ESHCC researcher Ellen Loots is part of a team of European educators and researchers who have recently been recognized by the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education (SAEE) with the prestigious Sharon T. Alpi Award for Innovative Arts Entrepreneurship Pedagogy. They received the award for their pedagogical innovation called “The Self-Curating Musician (SeCuM)".
Supported by the European Commission's ‘Music Moves Europe’ program, SeCuM is an innovative teaching method developed to transform classical music education by focusing on “self-curation” as a form of entrepreneurship. This approach connects formal education with the professional world through a “mindset-centered” pedagogy combined with technical training, using Systemic Design Thinking to create an immersive learning experience. SeCuM enables young musicians to harness their creativity, develop a personal narrative, and engage with communities, addressing the dual pressures of achieving artistic excellence and navigating the job market. By promoting a holistic, community-oriented approach, SeCuM redefines entrepreneurial practices in classical music.