Chapter 8: Essences, Contexts and Transitions: Inside Case Study

In this chapter will look in some detail at musical life in the conservatoire. But you should remember throughout that I am writing under the case study principle. The study of a particular case might give insight into other related cases. There is no need to go into close argument about generalisation, merely to say that educational organisations are likely to share characteristics and issues, and a single case might alert us to these shared features. The study of the conservatoire as an educational organisation might reveal, if not shared characteristics with schools and universities, say – and professional training units – then, at least, a way of looking and analysing them. As you read what follows, keep your mind open to learning about organisations with which you may be more familiar.