Music Therapy Educators Gathering 2026
Creating a Global Network for Music Therapy Education: join us for an inspiring two-day collaborative gathering where music therapy educators come together to explore the evolving landscape of our profession.
Hosted by ArtEZ Academy of Music in partnership with Aalborg University (Denmark) and Melbourne University (Australia), this unique event offers a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities shaping music therapy education today and tomorrow. 
What awaits you
Day one: Foundations and Futures
Dive into thought-provoking discussions about the need for specialization or eclective approaches in higher music therapy education. Explore these topics in depth through concurrent sessions focusing on:
- Student related topics: Neurodiversity in the classroom and diverse musical identities
- Professional/Educators topics: Applied research perspectives and international education standards
- Curriculum Innovation: Training therapists for evolving professional roles
Day two: Music at the Heart
Discover the central role of music in both education and practice. Engage with topics including:
- Musical Diversity: Supporting students with varied musical backgrounds
- Technology Integration: From acoustic instruments to AI in music therapy
- Professional Learning Communities: Internships, experiential learning, and addressing mistakes as learning opportunities
- Accessibility: Equity and access to music therapy
A gathering that resonates
This isn't just another conference—it's an intimate gathering designed for genuine connection and collaboration. Each day features:
- Interactive plenaries
- Focused Breakout Sessions
- Musical Experiences
- Reflective Wrap-ups that capture collective insights
- Informal Networking opportunities to build lasting connections
You will gather with:
Music therapy educators, professionals, researchers, and curriculum developers who are passionate about collaboration and advancing our field through innovative education.
Practical details:
Date: April 16-17, 2026
Location: ArtEZ Academy of Music, Van Essengaarde 10, 7511 PN Enschede, Netherlands
Investment: € 80 per person
Format: Interactive sessions, small group dialogues, musical experiences, and plenty of time for organic connections
Participants: This event is for music therapy educators only
Participants minimum: 25; Max: 75
Accommodation:
There are several hotels in Enschede where you can stay. We have reserved rooms in two hotels for the conference on April 15 and 16, 2026. Please note: there are 35 rooms available. Once these are occupied, we cannot guarantee a room.
The closest hotel is the Intercity Hotel. It is located in the center of Enschede and a 5-minute walk from the Conservatory. We have reserved 25 rooms here (the hotel has more rooms available). Rooms can be cancelled free of charge up to 8 weeks before arrival. You can book via this link: IntercityHotel
The other hotel is Bij Jacob, located on the outskirts of Enschede in a quiet neighbourhood on a small square opposite the church. There are 10 rooms available for the conference. These are all the rooms available here, so once they are gone, they are gone. Rooms can be cancelled free of charge up to 5 days before arrival. You can book via this link: Bij Jacob
Please note! If you would like to make use of one of the above options, please ensure that you make your reservation by December 19, 2025, at the latest. When making your reservation, please mention that you are a participant at the Educators Gathering. Breakfast is included in the above options, but you can choose not to make use of this at any time. In that case, you will not be charged for it.
There are, of course, other hotels where you can reserve a room. Below are a few suggestions:
Fletcher Hotel - De Broeierd
Little Monkey Hostel (low budget)
Van der Valk Hotel
Cancellation
Cancellation is permitted until 15th of March, 2026. This entails €25 administration costs. The registration fee cannot be refunded when cancelling after this date. Naturally, it is possible for someone else to take over the participant’s place, and this entails no extra expense. For cancellations and substitutions please contact the Education Office conservatorium.enschede@artez.nl
Disclaimer
We hereby release, waive and forever discharge any and all liability, claims and demands of whatever kind or nature against ArtEZ University of the Arts, the professorship in music-based therapies and interventions and its affiliated partners and sponsors, including in each case, without limitation, their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (the "released parties"), either in law or in equity, to the fullest extent permissible by law, including but not limited to damages or losses caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of the released parties unforeseen circumstances due to Covid-19 or other health hazard related issues, including but not limited to death, bodily injury, illness, economic loss or out of pocket expenses, or loss or damage to property.