In 2025 there are numerous challenges for music teachers – classroom, and instrumental and vocal teachers. These relate to: lack of training, particularly for primary teachers who are often generalists (Holden & Button, 2006; De Vries, 2013; Moore et al., 2023; Russell-Bowie, 2009); a devaluing of the music at government level (Lilliedahl, 2022) and consequent cuts in curriculum time (Bath et al., 2020) and finances for the subject (Micklewright, 2024). Recently, in many countries across Europe, these and other issues have led to a problem of music teacher recruitment (Arts Professionals Media Group, 2023) and retention (Bath et al., 2020) in secondary schools, and teacher education programmes. At the same time, in some countries, teacher education programmes are closing or diminishing (Merrick, 2024).

In this round table, there will be short presentations by colleagues from associations who are working closely together: the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) which represents higher education institutions across Europe and beyond; the European Music School Union (EMU), the European umbrella organisation of national music school associations in Europe, and the EAS. (The latter 3 form what is now known as the SCHEME group, See https://aec-music.eu/news-article/meet-the-steering-committee-for-the-harmonisation-of-european-music-education-scheme-wp7/ .)

The focus will be on advocacy for music education.

The ISME President will discuss advocacy strategies and initiatives to enhance access to music education.

Members of the SCHEME group, of which the EAS is a component part, will explain current and future activities that aim to safeguard music education for all, at all levels. There will also be an illustration of how findings from the current The Teacher Education Academy for Music: Future-Making, Mobility and Networking in Europe (TEAM) project (https://teacher-academy-music.eu/) can be used in advocacy.

After the presentations, there will be audience discussion on the topic.