The Australian National University and Manhattan School of Music in New York have announced a distance learning partnership in a live videoconference signing ceremony and concert across the two continents.
The agreement – signed in New York City by ANU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ian Chubb and President Robert Sirota of the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) – sees the formation of a unique partnership between two world-leading musical institutions, using dedicated state-of-the-art music videoconferencing facilities and high-speed internet networks.
The two institutions will work together on a range of initiatives, utilising leading edge videoconference technology for one-on-one lessons, master classes, virtual staff and student exchanges, and collaborative research into best practice in music performance and education over long distances. Additionally, the agreement will see the institutions explore the opportunities for international benchmarking in examination panels and for virtual auditions for US institutions via ANU.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said technology had enabled the two institutions to overcome the tyranny of distance to share world-leading expertise in classical and jazz music.
“This agreement brings together two institutions that are recognised leaders in their fields, and will serve as the basis for enduring and wide-ranging collaboration,” said Professor Chubb.
“Using state-of-the-art music-specific videoconferencing for lessons and cross-institution collaboration, this exciting partnership offers myriad opportunities for staff and students of both institutions.
“But it’s also exciting because it takes teaching and research into a new arena. Through collaborative research into use of this technology over such distances, we will be paving the way for current and future musicians, in Australia and beyond, to engage and play on a global stage. It is now possible for young music students in towns like Wagga Wagga to connect with musicians in Manhattan via the ANU School of Music,” said Professor Chubb.