LiM – Learning in Music Education is a practice-oriented research and development (R&D) group within the Department of Music at NTNU. The group explores learning, modes of learning, and teaching practices in higher music education. Grounded in its members’ own teaching practice, LiM develops knowledge through systematic reflection, experimentation, and the ongoing refinement of teaching approaches. Particular attention is given to how learning is shaped through the interaction between students, teachers, repertoire, music-making, practice, supervision, and performance or presentation.

LiM’s primary field of research and development is teaching and pedagogical practice. The group seeks to generate knowledge that arises directly from teaching and learning situations. Through collaborative inquiry, lecturers examine both individual and shared practices, developing insights that can strengthen the quality, coherence, and relevance of all the departments degree programmes. The work is closely connected to everyday teaching and addresses practical questions concerning how teaching can be designed, developed, and adapted to meet changing needs within higher music education. The relationship between pedagogical development and institutional strategy is also a key area of focus.

This R&D group encompasses all degree programmes within the department, including musicology, performance studies, and music technology. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration on learning and teaching across these subject areas. In doing so, LiM develops knowledge that reflects the breadth of the department’s educational provision and contributes to the holistic development of learning environments and academic practices.

Methodologically, LiM employs practice-based research designs that provide insight into teaching as it unfolds in real educational contexts. These may include collaborative action research, design-based research, practice-led studies, development projects supported by systematic documentation, and qualitative approaches such as interviews, observation, and the analysis of teaching and learning processes. Common to all of these approaches is the close integration of inquiry, reflection, and the development of practice.

LiM actively participates in national and Nordic research communities focused on music education, including conferences such as NNRME (Nordic Network for Research in Music Education) and MiU (Music in Education). The group also works towards publication in relevant scholarly journals and publication series within music education research and higher education, as well as in peer-reviewed edited volumes and practice-oriented publication channels. As a community of practice, the R&D group places strong emphasis on systematic sharing, documentation, and critical reflection. In this way, LiM contributes to building a research-informed teaching culture within the department, where the development of learning and teaching is driven by the continual exploration of pedagogical practice.

Networks in which the group participates

• NNRME (Nordic Network for Research in Music Education)
• MiU (Music in Education)

Ongoing and Completed Projects

• “Power and Mastery” (Makt og mester) – Pedagogical benefits and challenges of collaborative music-making with students.
• The University Music School Project (UniKuP) (2022–2024, HK-dir).
  https://www.ntnu.no/musikk/unikup

Activities

• Academic Forum, where the R&D group meets two to three times each semester for scholarly presentations and the sharing of experiences and practices. Invited guest speakers also contribute with presentations and discussions.
• Participation in national and international conferences.
• Publication of research findings through relevant channels, including MusPed:Research.