MUSIC IN SCHOOLS AND TEACHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
20 - 24 July, 2026
Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission
ISME Commission Pre-Conference Seminar 2026
Theme
Dates
Venue
Welcome Message from Commission Chair
We are thrilled to invite you to attend a five-day seminar (21-24 July 2026) in Université du Québec à Montréal Accueil, Canada. dedicated to exploring how to create a more accessible, equitable, and innovative future for music education. In a time of rapid change in education and society, this seminar will offer a platform for critical discussions, research sharing, and hands-on exploration of emerging ideas in music education.
This seminar will bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to engage in:
–Inspiring paper and poster presentations showcasing new research and best practices,
–Hands-on workshops that explore creative and technological innovations,
–Lively discussions on making music education more inclusive, diverse, and future-focused and
–Networking opportunities with a global community of music educators.
We are also thrilled to invite you to Montreal in 2026 for a very special milestone – the 50th anniversary of the Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission (MISTEC). This anniversary offers us not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that music remains a transformative force in education and society. Music has the power to transform lives, connect communities, and inspire change. Together, we can explore new possibilities, challenge existing barriers, and shape a future where music education is truly for all.
We look forward to seeing you in Montreal!
Dr. Elissavet Perakaki
MISTEC Chair
Welcome Message from Local Host
As we commemorate 50 years of impact in music education, we invite you to join us in Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Canada, for a truly special edition of the MISTEC International Seminar. Renowned for its rich musical and cultural heritage, Montreal offers the perfect backdrop for this milestone event. The city is home to world-class orchestras, dynamic music ensembles, and vibrant festivals that celebrate diverse musical traditions. From the internationally acclaimed Montreal Jazz Festival to the countless concerts and performances that fill the streets and concert halls, music thrives in every corner of the city. Montreal is also a leader in music education and research, with five major universities and conservatories offering specialized programs in music pedagogy, performance, and teacher education. This thriving academic environment, combined with a strong commitment to music in primary and secondary schools, makes Montreal an ideal location to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of music education worldwide. This special anniversary edition of MISTEC will bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and strategies for enhancing music education in schools. This seminar will reinforce MISTEC’s ongoing mission to support and empower music educators worldwide through inspiring presentations, collaborative discussions, and engaging networking opportunities. Join us for an unforgettable gathering, where we will reflect on MISTEC’s 50 years of leadership while shaping the future of music education and teacher training for the decades ahead.
Prof.Isabelle Héroux
Host
About Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission
The Music in Schools and Teacher Education (MISTEC) Commission, one of the longest-standing commissions under the International Society for Music Education (ISME), has been at the forefront of advancing music education since 1976. This historic commission focuses on enhancing the quality and effectiveness of music education in schools, with a special emphasis on curriculum development, assessment, and teacher education.
MISTEC envisions a world where music education is accessible to all students, regardless of location or background. It advocates for professional music educators to deliver music education at all school levels, promoting the development of highly qualified future music teachers and supporting their continuous professional growth. MISTEC also plays an international role in fostering innovation, research methodologies, and policy development to address the challenges music educators face globally.
MISTEC is dedicated to promoting and supporting the development of research expertise in music teacher education, including creating new methodologies. It also focuses on theoretical innovation, practical approaches in music teacher education, and international collaboration between professionals from diverse regions, facilitating joint research projects. Furthermore, MISTEC emphasizes the exchange of multicultural resources and innovative teaching practices among
MISTEC achieves its mission by disseminating research and information through various publications offering networking opportunities to ISME members, and hosting one of the ISME Cafe’s events and a seminar before each world conference. Additionally, MISTEC maintains a public discussion group on Facebook, fostering a sustained community. Through its unwavering commitment to enhancing music education worldwide, MISTEC continues to support and inspire educators and students alike. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous professional development, MISTEC ensures that the enriching power of music education is accessible to all.
AIM
The mission of the Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission (MISTEC) is to promote the development of research and innovations in theory and practice in the fields of music teaching in schools and teacher education. The Commission supports, develops, and maintains international collaboration, coalitions, and strategic alliances, as well as exchange pedagogical resources, innovative teaching approaches, and experiences among professionals and institutions from around the world. The aim of the MISTEC Pre-Conference seminar is to engage participants, presenters, and commissioners in enriching dialogues and hands-on experiences related to school music teaching and learning and to music teacher education by exploring current best practices and research. The MISTEC Commission was founded in 1976, and it’s gearing up to celebrate an incredible milestone—its 50th anniversary in 2026!
MISTEC Travel Awards
As an integral component of MISTEC’s highly regarded, inclusive pre-conference seminar, we are pleased to offer financial assistance for accommodation to presenters of spoken papers and workshops (if there are multiple presenters, we can offer our support to only one). Registration fees also cover coffee breaks and lunches for all, ensuring an enriching experience throughout the event. We strongly encourage all presenters to attend and engage actively in the pre-conference seminar, as this collaboration fosters a sense of shared purpose and collective understanding. Such participation not only enhances the conference experience but also empowers the Commission to create a meaningful and lasting impact that extends well beyond the duration of the conference itself.
Application for MISTEC Travel Awards(available to those who do not have financial support for travel from their country) will be given to spoken paper and workshop presenters. This should contain a 100-word explanation regarding why an award is sought. Selection for the travel awards will be made according to:
- Opportunity to enhance participation from under-represented regions of the world.
- Quality of proposed presentation (as determined by criteria for selecting/rating proposals).
- Evidence that support is required (as determined by a 100-word statement by the applicant).
Once the submission is accepted, a form will be sent to finalize the application process for the MISTEC travel awards.
Important Information
Key Resources & links
2026 ISME Pre-Conference Seminar Guidelines
Event Partners / Sponsors
