Barcelona-based flute professor Albert Mora visited Oslo as an external censor through IN.TUNE. How was his experience?
Albert Mora is a Professor of Flute at Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (Esmuc). He starts his evaluation enthusiastically:
– First of all, I would like to congratulate on the initiative and sincerely thank NMH for the invitation to participate as an external examiner at your institution, which is so highly regarded internationally.
When comparing the two institutions, Albert points to the system of using external censors.
– Evaluation has always been the sole responsibility of the three flute professors at Esmuc. Having now experienced this system, I am convinced that introducing it in the future would be very beneficial.
First of all, I would like to congratulate on the initiative and sincerely thank NMH for the invitation to participate as an external examiner at your institution.
Professor of Flute, Esmuc
Albert believes —and hopes —that his external perspectives provided the students with new insights that could be useful for their future development and complement what he describes as the excellent work they are doing with their teachers.
– I must highlight the kindness of the three NMH professors, who encouraged me to freely share my impressions of the recitals, both with them initially and directly with the examinees afterward.
The experienced flautist highlights the collaboration among the instructors at the Academy, which he describes as a strong example of teamwork.
– The dialogue among the professors after each recital was very interesting for all of us, as we compared and discussed different viewpoints on technical and musical aspects.
He says he would like to develop this further at Esmuc.
An important difference between the two institutions’ models is the requirement that students complete a research project at the end of their studies. In Barcelona, this includes undergraduate students, while at NMH, it is only required by master students.
I leave with a very positive impression of NMH and its flute faculty, with whom I had excellent communication and a rewarding exchange of ideas and experiences. I truly hope to remain in contact with them in the future.
Mora
Albert believes the research part may interfere with the students’ ability to focus fully on their final recital. He also found that the graduate-level requirements for research projects are more demanding at Esmuc than in Oslo.
– At NMH, there is greater emphasis on the practical and performative outcomes. I find this approach valid, although it might be helpful for students to receive more detailed guidance on how to produce a research project that strictly meets academic standards.
His final conclusion:
– I leave with a very positive impression of NMH and its flute faculty, with whom I had excellent communication and a rewarding exchange of ideas and experiences. I truly hope to remain in contact with them in the future.
