FEATURES OF MUSIC TEACHER TRAINING IN FRENCH UNIVERSITIES: INTERVENANT MUSICIAN

Abstract

The study attempts to comprehend the foundations of an effective metamorphosis in one of the branches of the modern system of music teacher training in French universities. The versatility of the new relevant specialty “musicien-intervenant”, comparable to the concept of universalism, calls for a holistic study of all aspects determining its evolution. Without resorting to the profound social basis of the commitment of contemporary society in general and music education in particular to a revival of the phenomenon of universalism (which, according to some philosophers and futurologists, is to some extent a sign of the so-called New Middle Ages), we examine the organization of the profession and its implementation. We take into account two pragmatic arguments of the relevance of the universal musician profession, which arose, on the one hand, as a response to public demand for a teacher-educator, versed in all musical styles, capable to build broad intercultural and interpersonal relationships, ultimately breaking conservative stereotypes of mass musical and pedagogical consciousness; and on the other hand, as the desire of French music universities to solidarize with the European strategy of music and pedagogical education aimed at the free movement of students from one university to another thanks to a common system of credit units, expanding educational opportunities and employment prospects.