AEC Congress and General Assembly 2026
4–7 November
University of Music and Theatre Hamburg, Germany
From Institution to Interaction: Responsive Education and Relevant Practices in the Arts
The AEC Congress 2026 in Hamburg invites the higher music education community to explore how conservatoires can strengthen their role as active, connected and responsive contributors to today’s cultural ecosystem. In the dynamic cultural setting of Hamburg, the Congress will bring together leaders, teachers, students, researchers, artists and cultural professionals to reflect on how institutions can move beyond their traditional boundaries and engage more dynamically with society, the profession and the rapidly evolving world around them.
Exploring the Congress Themes
The congress programme is built around three interconnected themes.
The first, Innovating Classical Music, explores how higher music education can respond to changing artistic, technological and professional realities. Sessions will examine new opportunities for classical music, entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary practices, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, artistic research, and stronger connections between conservatoires, audiences and the wider cultural sector.
The second theme, Comprehensive Learning and Teaching, focuses on creating learning environments that prepare musicians for lifelong, sustainable careers. The programme will address innovative pedagogies, wellbeing and resilience, diversity and inclusion, decolonial perspectives, artistic research, pre-college education and the thoughtful integration of new technologies into teaching, learning and assessment.
Leadership and Strategy in the Higher Music Education Sector forms the third pillar of the Congress. Discussions will explore how institutions can lead meaningful change through collaborative leadership, strategic partnerships, inclusive governance, organisational resilience and responsible approaches to innovation and digital transformation, ensuring that conservatoires remain relevant and responsive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Congress will once again provide a strong platform for student voices, highlighting initiatives and perspectives that challenge established practices and contribute to shaping the future of higher music education.
A Congress Shaped by Participation
Reflecting this year’s motto—Talk Less, Participate More—the 2026 Congress introduces an even stronger emphasis on participation and co-creation. Alongside inspiring keynote speakers and panel discussions, participants will engage in workshops, co-creation spaces, interactive brainstorming sessions, case studies, and poster presentations designed by Congress participants and selected by the AEC Congress Committee via our very fist AEC Congress Call for Contributions. Sessions formats will encourage dialogue, experimentation and the exchange of ideas.
As always, the Congress will offer rich opportunities for networking, live music, artistic experiences and informal conversations throughout the event, alongside the Information Forum, regional meetings and the AEC General Assembly.
Join us in Hamburg from 4 to 7 November 2026 and become part of a Congress that is not only about discussing the future of higher music education, but about creating it together.
