The Conservatorium and its role in developing life long learning for its local community

The Conservatorium of Music can play a vital role in the community as a centre for life long learning. This paper addresses the issues of community member involvement in a variety of performances that incorporate the teaching staff from a Conservatorium, the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Mackay. Performances that utilise the expertise of the staff members and participation of the student body, such as the public lecture recital examples, can create a whole range of learning opportunities for all involved. The performances cited provide the opportunity for both learning and involvement – the two key ingredients of life long learning. Performance attendance has provided an excellent opportunity to make the community aware of the total activities of the larger institution, not only those of the conservatorium. Associated public performances by students have engendered a sense of ownership and involvement in the continuing development of individual students and the Conservatorium itself. By building life long learning communities, the benefits of this educative performance process for the general public and the students can have a flow on effect, bringing awareness of the Conservatorium to the community at large and a sense of pride in its achievements.