RESEARCH COMMISSION

20 - 24 July, 2026

Research Commission - Home Call for Papers

Research Commission

ISME Commission Pre-Conference Seminar 2026

Theme

Music Education Research in a Diverse and Uncertain World? Opportunities and Challenges.

Dates

21-24 July, 2026

Venue

Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

Welcome Message from Commission Chair

Dear Colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the ISME Research Commission Pre-Conference Seminar, which will take place at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, from Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24, 2026. As Chair of the ISME Research Commission, I am honored to continue the tradition of advancing rigorous research and meaningful dialogue among scholars in music education.
Throughout its history, the Research Commission has served as a forum to explore innovative methodologies and address pivotal issues in music education worldwide. In recent years, we have been particularly focused on encouraging diversity and inclusivity in international research collaborations, ensuring that new voices and perspectives contribute to the ongoing development of our field.
Since 2018, the incorporation of diverse presentation formats has enabled greater participation from researchers at various career stages, strengthening collaborations between emerging and established scholars. This has enhanced both innovation and the redefinition of traditions, further reinforcing the Research Commission’s role as a committed, engaged community within ISME.
We look forward to welcoming both established and emerging researchers to Kingston in 2026. This seminar will be an opportunity to share your work, connect with colleagues, and engage in discussions that shape the future of music education research.

Warm regards,
Dr. Ramiro Limongi
Research Chair

Welcome Message from Local Host

On behalf of Queen’s University and the DAN School of Drama and Music, I am delighted to welcome you to Kingston, Ontario, for the ISME Research Commission Pre-Conference Seminar 2026. We are collaborating closely with the ISME Research Commission to ensure that this seminar provides a stimulating academic environment while offering participants an enriching cultural experience during their stay.
Kingston is Canada’s original Capital City and is situated on the traditional lands of the
Queen’s University is situated on the territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabek peoples. Kingston has a lively cultural history and a long tradition as a meeting place for Indigenous peoples. Kingston has long been a hub for creative expression, with a vibrant music scene and a strong tradition of artistic engagement that continues to evolve. We hope the city’s inspiring atmosphere will complement the intellectual exchange and research discussions that define this seminar.
As local hosts, we aim to provide a welcoming setting that encourages deep discussions, meaningful connections, and productive research collaborations. We look forward to hosting you at Queen’s University and sharing this unique experience.
I look forward to welcoming you to Kingston in 2026!

Sincerely,
Dr.Julia Brook, Ph.D
Host

About the Research Commission

Established in 1968, the ISME Research Commission was the first of its kind within the International Society for Music Education. For more than five decades, it has provided a space for critical inquiry and methodological exploration in music education research. The commission’s biennial pre-conference seminars, held just before each ISME World Conference, bring together a global community of researchers to share ideas and advance knowledge in the field.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission adapted by hosting online seminars in 2020 and 2022, ensuring that scholarly exchange continued despite global restrictions. Our 2024 seminar in Jyväskylä, Finland, marked a return to in-person gatherings, reaffirming our commitment to fostering collaborative research spaces. The commission has also ensured the publication of proceedings from all seminars since 2014, making valuable research contributions widely accessible.
Since 2018, the inclusion of shorter presentation formats has increased participation, particularly among early-career researchers. This has encouraged stronger collaboration between experienced scholars and those in earlier career stages, promoting both innovation and the renewal of research traditions. Looking ahead, the commission is committed to expanding access to researchers from underrepresented regions and supporting more inclusive international dialogues in music education research.