Call for Proposals: Lectorate Royal Conservatoire (internal call)
The lectorate 'Music, Education and Society' invites KC teachers and artist-researchers to send in research proposals for a limited number of research positions, starting in February 2026. This call is open to teachers in all departments who hold a master's degree and are contractually employed by KC. Unfortunately, this call is not for guest teachers working for KC on a freelance basis.
Focus on heritage in contemporary higher music education
Music education at the KC is grounded in knowledge, practices, and repertoires that stem from long and culturally situated developments to which many generations of artists and teachers have contributed. At the same time, our educational programmes must also constantly reinterpret and question the current meaning and value of that heritage, connecting it with new voices and practices that will in turn become part of tomorrow's heritage.
In the context of the KC's 200th anniversary in 2026, the Lectorate of Music, Education & Society will establish a research group that will focus on the role and significance of heritage in contemporary higher music education. We look forward to receiving research proposals related to heritage in the broadest sense of the word, including not only repertoires, but also processes, attitudes, and ways of listening, teaching, and creating that are nourished by the past. What is the relevance of musical heritage as it is taught at our institution today? How can musical traditions continue to inspire tomorrow's music? Which voices are missing from the canon, and which new practices should be given space? And how are current technological developments changing our relationship with our musical past and future?
Relevant results from selected research projects will be included in a new peer-reviewed book, to be published by the Lectorate in 2027.
Further information on selection criteria can be found in the application form.
- An overview of finalized projects of the Research Group 2024 can be found here.
- An overview of the current research group can be found here.
- On the KC website, you can also read more about the research mission and vision of the KC and the lectorate.
Prospective candidates are welcome to contact lector Paul Craenen (p.craenen@koncon.nl) to discuss their ideas before submitting a proposal.
3 different research tracks
- Preliminary research (40 hours)
This track is meant for teachers to explore and situate the potential of a research question or topic and to prepare a fully worked-out research proposal under the guidance of the lector.
- One-year research project (0.2 fte)
This track is meant for researchers with a clear and well-defined research project leading to concrete results within a one-year time frame. In some cases, this position may also be shared by two researchers working collaboratively. The expected outcome for one-year research projects is a research report on the Research Catalogue.
- Two-year research project (0.2 fte)
This track is designed for senior researchers who wish to develop a longer-term research project with a substantial, peer-reviewed outcome and clear relevance to both their professional practice and the wider research field.
Only a limited number of research positions are available. Candidates for two-year or one-year positions may be asked to redefine their proposal into a smaller-scale one-year project or preliminary research.
Research group and dissemination
The lectorate takes care of monthly research group meetings and facilitates expert feedback and supervision. Selected candidates for one-year and two-year research projects will be expected to attend all research group meetings, in which they present their progress, give feedback and discuss questions related to methods, processes, and modes of dissemination. The KC supports research group members to present their work at relevant conferences in The Netherlands and abroad.
By 15 January 2027, all researchers must submit a research report on the Research Catalogue, in which the research process and outcomes are described and in which the research question is answered. At the beginning of February, all researchers will present the outcomes of their research during the annual Lectorate Event.
Application
We welcome ambitious and risk-taking projects, but we also stress the importance of a well-defined methodology and realistic aims, with a clear relevance to the artistic and/or teaching practice of the candidate. Accepted proposals may be adapted or defined more concretely after discussion with the lector. Applications must follow the format of and be submitted through this online form before 1 December 2025. A selection committee, with representatives of a wide variety of disciplines and departments at the KC, will decide about the proposals before the Christmas break. elected candidates will receive a confirmation by 19 December 2025.
Don’t hesitate to contact Paul Craenen (lector, p.craenen@koncon.nl) or Roos Leeflang (coordinator lectorate, r.leeflang@koncon.nl) for more information about the call, selection procedure, research trajectory, and support.