More than 1,300 music educators and researchers from around the world have gathered in Helsinki for the 36th World Conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME). The conference is hosted by the University of the Arts Helsinki and will run from July 28 to August 2, 2024. The focus is on the theme “Advocacy for Sustainability in Music Education.”

The event highlights Finland’s valued position in the fields of music education and sustainability,

with the chairman of ISME, Bo Wah Leungemphasizing the importance of integrating ecological considerations into educational practices. “Finland and the Nordic countries are leaders in education, the arts, and environmental sustainability,” Leung said. “These themes are crucial to both the music education community and the broader global context.”

Spotlight on research and innovation

The conference features over a thousand research presentations addressing contemporary issues in music education. Esteemed speakers include music educators from the Sibelius Academy, who will present on topics as diverse as the intersection of art and science and the role of music in teaching children sustainable values.

The main speakers of the event are: Tuulikki Laes, Guadalupe Lopez Iniguezand professor Heidi Westerlund from the University of the Arts Helsinki. Their presentation will explore the political and societal dimensions of music education, combining academic discourse with multimedia elements. Other notable keynote speakers include composer Kristina Arakelyanresearcher David Maggsand conductor and human rights activist André de Quadros.

Captivating public performances

In addition to academic sessions, the conference will offer a rich cultural program. The Musiikkitalo café will host the “Finnish Corner” daily from 12:00 to 14:00, with performances by students of the Sibelius Junior Academy and the world’s first joint kantele ensemble. These performances are free and open to the public.

On July 31 and August 1, special open-air performances are scheduled at the Musiikkitalo Terrace at 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday, Resonaari duo Vili & Juho with Friends will take the stage, followed by the ISME Jam session on Thursday, led by Max Tabell on keyboards, Antti Ahoniemi on bass, and Elks Kuloniemi on drums.

A Legacy of Leadership in Music Education

The University of the Arts Helsinki’s role as host underscores its commitment to leading discussions on future challenges in music education. Looking back at historical precedents, the Sibelius Academy last hosted the ISME World Conference in 1990 under the theme “Music Education Facing the Future”, a nod to the significant global changes of that era.

Professor Heidi ParttiPresident of the Sibelius Academy, noted: “At the University of the Arts Helsinki, we believe that music and the other arts have enormous potential to change the world.” This sentiment resonates with ISME’s mission to build a global network of music educators and advocate for the transformative power of music education.

HT