The Association for Popular Music Education in partnership with the MEMECO- the Mediterranean Music Education Committee is pleased to announce our 2026 conference will be held for the first time in Sulmona, Italy from July 14–16, 2026.
MEMECO’s vision in partnering with APME is to create a vibrant space for cultural exchange—an inclusive forum–that amplifies the voices of communities and artists who are often underrepresented in traditional conferences and academic events. Together, we aim to celebrate diversity, foster dialogue, and open new pathways for creative collaboration across cultures.
Nestled in the Abruzzo region, Sulmona has long stood at a cultural crossroads where history, geography, and music intersect. From its sacred choral traditions and folk practices rooted in seasonal festivals to its vibrant theatres and contemporary performances, Sulmona reflects both deep heritage and living popular expression. What better place to host the very first Mediterranean APME conference? We invite you to come experience this inspiring setting, share your own work, and join a community of educators, scholars, and creators as we celebrate and explore the power of popular music education together.
This conference embraces the wide range of voices and practices that make up popular music education. We encourage proposals spanning research, classroom pedagogy, performance, technology, and community practice. Whether your work happens on stage, in schools, in studios, or in local neighborhoods, there is space here to share your ideas and experiences.
Join us to explore, share, and shape the future of popular music education in the Mediterranean and beyond.
TYPES OF SESSIONS
Pop 10!
Ten-minute presentations grouped by 3 or 4 related topics, followed by 20 minutes of facilitated discussion connecting the ideas presented.
Demonstration
20-minute presentation showcasing a teaching approach, resource, or technology, followed by 5 minutes of discussion.
Research
20-minute presentation sharing results from a research study, followed by 5 minutes of discussion.
Round Table
45-minute student-proposed topics with informal discussion.
Panel
45-minute session featuring multiple presenters discussing a single topic, followed by 10 minutes of discussion.
Workshop
45-minute interactive session with high audience participation, followed by 10 minutes of discussion. Proposals must include a detailed outline describing how the session will be interactive.
Poster Session
Presenters display and discuss their research, teaching innovations, or creative projects in a visual format that encourages idea exchange.
IMPORTANT DATES
Extended Deadline January 31, 2026: Submissions closed
March 1, 2026: Invited Presenters notified
April 1, 2026: Deadline to Accept and REGRISTRATION OPENS
20% Early Bird Conference Discount (automatically applied)
May 1, 2026: Deadline for Presenters to Register for Conference
All Presenters and Co-Presenters must be active APME Members
July 1, 2026: Deadline for Attendees to Register for Conference
CONFERENCE FEES
This conference is co-hosted by APME and MEMECO- the Mediterranean Music Education Committee. When you register, you must be a member of either APME or MEMECO (based on location).
APME MEMBER CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES
Individual – $275
K–12 Teacher — $150
Student — $75
MEMECO FOR MUSIC EDUCATION IN ITALY
In celebration of the first Mediterranean country hosting an APME International Conference, MEMECO proudly supports the Italian Music Education community – including teachers, researchers, and students – by offering sponsored registration fees for participation as follows:
Teachers:
One Day €25
Two Days €45
Three Days €60
Student :
All Three Days €25