before the note Nieuwe beleidslijnen bijzondere kwaliteitskenmerken (New policy concerning particular quality features) was published by the NVAO in july Overall conclusion On the basis of the above scheme and its underpinning in Section 5, it appears that the programme scores positive on the six topics, resulting in a positive conclusion about the study programme. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 13

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15 Part B: Facets NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 15

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17 Topic 1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME Topic 1, Facet 1 Domain-specific Requirements Music and sonology: Good Criterion: - The final qualifications of the programme correspond to the requirements set by the profession in the Netherlands and abroad and professional practice in the relevant domain (field of study/discipline and/or professional practice). The judgement is based on the following arguments: Students enscribe to one of the domains the master programme consists of. The Royal Conservatoire has described the professional domains and practices in general terms in one of the appendices of the self-evaluation report. The Royal Conservatoire distinguishes the following domains in the Department of Music, each followed by a brief summary of the competences: o Classical music. The graduate musician plays very well and is able to make choices, is technically proficient, is able to communicate, is able to transmit knowledge, is innovative, is able to monitor and improve quality. The vocalist also is able to further refine his own instrument and to increase his resilience for the future practice of the profession, both in breadth and depth. Singers and players are able to do research in studying their scores and parts and the working of the voice or performance practice. o Early music. The graduate meets the highest possible singing and playing level. Increasing professional skills, innovative and communicative capabilities and entrepreneurship. He also carries out research to the historical performance practice and the development of historical music instruments. Next to that some students are capable of multi-disciplinary cooperation with dance, opera comtemporary composition or new technology. o Jazz. The graduate is capable of developing the potential of international society, which calls on musical, management and communication skills. He can do research into the early days of jazz music. Furthermore he is able to use new media technology to improve improvisation, so that there is a permanent reflection. o Composition. The graduate is capable to work with composers and also with specialized ensembles. He is able to communicate about his own pieces. The graduate is trained very well in composition, production and also in performance. o Art of sound. The graduate is able to find answers to complex and constantly different problems relating to logistics, organisation, management and artistic problems. He is also capable of using technology in music to call for the essence of sound design and research, research and development, aimed at carrying out the composer s and the performer s intentions. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 17

18 o Art science. The graduate has the ability to work with mechanical, electrical and electronic media and to learn to formulate entirely new ethical and aesthetical principles which the prevailing canon had not foreseen up to then. Therefore the graduate has to initiate and carry out experimental research that leads to both innovative artistic products and explains to what extent the product differs from earlier innovative art products. The graduate also must be able to communicate conclusions of research and has to demonstrate a large degree of self direction and autonomy. The Department of Sonology is a domain in it self. The graduate has developed a personal professional practice with excellence in original design and application of technology.the graduate also is able to convert old instruments into new instruments with new technologies, by incorporating electronics in the original instruments. The domain descriptions as well as the corresponding competences and qualifications are based on interviews with practicioners. The panel members observe quality differences between the descriptions of the qualifications but judge them from good to excellent. The panel members recongize and agree with the competences as described in the domains. The competences are as well as, or even better described than the qualifications of master degree programmes in the domains elsewhere Europe, the United States or Asia. Topic 1, Facet 2 Master s level Music and sonology: Satisfactory Criterion: - The final qualifications of the programme correspond to general, internationally accepted descriptions of the qualifications of a Master. The judgement is based on the following arguments: In the self-evaluation report the Royal Conservatoire describes the Dublin Descriptors: knowledge and insight, applying knowledge and insight, judgement, communication, and learning skills. The Dublin Descriptors are slightly redefined in order to fit with the specific context of arts and especially musicians. This redefining process was co-ordinated by the Netwerk Muziek, the Dutch conservatoire s consultative body of universities of professional education. For each of the Dublin Descriptors an explanation is given in the self-evaluation report which elucidates the meaning of the descriptor in the context of arts and music. Apart from the specific domain competences a master s level is descibed in terms of students being able to establish their own practice in the context of modern society, to link their personal experience/conviction/persuasiveness to current developments in the particular music domain, and to master their profession at the highest artistic and professional level. 18 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

