The rationale for the research component of EFMET was based on the fact that several previous studies and reports indicated that very little information was available on a European level about the training of music teachers and about the cooperation between formal and non-formal types of music education. In addition, obstacles for the mobility of music teaching professionals due to recognition problems with studies and professional qualifications were also identified.
In order to address these issues, one of the EFMET project partners, the European Association of Conservatoires (AEC), conducted research with the following aims.
To collect and compare information regarding music teacher programmes in European countries. The research effort collected information on music teacher training system programmes in 30 European countries.
To collect and make accessible information regarding the recognition of professional qualifications of music teachers in European countries.
To collect and make accessible examples of good practice of project which have as specific characteristic co-operation between organisations in the field of formal and non-formal music education.
The information was gathered on three levels: European (e.g. issues concerning professional qualifications), national (e.g. descriptions of national systems for music teacher training) and institutional (e.g. details about study programmes and courses). Within the research, a distinction was made between music teachers in general education and instrumental/vocal teachers teaching in music schools and private practices. In addition to the information on training systems, information was compiled on the recognition of qualifications and on regulated professions in the field of music: in most European countries, music teaching in general education is a regulated profession, which poses special requirements on the mobility of musicians throughout the EU.
To realise this research, the AEC appointed music researcher Ninja Kors and formed an EFMET scientific committee with the task to support and monitor the research effort.
The results of this research effort can be found in the EFMET Research Study, which can be downloaded from this website.
In addition to the full EFMET Research Study, an article entitled Learning Music in Formal, Non-Formal and Informal Contexts written by music psychologist Peter Mak, introducing the concepts of formal, non-formal and informal music education, can also be downloaded.
