The first National Conference on the Future of Music Education in Malta was recently held at Robert Samut Hall, Floriana, and St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta.

The conference presentations included ‘Training for the Music Profession – Observations from a European Perspective’ by Martin Prchal, CEO, Association of European Conservatories; ‘Composing and creativity’ by John Galea; ‘Exploring the purpose of professional development for music teachers’ by Nils Franke, director, Music Centre Institute of Education, Reading University; and ‘The importance of the arts in school on the basis of the MUS-E project’ by Werner Schmitt from European String Teachers Association International.

There were also presentations by Mariella Cassar, Education Officer in charge of Music, by Romeo Giacomotto and Mr Franke on ‘The three-year Music Teaching in Professional Practice course at Reading University and its relevance to teaching in Malta’, by Reuben Pace on ‘The use of music technology in music education’, and Joe L. Vella on ‘Band clubs – present and future’.

Sarah Spiteri spoke on ‘The music education programme at St James Cavalier’; Philip Ciantar explored ‘World Music in Maltese Music Education: Benefits and Implementation Strategies’; and Simon Mercieca and Michelle K. Paris spoke on ‘Music Studies at the University: past, present, future’.

Mr Pace also gave a presentation on ‘Music from recyclable material’ and Antoine Frendo gave one on ‘Music qualifications – recognition and applicability’.

Sventha Danneberg discussed ‘How to practise efficiently’; James Scerri Worley and Christopher Muscat spoke on ‘The Music Educators Programme of the Malta Philharmonic Society’; and Fr John Galea gave a talk on ‘Sacred music in Malta: past, present and future’.