Psychological Violence in Current Musical Education at Conservatoires

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the yet limited bibliography related to violence in music education. From ethnography (Kingsbury, 1988; Nettl, 1995) to case studies (Musumeci, 2005; 2008), biographical analysis (Smilde, 2009a; 2009b) and a more organizational point of view underlying workplace bullying in arts jobs (Quigg, 2011). Perhaps the biggest taboo in formal music teaching is the intended use of psychological violence in classrooms, especially in higher studies. Unfortunately, researches highlight that this issue is still present. These studies gather testimonies of students who suffered psychological violence during their music education. The findings start to shed light on a topic that all experienced educational agents at Conservatories have known; cases of greater or lesser severity of psychological and/or sexual harrasment. In closing, some measures are proposed to allow Conservatories to cope with this issue. The end of violence is an essential requirement to quality of life from music education.