Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents conversations with colleagues at the University of York, UK, which provided the initial impetus for a seminar day funded by the Higher Education Academy, Creative Teaching for Creative Learning in Higher Academic Music Education, featuring papers by some of the contributing authors. It illustrates and promotes creative pedagogical practices within higher music education; these are central to student engagement, ownership of learning, and subsequent employment. The book further illustrates creative teaching is possible that curriculum reform and institutional culture are enhanced through the primary consideration of creativity, and that inherent expectations of creative engagement and output can result in an environment in which creativity is described as an operational norm. It also offers the views of recent music graduates, providing a range of perspectives on creative teaching and learning.