The Association for Popular Music Education in partnership with the MEMECO- the Mediterranean Music Education Committee is pleased to announce our 2027 conference will be held for the first time at Berklee Valencia in Spain from July 7–9, 2027.
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.
At the crossroads of Mediterranean tradition and contemporary innovation, Valencia is a city shaped by music, art, community, and continual reinvention. From the living traditions of its neighborhoods and festivals to the bold architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia invites us to consider what happens when heritage meets experimentation, and when something deeply rooted becomes something entirely new.
Connecting, Creating, Transforming: Popular Music Education in a Changing World
In a world of constant change, music remains a powerful force for connection, creativity, and transformation. As educators, artists, researchers, and practitioners, we are called to rethink how we teach, learn, collaborate, and engage with the communities around us.
Connecting, Creating, Transforming invites us to explore the evolving role of popular music education in a rapidly changing world. How can music bring people together across cultures, disciplines, and generations? How can creativity inspire new approaches to teaching and learning? And how can we harness the transformative power of music to foster belonging, inclusion, innovation, and meaningful social change?
Through presentations, workshops, performances, and collaborative experiences, the conference will provide an international space for dialogue, experimentation, and shared discovery.
We welcome contributions that challenge conventional perspectives, celebrate diverse musical practices, bridge theory and practice, and envision new possibilities for the future of music education.
Together, we connect through music, create through collaboration, and transform through shared experiences.
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
Deadline January 15, 2027: Submissions close
March 1, 2027: Invited Presenters notified
April 1, 2027: Deadline to Accept and REGRISTRATION OPENS
20% Early Bird Conference Discount (automatically applied)
May 1, 2027: Deadline for Presenters to Register for Conference
All Presenters and Co-Presenters must be active APME Members
July 1, 2027: 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 SPAIN
MEMECO proudly supports the Mediterranean Music Education community.