19 The next phase in the Royal Conservatoire s implementation of the master s programme is to insert the descriptors in the study programme for the master s. This implementation process will be started in September During the site visit teachers and management explained that the Dublin Descriptors had been the fundament for the new Bachelor curriculum, implemented up from 1 September 2006, but that the Polifonia working paper of the Dublin-Polifonia Descriptors for the second cycle awards in higher music education was not alive at that moment. A further detailed description of different levels in arts education is provided by the AEC Bologna Declaration Working Group in the document The first and second Cycle Studies in Higher Education Professional Music Training. This document is intended to provide a common basis with which all Higher Education Professional Music Training Institutes can identify. The panel is of the opinion that this document is very helpful in the ongoing process of implementation. Whereas the Sonology programme already describes qualifications for research in a satisfactory way, the other programmes will have such a description in September The panel conludes that the Royal Conservatoire has applied the Dublin Descriptors to define the level of the qualification of the master s programmes satisfactory. Further adaption is necessary to fit the Royal Conservatoire descriptions with international accepted descriptions of the AEC. Topic 1, Facet 3 Orientation HBO Master s Degree Music and sonology: Good Criterion: - The final qualifications are derived partly from the professional profiles and/or professional competencies drawn up by (or in consultation with) the relevant professional field. - The final qualifications reflect the level of the professional practitioner in a specific profession or related spectrum of professions for which HBO master s qualification is required or useful The judgement is based on the following arguments: Teachers and management of the Royal Conservatoire are constantly in contact with leading representatives of the profession, both in the Netherlands and abroad, and in various ways such as study circles, projects, examining boards and connecting conversations. Teachers and management thus have a clear view on what the professional field asks from a graduate on master s level. In the mentioned connecting conversations one of the projects was to interview stakeholders in the professioal practice to gain information about the changing practice and the qualifications needed to function well in that constantly changing context. These interviews were being processed by the lector of the Royal Conservatoire. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 19

20 Another way of keeping close track with the national and international developments in the professional practice is that most of the teachers are practitioners as well. Teachers use this knowledge in developing their view on needed qualifications. Furthermore the Royal Conservatoire is part of the music scene in the Randstad (the region in Western Holland around The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht). In some cases the Royal Conservatoire initiates activities to take part in the scene, while in other cases it contributes to existing projects with students or teachers. Topic 2 PROGRAMME CONTENTS AND STRUCTURE Topic 2, Facet 1 HBO Requirements Music and sonology: Good Criterion: The programme meets the following criteria applicable to a master s degree programme at a University of Professional Education (HBO). - Students acquire knowledge by studying professional literature, course materials that originate in the professional practice and by interaction with the professional field and/or (applied) research. - The programme has demonstrable ties with current developments in the professional field of study / the discipline. - The programme ensures the development of professional skills and has demonstrable ties with the current professional practice. The judgement is based on the following arguments: Students need literature, sheet music and scores to fulfill the projects, tasks and assignments. Sometimes literature, sheet music or scores needed are mentioned in the description of the course. Often studenst choose literature after consulting their teacher, in order to guarantee a good level of the literature to be used. Prescribed literature is published in all modern languages. Course materials originated from the professional practice. Students of the department of Music use scores that are used in the professional context as well. Depending on the domain the student wants to specialize in the student uses professional materials to develop his proficiency. The programme structure is based on the three distinct qualifications which reflects society, domain and subject, and is therefore divided into three parts: o General requirements to be able to function in society. Important elements in the programme to improve these requirements are the study plan and the portfolio. In the portfolio the student keeps record of the results of completed parts of the study programme. He also learns to work in groups for which purpose the master circle is introduced. In groups of 9-17 students learn to work together and to learn from each other. 20 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

