Barry Cunningham, professor and dean of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) and Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), met with Liu Yan, deputy Party secretary of Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SHCM), on March 1, 2017 and they talked about strengthening exchanges and cooperation.

Cunningham said technology and commercialization have posed challenges to traditional music. Prestigious music schools like the SHCM and MCM should give students diversified and forward-looking guidance or suggestions.

He proposed establishing cooperation programs with the SHCM and introducing traditional Chinese music to Australian students. Liu agreed with him and said a plan should be worked out for long-term and efficient cooperation.

Professor Ye Guohui, head of the Composition Department of the SHCM, invited MCM and VCA students to participate in some music projects in Shanghai, such as the Contemporary Music Week, to learn more about Chinese musical instruments.