If you study, teach, or research music, whether in musicology, ethnomusicology, music education, music technology, or music theory, the 2026 calendar offers an exceptional range of conferences across North America, Europe, and beyond. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the schedule, identify key themes, especially music education innovation, digital music technologies, music research and theory, and archival preservation, and meet critical submission deadlines. If you are considering attending any conference in person, remember to explore options for sabbatical housing or short-term rentals in these host cities.
Music Education: Building Bridges Across Communities
These conferences bring together educators, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing music teaching and learning at all levels, from early childhood through higher education.
33rd European Association for Music in Schools Conference (EAS)
The EAS Conference is Europe’s premier gathering for music educators, bringing together scholars, educators, and practitioners to explore the intersection of music pedagogy and democratic education. The 2026 conference theme, “Advance Democracy: Participation, Diversity, and Social Cohesion in Music Education,” explores how music education in schools can support and reflect democratic values. Hosted at the MDW – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, the conference features research papers, workshops, keynotes from international experts, and concerts. Special programming includes the EAS Student Forum and Doctoral Student Forum.
- Date: April 8–11, 2026
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Social Media: Facebook: @easmusiceducation
- Hashtags: #EAS2026, #MusicEducation, #AdvanceDemocracy
37th ISME World Conference
The ISME World Conference is the flagship event in global music education, attracting 1,500–2,000 attendees from more than 60 countries. After a long absence from North America, ISME returns in 2026 to Montréal, Canada, with the theme “Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All.” This conference reaffirms the shared mission to foster a global music education community that is inclusive, innovative, and connected. Founded in 1953 under UNESCO auspices, ISME brings together teachers, academics, researchers, and doctoral students for cutting-edge sessions, performances, and networking. The conference includes eight pre-conference commission seminars in specialized areas.
- Date: July 26–31, 2026
- Location: Montréal, Canada
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @official_isme | Facebook: @ISMEducation
- Hashtags: #ISME2026, #UnityInMusicEducation, #BuildingBridges
National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Biennial Conference brings together future, current, and retired music educators, music teacher educators, administrators, and partners passionate about music education for all. Attendees benefit from current research, policy discourse, and dialogue concerning the human experience in music teaching and learning. The conference welcomes research related to NAfME’s mission and the Blueprint for Strengthening the Music Teacher Profession, with sessions covering topics from music technology to diversity, equity, and inclusion in music education.
- Date: September 30 – October 3, 2026
- Location: Long Beach, California, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @nafme | Instagram: @nafme
- Hashtags: #NAfME2026, #MusicTeacherEducation
Music Technology & Computer Music
These conferences focus on audio engineering, computer music, digital interfaces, and the intersection of technology and musical expression.
International Computer Music Conference (ICMC 2026)
ICMC is the preeminent annual gathering for computer music practitioners worldwide, uniquely interweaving peer-reviewed paper presentations with concerts of new computer music compositions. The 2026 conference, hosted by the Ligeti Center and partner universities including Hamburg University of Music and Drama, Hamburg University of Technology, and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, features special topics on novel concepts in 3D audio including wireless multi-channel audio, physical and embodied sound diffusion, and physiological foundations of creative systems. The conference encourages submissions combining innovative approaches to music with groundbreaking technology and scientific insights.
- Date: May 10–17, 2026
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Social Media: Instagram: @ligetizentrum | LinkedIn: @ligeti-zentrum
- Hashtags: #ICMC2026, #ComputerMusic
160th Audio Engineering Society European Convention (AES)
AES Conventions are the largest gatherings of audio professionals in the world. The 160th AES European Convention brings together audio professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest innovations in sound. Set against the backdrop of Copenhagen, one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs, this event features technical sessions, workshops, manufacturer tabletops, and networking opportunities. The comprehensive tech program covers everything from spatial audio and immersive sound to artificial intelligence applications in audio engineering.
- Date: May 28–30, 2026
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Social Media: X/Twitter: @AESorg | Facebook: @AES.org
- Hashtags: #AESEurope2026, #AudioEngineering
International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression (NIME 2026)
NIME is the premier international conference about new musical interfaces, their artistic use, and the technologies involved in building them. Jointly organized by the Augmented Instruments Laboratory at Imperial College London and Loughborough University London, NIME 2026 features the theme “Communities.” The conference focuses outward: what can NIME contribute to and learn from other musical and technical communities? Workshops and daytime programming take place at the LUL Here East Campus in London’s Olympic Park, with evening concerts at the Rich Mix cultural centre in Shoreditch. NIME is a hybrid conference with both in-person and online attendance options.
