SPECIAL MUSIC EDUCATION AND MUSIC THERAPY

21 - 24 July, 2026

SMEMT - Home Call for Papers

Special Music Education and Music Therapy

ISME Commission Pre-Conference Seminar 2026

Theme

Celebrating Musical Belonging

Dates

21-24 July, 2026

Venue

The Music and Health Research Centre, University of Ottawa,
Ottawa, Canada

Welcome message from Commision Chairs

On behalf of the ISME Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Pre-Conference Seminar. We are delighted to gather once again as a community dedicated to advancing inclusive and therapeutic practices in music education and music therapy.
In line with our seminar theme, Celebrating Musical Belonging, this seminar is a space for people of all abilities, nationalities, and cultures to participate, share, and learn together. It provides a unique opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue, present groundbreaking research, and explore innovative approaches that enhance lives through music. During the seminar, we look forward to insightful presentations, interactive discussions, collaborative exchanges, and opportunities for fellowship that will inspire and inform our work.
We are also excited to announce a special initiative—The Legacy Project. As a commission, we endeavor to develop and publish a document that highlights the rich history of our commission, while also sharing the stories and experiences of some of our long-time members. This project is a tribute to the dedication, wisdom, and passion that have helped shape the fields of special music education and music therapy, and we invite you to join us in celebrating this important legacy.
Your presence and contributions during the seminar are invaluable to our vibrant and evolving fields, and we encourage you to actively participate, connect with colleagues, and make the most of this enriching experience.
Thank you for joining us, and we wish you an inspiring and productive week!

Dr. Emma Lines
SME Chair

Dr. Mark Belfast
SME Co-Chair

Welcome Message from Local Host

Lotus Centre for Special Music Education and the Music and Health Research Institute are proud to co-host the Pre-Conference Seminar for the ISME Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy. The seminar, held at the School of Music at the University of Ottawa, will be an opportunity for fruitful knowledge sharing in Canada’s capital. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from around the world to our beautiful city.

About the Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy

The Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy was established in 1974 to contribute to the progressive development of special music education, music therapy, music in special education and other related fields of practice which examine the relationship between music, health, public health and well-being. The Commission seeks to promote interdisciplinary communication and exchange between practitioners and scholars who are involved in these fields.
Until 2014, this commission was known as the Commission on Music in Special Education, Music Therapy and Music Medicine.
About Image
The Commission aims to promote the role of music to foster physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being across the lifespan by:

Providing an international forum for the exchange of ideas within special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields, and their place within different cultural contexts
Increasing the visibility of research and best practice within special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields
Stimulating international research networking and the initiation of international practice and education projects between commission members
Sharing contemporary technologies, equipment, and methodologies that enhance the musical lives of children and adults requiring special support
Providing support via networking for music educators, music therapists, and others in related professional fields
Informing funders and policy makers and advocating about the role of music for children and adults requiring special support

Vision

The vision of the Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy is to:

Promote understanding of the unique roles and scope of special music education and music therapy in different countries and regions of the world
Promote the interdisciplinary exchange of how to best meet the music, education and health needs of children and adults requiring special support
Share international perspectives on the current research in special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields
Nurture musical talent in children and adults requiring special support by sharing international practice, research and training initiatives
Improve professional training and education of practitioners working in special music education and music therapy
To promote the educational, therapeutic and health benefits of music across the lifespan
Promote and advocate for students requiring special support to ensure they are afforded the same quality music education and access to music more generally as that of typically developing students
Share international practice, research and training initiatives around special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields

Mission

The mission of the Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy is to contribute to any field of practice that examines the relationship between music, education, health and well-being through the promotion of interdisciplinary dialogue and exchange between practitioners and scholars.

Activity

The Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy accomplishes its mission by holding a Pre-Conference Seminar immediately before the World Conference and through an active Facebook group. Where Pre-Conference Seminar sessions are recorded, they are uploaded to the ISME YouTube channel.
The theme for the 2026 Pre-Conference Seminar is “Celebrating Musical Belonging.”