Dear Colleague, The very first words that come to my mind when writing this inaugural welcome greeting of mine in the AEC newsletter are: Thank you! Thank you for the warm reception you have given me and thank you for the trust you have shown by handing over the helm of AEC to me. We may live in challenging times, but our institutions have proud traditions, and with so many experienced, enthusiastic, and committed members of the AEC family I look forward to joining forces to shape the future of music education and the new generations of musicians and music teachers. Danish composer Carl Nielsen once said: Music is Life, like this inextinguishable. Best wishes, Finn Schumacker, AEC Executive Director This month’s Advocacy Updates: Progress on the STEAM front and consultations on the European Education Package and on the Automatic Recognition of Degrees. With the adoption of the AI Act in March the EU was the first continent to create a legal framework for the use of AI and setting new standards for the protection of its citizens. But will it work for Higher Music Education? The 11th edition of the European Platform for Artistic Research in Music (EPARM) was held at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana on 21-23 March. The AEC Council held its annual in-person meeting on 11-12 March at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, in Milan, Italy. 35 Ukrainian music students will perform alongside the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra at Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre) on 6th April. From 25 to 29 February, MUSense organised Learning Teaching Training Activities in digital learning and cyber performance in Malmö. On 13-14 March, IncluMusic partners met in Florence in order to work jointly on the development of a training course addressed to teachers and administrative staff. An international selection of creative works will compose an immersive room - artistic installation that will function as a captivating space, guiding the audience and enhancing their experience. In 2024, MusiQuE celebrates a decade of dedication to enhancing HME quality globally. Initiating its milestone anniversary, MusiQuE organised its first-ever Training Workshop outside Europe. Mark your calendars and do not miss the LOST HERITAGE & MUSIC Concerts coming up this spring in Forlí, Alicante and Dimitrovgrad! Calling all student representatives - EPASA is launching its first in person conference and registrations are now open! Please spread the word among students. On 6th March 2024, IN.TUNE – the only European University Alliance in the field of music & arts kicked- off with an online meeting attended by more than 270 participants! AEC Events 4 to 7 September - Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, Ireland International Relations Coordinators Meeting 14 to 16 November - Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan, Italy AEC Annual Congress & AEC Vacancy Platform |