On February 8-11, Pranas Kentra, Head of the Rhythmic Music Department of the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies of Vilniaus Kolegija / Higher Education Institution, along with lecturers Augustas Baronas and Daiva Starinskaitė, participated in the annual conference “Pop & Jazz Platform 2024” organized by the Association of European Conservatories (AEC – Europian Association of Conservatories), which this year was held in Odense (Denmark), at the Danish National Academy of Music (Syddansk Musikkonservatorium).
170 teachers from the most prestigious European institutes and conservatories participated in the event. The main theme this year was: “HAND! Methods, Skills and Sustainability for the Future of Music”, which brought together a diverse group of educators, musicians and students from around the world to discuss and explore sustainable ideas in the field of music. One of the most important highlights of the meeting was the presentation of a new element of the programme – seminars.
The event started with pre-conference seminars, which gave participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in various topics before the official start of the conference. The aim of the workshops was to stimulate debate on the sustainable future of the music profession. These sessions, ranging from “Dancing Your Repertoire” to “Features of Teaching Improvisation to Vocalists,” gave participants hands-on experience to gain insight into the creative and pedagogical approaches of their peers. Keynote speakers discussed important issues such as representation and sustainability in music. Plenary sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, strengthening the community’s commitment to improving the popular music and jazz education system. During the conference, there were many opportunities to make new connections and exchange ideas.
