Creating Intergenerational Meeting Spaces Through Sharing Musical Experiences

Abstract

This paper examines how intergenerational meeting spaces can be created through shared musical experiences and explores the resulting educational benefits for undergraduate vocal students at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Drawing on integrated training in voice, diction, and performance, the study investigates how students develop broader graduate qualities—including cultural competence, communication, and reflective practice—through authentic audience engagement. Two learning contexts are examined: the Demant Dreikurs Scholarship Competition and the student-founded Concordia Ensemble opera company. Reflections from students and feedback from audience members highlight the potential of classical music to transcend generational boundaries, cultivate intercultural dialogue, and strengthen community relationships. The findings emphasise the value of small-scale, interpersonal performance experiences within higher education and point to new pedagogical opportunities for integrating intergenerational engagement into conservatoire training.