21 o Domain-specific requirements to improve the student s ability to function in the domain. Gaining knowledge through planned research and projects is the main objective of this programme element. o Subject-specific requirements are meant to broaden or deepen the student s artisanship on the instrument in the domain he has chosen. The masterapprentice model is mainly used to transfer skills for achieving the highest level. But also teamteaching is being practiced in the programme. Especially the student s versatility, creativity and curiosity are important in this part of the programme. Substantial parts of the programme are the projects, for which the Royal Conservatoire is well known in the professional field. A list of projects established in the last few years was available for the panel. Some projects are made within the Royal Conservatoire itself, but most of them are done with artists in other fields or with orchestras, ensembles or musical organisation in different cities in the Randstad. Students indicated that the module Vocational Training is very important for them. The representatives of the professional field confirmed that vocational training is important. Such training should incorporate a detailed training in entrepeneurship as well. The Sonology programme is the example for the other domain programmes because it has implemented most of the programme elements as described above. The other domains will implement this blueprint of the programme from 1 September An important aim of the master programme is to introduce and develop research skills and methods. To reach that aim the Royal Conservatoire has defined six research themes: historical performance practice, improvisation in music, interpretation & analysis, music theory & education, music in relation to other arts and in its contemporary context, and Arrangement: Possible? Allowed? Obliged? The course programme for research and theory is divided into three parts. Part one consists of lectures in methodology of research and two of the research themes. During part two the students define their own research project and start their research project. Part three is the phase in which students make a midterm report, consult their teacher and fellow students, and write the final report followed by a presentation. The Department of Sonology already practices this research programme for a great part. In Composition and Jazz research is also part of the existing second phase programme. Topic 2, Facet 2 Relationship Between Aims and Objectives and the Contents of the Programme Music: satisfactory Sonology: good Criteria: - The programme is an adequate concretisation of the final qualifications with respect to level, orientation and domain specific requirements. - The final qualifications of the aims and objectives have been adequately translated into learning objectives of the programme or its components - The contents of the programme offer students the possibility to obtain the final qualifications that have been formulated. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 21

22 The judgement is based on the following arguments: The final qualifications for the master s programme are of a general nature, based on Dublin Descriptors. Students specify these general qualifications into concrete objectives for themselves in the study plan. In this respect the Royal Conservatoire opts for operating at the individual student s level. Students specify in their study plans the relationship between their objectives (attaining the master s level in a domain) and the contents of their programme. The programme is thus developed from the demands of the final qualification. The Royal Conservatoire stimulates students to stress the development of musically artistic production in the quest to deepen artistry. Supporting studies (knowledge and skills in artistic work processes, judgement, public responsibility and communication) provide a critical dimension. In their study plans students describe their concrete objectives for the master s degree. Students themselves decide on their own professional or genre emphasis. The choice of the main subject is of great importance because it leads to decisions on other subjects such as projects and research. Knowledge of, and skills in, the artistic working processes play a major part in the student s main subject. Students develop their craftsmanship through interaction with teachers, the profession and the public. Principal studies can be supplemented with the student s own professional work. Learning objectives are governed by a student s playing (or problems that are formulated) and by their teacher (ideas on the repertoire and its performance). Where possible and even necessary, learning objectives are adjusted to a higher level. Also teachers check where a performance fails to live up to the student s own artistic intentions or where it falls short of a professional standard. Study plans have to reflect a realistic idea of the professional level a student wants to attain. Part of this idea is how students see their own unique professional practices. These include a range of activities such as performing and composing. A performer has to make informed and musically effective choices from the repertoire. Composers and sonologists must decide on their own idiom and opportunities. The aim of the study plan is to increase the student s responsibility for realising his potential in that practice. Master s subjects are courses that provide theoretical insight and understanding. Together with the main subject and other teachers (i.e. in masterclasses), students develop ideas which demonstrate a clear connection between theory and practice. Students choose from the courses available and incorporate them in their study plans. They can also choose courses from the Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts of Leiden University. The research programme for sonology is the example for the other domains of the Royal Conservatoire. Research is aimed at developing competences such as finding reliable resource, being able of critical reflection, judgement and communication. The sonology example of master circles, aimed at developing these competences, is adopted by the other domains. 22 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

