Our Philosophy and Vision

The Australian International Conservatorium of Music offers world class music education. Through our degree programs, short courses and cultural events, the AICM provides a culturally diverse, intellectually challenging and academically rigorous environment to encourage the musical development of our students.

The AICM draws on contributions from nationally and internationally recognized teachers and performers. In spite of Australia's geographical situation it offers a diverse cultural meeting place for musical influences from Europe, Asia and the United States. This ensures that the AICM contributes to, and benefits from the special and developing environment of contemporary Australian musical life.

Central to the artistic and educational philosophy of the AICM is the concept of excellence in performance. The collaboration and interdependence of staff and students in the achievement of this goal is a particular characteristic. Students are educated to the highest standards based on the best possible professional practice. Conservatorium training requires students to develop a wide range of vocational skills, including preparation, rehearsal and performance as soloists or within a group.

In the words of the AICM's Director, Kyunghee Lee, "My aim has been to establish a conservatorium where students will feel that they are at home, are free to explore and improve their natural ability, and to develop their talents to their fullest potential. I want to maintain the AICM as a learning environment in which young musicians and teachers share their knowledge and encourage each other. It is my conviction that the only way to judge a teaching institution in by the calibre of the graduating students. Thus the primary process of achieving quality at the end of the course is by bringing out the best, both musically and personally, in each student, thorough care, respect and support.

A particular feature of AICM's educational philosophy is the manner in which contemporary research in music education and performance underpins the programs. The AICM strives to deliver a balanced curriculum, focussing on the development of the whole musician. AICM faculty members maintain continuing awareness and involvement in research in areas of musical performance and music education.

Current research issues related to instrumental pedagogy at all levels are associated with musicality and the expressive element in musical performance, musical memory, sight reading, playing by ear, improvisation, the development of inner hearing, stylistic awareness including an appreciation of the other arts, and the attrition rate of instrumental learners. Several of the AICM faculty have published in areas of musical memory and sight singing, and in measurement and evaluation of performance. This philosophy underpinned by the knowledge and experience of staff ensures that students enrolled in our programs benefit from contemporary trends in music education.

The AICM is committed to the continual development of assessment procedures and endeavours to assess in an authentic and objective manner. Staff ensure that all assessment tasks (both summative and formative) promote the major learning dimensions - understanding, lifelong learning, engagement, innovation and globalisation. The AICM encourages the training of music examiners in the assessment process to assist them in producing consistent and accurate reports.

Conservatorium graduate performers, music educators, musicologists and composers can be found in leading positions throughout Australia and in other parts of the world.