Teaching innovation recognised

Dr Donna Weston and Dr Gemma Carey have been awarded 2012 Arts, Education and Law Group Learning and Teaching citations.

Both were recognised for their significant contribution and innovative approaches to student learning and assessment within the Queensland Conservatorium.

Dr Weston, Program Convenor of Queensland Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Popular Music, was noted for integrating critical self-reflection into a range of assessment practices, requiring students to progressively consider their own creative practice and development.

“This encourages student awareness of their personal growth and independence as a musician and equips them for lifelong learning by encouraging them to take a measure of responsibility for what they are studying,” said Dr Weston.

“The Bachelor of Popular Music continues to receive international recognition for its creative approaches to developing popular musicians, graduating fully independent artists who are equipped to direct all aspects of their burgeoning careers,” she said.

Dr Gemma Carey, Head of Pedagogy, was recognised for her significant contribution to curricula design and course development in the Bachelor of Music program.

With instrumental and vocal pedagogy a core part of the program, she believes it provides essential preparation for the more than 80% of the program’s graduates who will teach as part of their life as a professional musician.

“Our practice-based pedagogy program is unique in Australia and its innovation is recognised nationally and internationally,” Dr Carey said.

“Through a student-centred approach, they are able to experience the benefits of independent learning and are consequently equipped to include these attributes in their own practices.”

Pedagogy is taught across all performance areas including keyboard, strings, voice (classical and contemporary), woodwind and brass, percussion, guitar, harp and from 2013 will also be incorporated into jazz instrumental.