International Society for Music Education (ISME) records

The International Society for Music Education (ISME) was established by the International Music Council of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1953. The original goal for ISME was to encourage music education as an integral part of general education and community life throughout the world, and as a profession within the broad field of music. The first conference was held in Lindau, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland in 1955 to transact the business of the organization and to share findings based upon research and experience in music education. Subsequent conferences were held in 1958, 1961, 1963, and biennially since 1964. Ideas are shared through workshops, demonstrations, lectures, concerts, exhibitions and social events.

The Board of Directors consists of the President, Past President, President-Elect, Secretary General, Treasurer, and several additional members. Prior to 1986, three Vice-Presidents, rather than Past-President and President-Elect, were elected.

The Development, Publications, and Research Commissions were established in 1968, after which a number of commissions were created to cover areas of interest to ISME. ISME's Publications Commission oversees the publishing of the International Journal of Music Education (formerly the International Music Educator and Yearbook) and scholarly and professional materials. Since 1968, the Research Commission has sponsored numerous Research Seminars.

Other International Seminars, based upon specific topics and organized by a particular commission, have been held periodically. In 1982, commissions began to schedule seminars preceding the biennial conference in geographically convenient locations. Miscellaneous seminars are occasionally planned.

ISME has been represented in over 80 countries throughout the world by National Sections/Organizations which assist in transacting financial business and in sponsoring music education activities. In 1976, ISME Regional Centers began to be established to assist with these functions. Centers exist in Buenos Aires (for Latin American countries), Tokyo (for Asian countries), and Bonn (for European countries).