The 2025 – 2026 edition of the Artist as Teacher seminars, organised by the Association Européenne des Conservatoires (AEC) in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, has come to a close, once again bringing together teachers from across Europe for a meaningful professional development experience. This edition featured 16 participants from 9 different institutions of 7 different countries.
Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in a series of sessions combining in-person and online formats. The seminars addressed key aspects of teaching in higher music education, including feedback, assessment, the teacher – student dynamics and relationship, and the creation of safe and supportive learning environments. The sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their own practice and exchange experiences with peers and this exchange proved to be one of the most valued elements of the seminars.
Participants highlighted how the programme encouraged them to rethink their role as teachers, offering new perspectives on how to better support their students’ artistic and personal development.
The group dynamics also played an important role in shaping the experience. A strong sense of trust developed over the course of the seminars, creating a space in which participants felt comfortable sharing challenges, testing ideas, and learning from one another. This open and supportive atmosphere helped them to further develop their confidence and capacities as educators within their own teaching contexts.
Overall, the seminars were received very positively, confirming the importance of creating spaces where teachers can reflect, connect, and continue developing their pedagogical approaches in a collaborative way.
Led by Gerda van Zelm and Renee Jonker, with the support of expert contributors and guest lecturers (Susan Williams and Yvonne Smeets), the seminars highlighted the importance of ongoing professional development in higher music education. The Artist as Teacher seminars continue to play an important role in encouraging thoughtful, innovative, and student-centred approaches to teaching across the sector.
