IncluMusic at the 32nd Conference of the European Association for Music in Schools and the 10th European Regional Conference of ISME (The International Society for Music Education) June 2025
Diana Elena Sârb, ANMGD
The IncluMusic project represents a European effort to promote inclusion, creativity, and participation through the universal language of music. Rooted in the belief that every child should have access to meaningful musical experiences, IncluMusic aims to make music education more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for all learners.
Music has a unique capacity to connect people beyond words, cultures, and abilities. It can bridge differences, foster empathy, and create shared understanding. Within this framework, IncluMusic seeks to transform traditional approaches to music education into more participatory, multisensory, and collaborative experiences.
The European project IncluMusic was presented at the 32nd Conference of the EAS (European Association for Music in Schools) and the 10th European Regional Conference of ISME (The International Society for Music Education). The scientific event took place between June 4 and 7, 2025, in Evora, Portugal.
IncluMusic has been described in Portugal by two members of the project teams from two partner countries in the project: Sarb Diana Elena from ANMGD (Gheorghe Dima National Academy of Music) and Yiannis Miralis from EUC (European University of Cyprus).
We present some of the main ideas mentioned in the project description at the conference in Evora, Portugal, as well as some suggestive images.
The project brings together educators, musicians, researchers, and cultural institutions from across Europe. Together, they develop inclusive pedagogical methods and educational resources designed to support children with diverse needs — including those with disabilities, those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds, and those who are newly integrated into European societies.
One of the project’s main innovations is the use of multisensory learning strategies, where sound, movement, touch, and visual elements are combined to ensure that each child can engage through the senses that work best for them. This approach not only supports accessibility but also enhances creativity, expression, and emotional development.
IncluMusic also emphasizes the importance of teacher training. Educators receive guidance and tools to adapt musical activities to varied learning needs, helping them create inclusive environments where every child can participate actively and confidently.
The European dimension of IncluMusic is central to its identity. Through collaboration between partners in different countries, the project promotes intercultural dialogue and the exchange of musical traditions. It aligns with key European priorities — such as inclusion, digital transformation, and the development of the European Education Area — while contributing to a shared sense of cultural belonging.
The expected outcomes are significant: improved access to music education for all children, enhanced professional competences for educators, and stronger community connections through collective musical experiences. Ultimately, IncluMusic contributes to building a more inclusive, creative, and cohesive Europe — one that listens to every voice and values every rhythm.
Inclusion through music is not only an educational goal; it is also a vision of society. A society where diversity is seen as harmony, and where everyone has a place in the collective sound of Europe.
The entire project was briefly presented, up to the last work package, which is currently in progress, with an emphasis on the interviews and focus groups that we organized in a previous stage. We noticed a lot of interest in IncluMusic, and we think we managed to draw attention to the main issues. We got some contacts, people who are interested in taking part in your future project events (like external testing).
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency for Community Programs in the Field of Education and Professional Development. Neither the European Union nor ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.