23 Topic 2, Facet 3 Coherence of the Programme Music and sonology: Good Criterion: - Students follow a programme that is coherent in its contents. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The coherence of the study programme is based upon the student s study plan on the one hand and the courses and lessons offered by the Royal Conservatoire on the other hand. The individual study plan is leading. The central focus of the study plan is the student s musical or compositional development and his ambitions. From that poin of view students in their study plan make a proposal for the lessons, teachers, projects and masterclasses they need to fullfil this ambition. The domain co-ordinator and the principal subject teacher evaluate the study plan. In consultation with the student the draft study plan is adjusted. This new draft is subject to evaluation in the admission committee. During the first month after admission to the master s programme the study plan can be changed again in details to adjust it to the ambitions of the student and the possibilities within the programme. Important factors in the evaluation of the study plan are feasibility and consistency with the master s level. Its substance, relevance and the student s ambition must meet the master s level. The study plan is a rather detailed proposal for the programme a student needs to fullfil his ambitions. This also means that students bear responsibility for the consistency and coherence of their own individual programme. Actually individual initiative and responsibility are the key concepts of the master s programme. The panel is of the opinion that these concepts are consistent with the phase in a student s development. The Royal Conservatoire also takes its responsibily in offering a programme with a wide range of possibilities and facilities. Focus in the programme is to move up the artistic development of the student, which is expressed in the time reserved for the main subject (50% of the study load). For other programme parts a study load is set as well, such as for Research & Theory, Production and Projects, Masterclasses, Cross-over, Master Circle and Recitals. The decision about the contents of these subjects is made in consultation with the student and main subject teacher. The programme offers the possibility for students to discuss the contents and the progress of the study plan with the main subject teacher in order to tune ambitions with new situations. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 23

24 Topic 2, Facet 4 Study Music and sonology: Satisfactory Criterion: - The programme can be successfully completed within the set time, as certain programme-related factors that may impede study progress are removed as much as possible. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The official study load is set at 42 and 49 hours a week in a programme to be done in fourty weeks. In the panel s opinion this spread of study load does not benefit the learning process of students. The study load is estimated on basis of experience, rules of thumb and the student s study plan. Moreover the study programme sets out fixed estimations for each part of the programme, which are an indication of the time a student should spend on each topic. In practice student and programme co-ordinator find a balance between student s aims and competences to be required based on the student s studyplan. Because of professional activities students perform, the continuity and practicality of the programme sometimes are put at risk. In such cases the study programme can be adjusted or changed. The main subject teacher is the person with whom students should discuss this kind of issues. In the renewed programme students can include these kinds of activities in their portfolio so that it can complete the final assessment. In a survey of January 2006 alumni indicated the study load to be low (18%), good (42%), heavy (16%), very heavy (10%). 14% Of the alumni have no opinion on this topic. Although many teachers are present at the Royal Conservatoire for a few hours a week, students don t complain about absence. makes it possible to contact teachers in case of urgent questions. Alumni in the January survey are positive about the approachability of teachers and staff. The panel concludes there are no serious programme related factors that impede study progress. When problems occur they can be solved in consultation with the main subject teacher. Topic 2, Facet 5 Intake incoming students Music and sonology: Good Criterion: - The structure and contents of the programme are in line with the qualifications of the students that embark on the degree course: Master s degree at a University of Professional Education (HBO): Bachelor s degree with in addition possibly a selection based on the content of the Master s course. 24 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

25 The judgement is based on the following arguments: The number of students starting in the Department of Music is between 80 and 90 each year (except in 2003 when 106 students started their VKO programme) and in the Department of Sonology around 10. There are a restricted number of places available each year for new students. Students who have completed the Royal Conservatoire s bachelors programme can apply for the programme of the second phase/masters. These students have to pass the bachelors exam with minimum mark 8. Besides they have to write a draft study plan which is topic of discussion in the examination board. In the study plan the student sets his goals about his general expectations, the main subject domain, the theory and research domain, master classes, guest teachers and special courses, cross overs, and his relationship with professional practice. The study plan needs to provide a realistic basis for a practical and feasible personal study programme that will be established after the student is admitted. In addition an intake interview will take place in which the students demonstrate an understanding of and a motivation for the course, its subjects and projects. Students from abroad have to fill in an on line application form and study plan and have to send in a demonstration tape/cd before coming over for an intake interview. On the Royal Conservatoire s website a guideline is available for writing a study plan. Furthermore prospect students from abroad and of other Dutch conservatoires than the Royal Conservatoire have to pass an admission exam of 30 minutes based on a proposal programme of 45 minutes. Some foreign students indicated they didn t write a study plan before being admitted to the Royal Conservatoire, but after they were admitted. In the panel s opinion these exceptions in the procedure for admitting foreign students can be easily avoided. When admitted to the Royal Conservatoire a study advisor for foreign students helps them if nessecary with any problems occuring during their period in Holland. In the interview the panel had with students it became clear that a more active policy is needed, as not all foreign students are aware of the existence of an advisor. Students applying for the Sonology programme also have to show compositions already made or research already carried out, a written and/or previously theoretical paper. The Department of Sonology bases its decision wether or not to admit a student on these documents. Although some improvements in using the admission procedure are necessary to avoid mistakes, the panel judge this facet as good because of the clear rules and and the fair way they are used. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 25

