European collaboration in professional music training: a historic overview

Over the past decades, activities in the field of music education and training have been realised in the framework of EU programmes, such as  SOCRATES, LEONARDO, TEMPUS, eLearning and others. They range from the exchanges of individual music students and teachers to large cooperation network projects such as the ERASMUS Thematic Network for Music Polifonia. In addition, the European cooperation and mobility in the music sector has been strongly influenced by the developments taking place in the framework of the Bologna Declaration Process, which was signed by European Ministers from 29 countries to establish a 'European area for higher education' by 2010. It is expected that the Bologna Declaration Process will have positive effects on the exchanges of students and teachers and on the recognition of studies and qualifications in the field of music.

More information about the cooperation in professional music training at European level can be found in the following 2 downloadable documents: 

• A short history of Exchange Developments in Professional Music Training in Europe  
  This document describes the emergence of European cooperation in professional music training, as well as the impacts of the latest developments in the framework of the Bologna Declaration Process on higher music education in Europe.

• Why be involved in an international exchange?
  This document lists several arguments why it is important to be active in European cooperation and exchange activities, seen specifically from the perspective of the music education sector.