- Date: June 23–26, 2026
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Social Media: Twitter: @nimeconf
- Hashtags: #NIME2026, #MusicalInterfaces, #Communities
Musicology & Ethnomusicology
These conferences bring together scholars studying music across historical, theoretical, cultural, and analytical perspectives, from popular music studies to ethnomusicological fieldwork.
International Association for the Study of Popular Music US Annual Conference (IASPM)
The U.S. branch of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music hosts its annual conference at George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. The 2026 theme, “Popular Music and the State,” explores relationships between music and state power—including how popular music has reinforced or challenged governmental authority, how government agencies have promoted, preserved, or censored musical expression, and how communities engage with state structures through popular music. The conference coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, offering opportunities to visit the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and other national cultural institutions.
- Date: February 26 – March 1, 2026
- Location: Washington, D.C., USA
- Social Media: LinkedIn: @iaspm-official
- Hashtags: #IASPMUS2026, #PopularMusicStudies
49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Music Theory (SMT)
The Society for Music Theory’s annual meeting is the premier gathering for music theorists, bringing together scholars working across all areas of music theory and analysis. The 49th annual meeting invites proposals on any topic related to music theory, with presentations evaluated on strength, cogency, and scholarly contribution. The meeting features paper sessions, poster presentations, and special sessions from SMT interest groups and committees. SMT publishes Music Theory Spectrum, Music Theory Online, and SMT-V video publications.
- Date: November 5–8, 2026
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @societymusictheory
- Hashtags: #SMT2026, #MusicTheory
71st Annual Meeting of the Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM)
The Society for Ethnomusicology annual meeting is the primary gathering for scholars studying music in its cultural context. Founded in 1955, SEM promotes the research, study, and performance of music in all historical periods and cultural contexts. The annual meeting features paper presentations, lectures, banquets, and special events including diverse performances, formal concerts, and dances. SEM publishes Ethnomusicology, the leading journal in the field, and maintains active sections and interest groups covering topics from applied ethnomusicology to sound studies.
- Date: November 5–8, 2026
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @TheSocietyForEthnomusicology | Instagram: @societyforethnomusicology
- Hashtags: #SEM2026, #Ethnomusicology
92nd American Musicological Society Annual Meeting (AMS)
The AMS Annual Meeting is a forum for the exploration of music as a branch of scholarship and learning. The 2026 meeting will be held online, organized with participation by members of the International Musicological Society (IMS). The fully virtual format will focus on forging and strengthening connections with the international community of music experts, featuring a mixture of streamed in-person programming from around the world and fully virtual sessions that maximize accessibility. The meeting takes place over two weekends in November.
- Date: November 14–15 & 19–20, 2026
- Location: Online
- Social Media: Facebook: @AMS.Musicology | Instagram: @ams_musicology
- Hashtags: #AMS2026, #Musicology
Music Heritage, Libraries & Archives
These conferences focus on preserving and providing access to music collections, from historical instruments to archival documents and digital resources.
American Musical Instrument Society Annual Meeting (AMIS)
The American Musical Instrument Society brings together an eminent group of musical instrument historians, enthusiasts, makers, collectors, students, performers, and conservators. The 2026 meeting will be held at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, home to more than 14,000 musical instruments and one of the largest and most prestigious collections in the world. Now in its 52nd year, the NMM is located in Vermillion, recently hailed as the “Best Small Town Arts Scene In The Country” by USA Today. The meeting features scholarly presentations, fascinating tours, behind-the-scenes access, and lecture-recitals on instruments from the collection.
- Date: May 27–31, 2026
- Location: Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
- Social Media: Facebook: @OfficialAMIS
- Hashtags: #AMIS2026, #MusicalInstruments
The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres Congress 2026 (IAML)
The International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres (IAML) hosts its annual congress in Thessaloniki, Greece, celebrating IAML’s 75th anniversary. Thessaloniki, a city of over 1 million people on the northern border of Greece, has a unique history of more than 2,300 years and is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The congress invites papers on subjects related to music in libraries, archives, documentation centres and on music information provision in the wider community. Since the first settlement in 315 BC, Thessaloniki has served as a center throughout the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, contributing to its rich multicultural identity.
