Musicin context 1 The international music world is increasingly shaped by music from diverse cultures. However, almost no structural research has been performed into the impact this had, or might have in the future, on musicians in training. In addition, the Amsterdam Conservatory has asked Joël Bons to investigate the feasibility of a Centre of Excellence at the Conservatory devoted to various aspects of non-Western music, namely knowledge, research, composition and performance. Joël Bons 3 2