From 12 to 15 May in Berlin, the final edition of Classical:NEXT took place – the global hub for networking and exchange dedicated exclusively to classical and art music. The event brought together over 1,400 professionals from 50 countries for an interactive programme featuring conference sessions, project pitches, showcase concerts, an expo, and extensive networking opportunities. Attendees included artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, journalists, media professionals, filmmakers, publishers, and many more.

Among the wide range of contributions, AEC hosted a session titled “Preparing the Next Generation of Classical Artists”, exploring how education can intersect with innovation, inclusion, and the digital shift. The session was moderated by Finn Schumacker (AEC Executive Director) and featured insights from Monica Vejgaard (President of EPASA) and Celia Duffy (Senior Research Fellow, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).

The session focused on the evolving relationship between Higher Music Education Institutions (HMEI) and the music industry, prompting critical questions:

  • Should HMEIs function primarily as training grounds for the industry?
  • Or should they act as research-driven institutions leading industry development?
  • And how can education and the profession collaborate more effectively?

The discussion drew on the outcomes of recent AEC projects, ARTEMIS and SMS, which addressed broad societal issues and examined the musician’s role in contemporary society. These initiatives reflect a shift in conservatoire education – away from a narrow focus on orchestral training, toward a broader, more adaptive model. This transformation embraces diverse career paths and prioritises independent thinking, entrepreneurship, and critical engagement with the world around us.

A live Mentimeter survey revealed that participants view innovation as largely happening outside both traditional academic settings and the music industry itself – often driven by external forces such as tech companies. This insight underscores the need to bridge differing definitions of quality in classical music, fostering shared values that honour tradition while welcoming bold experimentation.

The session’s central ambition was twofold:

  1. To better prepare graduates for the realities of an evolving artistic and professional landscape, and
  2. To encourage the profession to remain open to ideas and innovations introduced by students and emerging artists.

AEC’s key takeaway

There is significant untapped potential in strengthening collaboration between music education and the profession. AEC remains committed to nurturing this dialogue and championing innovation in music education.

We extend our sincere thanks to Monica Vejgaard and Celia Duffy for their insightful and inspiring contributions to this dynamic session.