ISMESpecial Music Education and Music Therapy Commission

About

The Commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy was established in 1974 to contribute to the progressive development of special music education, music therapy, music in special education and other related fields of practice which examine the relationship between music, health, public health and well-being. The Commission seeks to promote interdisciplinary communication and exchange between practitioners and scholars who are involved in these fields. Until 2014, this commission was known as the Commission on Music in Special Education.

The Commission aims to promote the role of music to foster physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being across the lifespan by:

• Providing an international forum for the exchange of ideas within special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields, and their place within different cultural contexts.
• Increasing the visibility of research and best practice within special music education, music therapy and other related professional fields.
• Stimulating international research networking and the initiation of international practice and education projects between commission members.
• Sharing contemporary technologies, equipment, and methodologies that enhance the musical lives of children and adults requiring special support.
• Providing support via networking for music educators, music therapists, and others in related professional fields.
• Informing funders and policy makers and advocating about the role of music for children and adults requiring special support.

Mission