PSPBB - Pôle Supérieur d'Enseignement Artistique Paris Boulogne-Billancourt

Overview

The PSPBB (Pôle Supérieur d'Enseignement Artistique Paris – Boulogne-Billancourt) is a higher arts education institution created in the late 2000s as part of the reform of the pôles supérieurs initiated by the Ministry of Culture. It does not function as a stand-alone school: it relies on a grouping of partner institutions, in particular the conservatoires à rayonnement régional of Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt, as well as on agreements with the university for the awarding of university degrees.

Disciplines

The pôle is mainly centred on music — classical instruments, singing, jazz and contemporary music, early music depending on the department — and on theatre. It prepares students for the national diplomas of the sector: the DNSPM (diplôme national supérieur professionnel de musicien), the DNSPC (comédien) depending on the course, as well as the DE (diplôme d'État) de professeur, particularly in music and theatre, which trains students for careers in specialised arts teaching.

Strengths

The dual logic of the PSPBB is characteristic: high-level performer training on one hand, pedagogical training on the other, with the possibility of combining the professional diploma with a university licence. Students benefit from the Parisian musical and theatrical environment: pedagogical placements in partner conservatoires, production projects, meetings with artists and professional organisations.

Admission is through a demanding entrance competition, with candidates expected to already have a solid instrumental, vocal or theatrical level.