The temporary closure of music programs in Quebec public schools suggests they are on the verge of disappearing. Checked, the statistics do not indicate bleeding.
Posted at 5:00 am.
In recent years, cuts to the music program – particularly music classes at Quebec's La Camaradière school – have raised eyebrows. However, the statistics received from school authorities show stability.
In the Montreal school service center (the largest in Quebec), it is reported that the offer is maintained: 97 schools offer music at the primary level and 15 at the secondary level. “We have 150 specialists [en enseignement de la musique] in primary school and 45 in secondary school,” says spokesman Alain Perron.
At the Ministry of Education, Esther Chouinard, communications manager, notes that five years ago, 9,333 students attended a specific music program, be it an artistic enrichment or an arts program. There will be 11,250 students in 2022-2023.
Marc Hervieux, director of the Conservatory of Music and Performing Arts, says there has been an explosion in applications for admission this year – an increase of about 25%, driven by an advertising campaign.
The Conservatory of Music and Performing Arts, which currently enrolls 840 students, hopes to enroll 1,000 students within five years. The requests are there, but the conservatory does not yet have the capacity to reach a thousand students.
The advertising campaign was undoubtedly not in vain. Because who knows that the Conservatory is not only aimed at young people who are very advanced in music and who want to pursue a career in this field, but that it also offers courses for young people at primary and secondary level (at an average price of $350 per year). )?
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Jonathan Bolduc, director at Laval University of the program that trains future primary and secondary music teachers
Jonathan Bolduc, head of the program to train future primary and secondary music teachers at the University of Laval, is pleased that the new preschool program (kindergarten from 4 years old) includes two 30-minute music lessons per week. “It's an excellent thing: between the ages of 4 and 7 is the most favorable time for musical development. »
An often irregular offer
This does not mean that everything in school music is ideal.
The arts education offered to primary school students must include two of the four arts (music, visual arts, theater or dance) and one of these must be offered continuously from the first to the sixth year.
However, Mr Bolduc said this structure is often neglected and there is a lack of continuity as school leaders too often move from one art form to another without adhering to the rules.
Another topic: the decline in university enrollments in music classes. Mr. Bolduc explains this by saying that the shortage is so great that potential students are being attracted by “very attractive job offers from school service centers” as soon as they have completed their university degree. [en musique]. Many school service centers reach out to our students, many of whom have children and decide to interrupt their studies in order to have more income.”
“During the pandemic, many musicians have reoriented themselves”
The pandemic was there too. “With COVID-19, blowing the flute was no longer an option! notes Isabelle Héroux, professor at the music department at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). Several music teachers then became regular classroom teachers. »
At the University of Montreal the results are the same.
Francis Perron also points out the discontinuity in music education, which he deplores. If you want to have a career in music, “you have to start young. Music is like a sport. We can't make up for 10 years of playing the instrument [facilement] “.
In 2014, 730 students (part-time and full-time) were enrolled in music at this institution. In 2023 there will be 574.
Francis Perron also points out that Quebecers are less likely to enroll in music at university, a decline that is at least partially offset by the admission of foreign, particularly French, students.
“During the pandemic, many musicians have reoriented themselves. This may have resulted in young people becoming more reluctant to the idea of a career in music. »