26 Topic 2, Facet 6 Duration Music and sonology: Good Criterion: - The programme complies with formal requirements regarding the size of the curriculum: HBO Master s degree programme: at least 60 credits. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The master s programme constitutes of 120 credits for a two year full time course. In the Department of Music the credits are distributed among seven components of the programme: main subject domain, research and theory, master circle, production and projects, master classes, cross-over and finaly recitals and final exams. The Department of Sonology has distributed the credits among five components: main subject domain, research and theory, master circle, colloquia, thesis and concerts, and finaly cross-over. Topic 2, Facet 7 Co-ordination of Structure and Contents Music and sonology: Satisfactory Criterion: - The teaching concept is in line with the aims and objectives of the programme - The teaching methods correspond with the teaching concept. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The basis of every student s individual master s programme is the study plan that sets out the aims and objectives the student wants to realize. Therefore the programme as a whole can be regarded as a competence-based programme, although this is not mentioned as such in any document. The student realizes his aims and objectives by doing courses, lessons and masterclasses, based on the outlines in the studyplan. The elements in the study plan are a result of the lessons, masterclasses, workshops and projects the Royal Conservatoire offers in its programme. The didactic principles used in these programme elements differ. An important role is allotted to the student. His proposals and initiatives actually determine what has to be learned in the lessons of the main subject. The teacher plays a role as a coach and as a trainer to guide the student to the highest possible level. Teacher and student are meeting weekly. The influence of the teacher(s) is a critical element in developing the student s ability to respond to advice, and the degree of self-criticism implied. To increase the student s independence from one teacher, the Royal Conservatoire introduced the concept of teamteaching a few years ago. Teachers and students experience this innovation as an improvement. The learning process develops its own dynamic and investigative path, consisting of a combination of playing and research. 26 NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo masters of music and sonology

27 Whereas the contact between teacher and student is tight in the conept of the main subject, the contact is less frequent in projects. Students work in projects independently and are being supervised by a teacher once in a fortnight. Another study activity is the master circle, already introduced and experienced by students in the domain of sonology and to be introduced in the other domains. The master circle is strongly student centred: students organise lecturers, masterclasses, workshops and they discuss drafts of research reports from the members of their circle. Students and teachers from the Sonology department are enthousiastic about master circles. Typical for the Sonology department are the colloquia and discussion concerts, in which students are being challenged to develop their own views and notions. These two activities are not yet adopted in the other domains. The lectorship played its role in developing new forms of teaching and new study activities. For several domains the lector initiated new kinds of lectures and workshops. An example is new teaching methods in teaching classical piano. Workshops in evening hours are given by all teachers in rotation so that students learn from the experience of all teachers besides their own teacher. In general the lectorship stimulated teamwork among teachers, mutual consultation and curriculum innovation. The panel s opinion is that the student s ability to develop his professional perfomance and his theoretical concepts is to be based to a well balanced mix of didactic ativities. Unfortunately there is not yet an explicit didactic concept by which it can be assured that teachers and students behave from the same perspective and with the same expectations. Therefore this facet is marked satisfactory. Topic 2, Facet 8 Assessments and Examinations Music and sonology: Excellent Criterion: - The system of assessments, testing and examinations provide an effective indication whether the students have achieved the learning objectives of the programme or its components. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The assessment policy of the Royal Conservatoire is laid down in the examination regulation: the Onderwijs en Examenregeling (OER) which was available as a draft document at the time of the site visit. The study plan is assessed at the moment of a student s entrance in the master programme. Assessment topics are set down in the admission procedure and the guide lines for writing a study plan. In the first semester the study plan is to be transformed into a realistic study programme in collaboration with the main subject teacher. NQA - Audit Visit to the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, hbo Masters of Music and Sonology 27