- Date: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
- Social Media: Facebook: @iamlaibm | Instagram: @iaml.aibm
- Hashtags: #IAML2026, #MusicLibraries
Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Music Conferences
1. When should I start preparing my conference submission?
Most major music conferences have abstract deadlines 4–6 months before the event. For 2026 conferences, many deadlines fall in late 2025 or early 2026. Start planning your research presentation at least 2–3 months before the deadline to allow time for drafting, feedback from advisors, and revisions. Early preparation also increases your chances of securing university travel funding.
2. What’s the difference between a poster session and a paper presentation?
Poster sessions allow for more interactive, one-on-one discussions with attendees who stop by your display during designated sessions. Paper presentations (oral presentations) are typically 15–20 minutes with Q&A, delivered to a seated audience. Posters are excellent for graduate students and early-career researchers to get comfortable with conference presentations, while papers often showcase more developed or high-impact research.
3. How do I maximize my time at a large conference?
Large conferences like ISME or AMS can be overwhelming with parallel sessions. Review the program 1–2 weeks ahead and create a personalized schedule, but build in buffer time for spontaneous conversations. Use conference apps to track sessions and speakers. Prioritize 2–3 “must-see” presentations per day. Don’t feel obligated to attend every session; sometimes the most valuable experiences happen in informal hallway conversations or at receptions.
4. What funding opportunities exist for music students?
Universities typically offer graduate student travel grants through departments, graduate schools, or research centers—apply early as funds are limited. Organizations like NAfME, SMT, SEM, and AMS offer student travel awards or registration discounts. Check if your advisor’s research grants include conference travel budgets. Many conferences offer diversity scholarships or fee waivers for students from underrepresented groups.
5. Should I attend virtual or in-person?
Many music conferences now offer hybrid participation options. In-person attendance provides better networking opportunities, live performances, and impromptu collaborations. Virtual participation is cost-effective and accessible, but networking is more limited. Consider your career stage, budget constraints, and specific goals for the meeting. Early-career researchers often benefit most from in-person attendance to build their professional network.
6. Where can academics find affordable housing for extended conference stays?
Many academics extend conference trips for research, collaboration, or simply to explore the host city more thoroughly. SabbaticalHomes.com specializes in connecting faculty and academic professionals with furnished short-term rentals and home exchanges specifically designed for the higher education community. The platform has served academics since 2000, offering housing options that provide more space and comfort than hotels, often at lower costs—particularly valuable for longer stays that transform conference attendance into deeper professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Global Calendar: 2026 Academic Music Conferences
| Conference Name | Acronym | Date | Location | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IASPM-US Annual Conference | IASPM-US | Feb 26 – Mar 1, 2026 | Washington, D.C., USA | Musicology & Ethnomusicology |
| European Association for Music in Schools Conference | EAS | Apr 8–11, 2026 | Vienna, Austria | Music Education |
| International Computer Music Conference | ICMC | May 10–17, 2026 | Hamburg, Germany | Music Technology |
| American Musical Instrument Society Meeting | AMIS | May 27–31, 2026 | Vermillion, SD, USA | Music Heritage |
| AES European Convention | AES | May 28–30, 2026 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Music Technology |
| New Interfaces for Musical Expression | NIME | Jun 23–26, 2026 | London, UK | Music Technology |
| IAML Congress | IAML | Jun 28 – Jul 3, 2026 | Thessaloniki, Greece | Music Heritage |
| ISME World Conference | ISME | Jul 26–31, 2026 | Montréal, Canada | Music Education |
| NAfME Biennial Research Conference | NAfME | Sep 30 – Oct 3, 2026 | Long Beach, CA, USA | Music Education |
| Society for Music Theory | SMT | Nov 5–8, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI, USA | Musicology & Ethnomusicology |
| Society for Ethnomusicology | SEM | Nov 5–8, 2026 | Bloomington, IN, USA | Musicology & Ethnomusicology |
| American Musicological Society Annual Meeting | AMS | Nov 14–15 & 19–20, 2026 | Online | Musicology & Ethnomusicology |
Our “Conference Alert” series of articles will keep you in-the-know about upcoming academic conventions and conferences. Each article in this series previews deadlines for abstracts and proposals for a specific area of study. Conferences are great opportunities to network, meet others who study in your field and perhaps help you make a connection for a research or sabbatical travel experience.
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