On behalf of the board and the office I wish you a warm welcome to the website of the European Music School Union!

Music and art schools are important educational institutions for young people in Europe. Not only do they pass on our rich musical and artistic traditions, they are also centers of innovation and development. Music and arts schools are special places, and each school is unique – striving to be the cultural heart of a community and a region. They build on existing cultural practices, train the next generation for regional ensembles and orchestras, and help young people find and pursue their individual approaches to music and the arts. They learn to play instruments and express themselves artistically, acquire basic musical and artistic skills, and practice making music and art together in a variety of ensembles, choirs, and orchestras.

In a rapidly changing world, music and art schools face constant and enormous challenges. In this context, it is essential to rely on collective expertise and experience, collaboration and partnerships. Networks such as the European Music School Union connect countries, institutions and people working for the future of music and art education in Europe.

The European Music School Union is the European umbrella organisation of national music school associations in Europe, which brings together 26 national associations representing 6,000 music and arts schools, 170,000 professionals and 4 million students

The EMU promotes…

– the quality and diversity of music and art education and its accessibility to the widest possible audience;

– the exchange of information and experience among our member associations and their collaboration in regional working groups;

– collaboration with higher music education and research, cultural institutions, and schools at the European and national levels;

– capacity building seminars and the development of innovative educational projects as mutual learning opportunities for music and art school teachers through European exchanges;

– platforms and venues that bring together young people from different European countries to make music and work together artistically, such as the European Youth Music Festivals.

We strongly believe that promoting music and art education in general is more important to our society than ever, and we are counting on you to join us in this endeavour!

We look forward to your feedback and contact and thank you for your interest in EMU.

Kind regards,

Michaela Hahn
EMU President