37th ISME World Conference

Dates: July 26–31, 2026
Location: Palais des congrès, Montréal, Canada
Theme: Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All

The 37th ISME World Conference Organizing Committee invites applications from music and interdisciplinary performance groups to showcase their work as part of the conference concert program. These performances are essential to the conference, reflecting musical diversity and celebrating global artistic expressions within music education.
 

• Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
   
• Notification of Acceptance: October 31, 2025

• The individual submitting the application must be a current ISME member (2025–2026).
   
• Performers do not need to be members, but the application must be submitted under an active membership.
   
• Applications submitted without an active membership will not be considered.

We welcome applications from:

• School, university, and community ensembles
   
• Youth and emerging artists' groups
   
• Traditional, Indigenous, and culturally specific music ensembles
   
• Interdisciplinary groups (including music as a central element)
   
• Groups with a strong educational or pedagogical foundation

Applicants must complete the online form and provide the following:

1. Group Name & Contact Information
    
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the group and group leader
    
3. Proposed Performance Program, including repertoire and description
    
4. Instrument List (what will be brought vs. required)
    
5. Technical Requirements (sound, stage, lighting, setup)
    
6. High-Quality Video Recording:
   • Recent (2020-2025)
   • 15–20 minutes total length
   • Uploaded to a streaming platform (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo)
   • Include link and a brief summary (date, location, purpose)

Performing groups will be selected with the following in mind:

• Artistic excellence and performance quality
   
• Educational and pedagogical value
   
• Diversity of repertoire, genre, and cultural representation
   
• Balance of local and international groups
   
• Representation of emerging, youth, and community musicians
   
• Relevance to the conference theme

• Groups may be scheduled for one or two performances
  Performance time: 20–25 minutes (plus 5 minutes stage turnover)
   
• Special time requests cannot be accommodated
   
• All groups must be available to perform at the time assigned

• ISME does not guarantee availability of instruments not transported by the group
   
• Any specialist equipment must be clearly listed in the application
   
• Equipment rental costs are the responsibility of the group
   
• ISME can help coordinate local rentals if needed

• ISME does not cover any travel, accommodation, visa, or insurance expenses

• Performing groups are fully responsible for:
  • All travel arrangements
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Visa and passport requirements (refer to Canadian government guidelines)

The submission portal for the Performance Groups will be opening soon. Please check back regularly and follow us on social media for the latest updates.