Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen AEC

Overview

The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) is a leading European cultural and educational network dedicated to higher music education. Established in 1953 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the AEC represents approximately 300 member institutions across 57 countries, including conservatoires, music academies, universities and Musikhochschulen. Its mission is to promote and support the development of music education in Europe and beyond, fostering collaboration and excellence in the field.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 1953, the AEC was established to represent conservatoires and academies of music across Europe. Over time, its membership expanded to include institutions from beyond Europe, reflecting the global nature of music education. The association operates as a non-profit organization under Belgian law, with its office located in Brussels. As of 2013, AEC has functioned as an International Non-Profit Association, enhancing its capacity to engage in international collaborations and projects.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The AEC's mission is to support and promote the development of higher music education in Europe and beyond. Its vision encompasses fostering a vibrant and diverse music education community that contributes to cultural enrichment, social cohesion and the professional development of musicians. The association's objectives include:

Enhancing the quality and accessibility of music education.
Promoting diversity, inclusiveness and innovation in teaching and learning.
Facilitating international collaboration and exchange among institutions.
Advocating for the value of music education in society.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The AEC's governance structure comprises several key bodies:

General Assembly: The principal decision-making body, consisting of representatives from all active and associate members. It meets at least annually to set policies, approve reports and elect Council members.
Council: A 12-member body elected by the General Assembly, including an Executive Committee with a President, Secretary General and two Vice-Presidents.
AEC Office: Based in Brussels, it coordinates the association's activities and operations.
Working Groups: Voluntary expert groups focusing on specific areas of higher music education, contributing to projects and initiatives.

AEC maintains its independence as a non-profit entity, ensuring its activities are driven by the needs and interests of its member institutions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

In 2014, AEC established MusiQuE – Music Quality Enhancement, an independent foundation dedicated to quality assurance and accreditation in higher music education. MusiQuE provides external evaluation services to institutions, supporting them in enhancing their educational offerings and ensuring adherence to high standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The AEC actively collaborates with various international organizations and networks to strengthen the global music education community. It is involved in European Union-funded projects, such as the "Polifonia" initiative, which aims to develop a shared vision for professional music training in higher education. Additionally, AEC engages with other cultural and educational bodies to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, AEC continues to influence higher music education through initiatives that address contemporary challenges and opportunities. Projects like "Strengthening Music in Society" focus on enhancing the societal impact of music education, promoting diversity and integrating digital technologies into teaching and learning. By fostering innovation and collaboration, AEC plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of music education across Europe and beyond.

Summary

The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen stands as a cornerstone institution in the realm of higher music education. Through its extensive network, governance structure, commitment to quality assurance and active international collaborations, AEC significantly contributes to the advancement and enrichment of music education, ensuring its relevance and excellence in the global context.

FAQs

What is the AEC? The AEC is the European Association of Conservatoires, Academies of Music and Musikhochschulen, representing higher music education institutions across Europe and beyond.
When was the AEC founded? The AEC was founded in 1953 to support and promote higher music education in Europe.
Where is the AEC headquartered? The AEC's office is located in Brussels, Belgium.
How many member institutions does the AEC have? As of recent reports, the AEC includes nearly 300 member institutions across 57 countries.
What is MusiQuE? MusiQuE – Music Quality Enhancement is an independent foundation established by AEC in 2014 to provide quality assurance and accreditation services to higher music education institutions.
How can institutions become members of the AEC? Institutions interested in joining the AEC can apply through the membership section on the AEC's official website, where they can find detailed information on membership criteria and benefits.
What initiatives does the AEC focus on? The AEC focuses on initiatives that promote quality education, diversity, inclusiveness, innovation and the societal impact of music education.
How does the AEC support international collaboration? The AEC supports international collaboration through participation in EU-funded projects, partnerships with global organizations and hosting events that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Organization Profile

Organization Name

Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen
European Association of Conservatoires, Academies of Music and Musikhochschulen

Acronym

AEC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1953

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

280

Contact Details

Address

Avenue des Celtes/Keltenlaan 20
Etterbeek
1040 Brussels Belgium

Phone

+32 (2) 737 1670

Fax

+32 (2) 737 1679

Location Map

Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

List of members of the European Association of Conservatoires, Academies of Music and Musikhochschulen

Armenia

Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas

Australia

Queensland Conservatorium
School of Music, University of Queensland
Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music (Monash University)
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
The University of Melbourne - Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Austria

Anton Bruckner University
Gustav Mahler Privatuniversität für Musik
JAM MUSIC LAB PRIVATE UNIVERSITY FOR JAZZ AND POPULAR MUSIC VIENNA
Joseph Haydn Privathochschule
mdw - University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna
Stella Vorarlberg Privathochschule für Musik
Universität Mozarteum Salzburg
University of Music and Performing Arts Graz

Belarus

Belarusian State Academy of Music

Belgium

AP University of Applied Science and Arts
ARTS² / Conservatoire Royal de Musique de Mons
Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles (CRB)
Conservatoire royal de Liège
Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Hogeschool Gent School of Arts
Institut Supérieur de Musique et de Pédagogie (IMEP)
LUCA School of Arts - Campus Lemmens, Leuven
Orpheus Instituut

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Academy of Arts Banja Luka
Muzicka akademija, Univerzitet u Sarajevu / Academy of Music, University of Sarajevo

Bulgaria

Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts "Prof. Asen Diamandiev"
National Academy of Music "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov"
New Bulgarian University, Department of Music

Canada

Conservatoire de Musique et d'Art Dramatique du Québec
McGill University - Schulich School of Music
Université de Montreal - Faculté de Musique
University of Toronto

China

College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts
Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SHCM)
Sichuan Piano Institute (SPI)
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK - Shenzhen)

Croatia

MUZIČKA AKADEMIJA U PULI (Academy of Music in Pula, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula)
Muzička Akademija Sveučilišta u Zagrebu / University of Zagreb Academy of Music

Cyprus

European University Cyprus

Czech Republic

Akademie múzických umění v Praze (Academy of Performing Arts in Prague)
Janacek Academy of Performing Arts

Denmark

Rhythmic Music Conservatory (RMC)
Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg /Det Jyske Musikskonservatorium
Syddansk Musikkonservatorium (SDMK) - Danish National Academy of Music
The Royal Danish Academy of Music

Egypt

Cairo Conservatoire of Music

Estonia

Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
Heino Eller Tartu Music College
University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy

Finland

Arts Academy at Turku University of Applied Sciences
Centria University of Applied Sciences
JAMK University of Applied Sciences
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki
Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK)

France

Académie Musicale de Villecroze
CEFEDEM Auvergne Rhône-Alpes
Cefedem de Normandie
Centre Culturel de Rencontre d'Ambronay
Centre de musique baroque de Versailles
Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood
Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Boulogne-Billancourt
Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP)
Conservatoire National Supérieur Musique et Danse de Lyon (CNSMD)
École Supérieure Musique et Danse Hauts-de-France – Lille
École supérieure de musique Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (ESM Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Haute École des Arts du Rhin (HEAR)
IESM - Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de la Musique - Europe et Méditerranée
Le Pont Superieur, Pôle d'enseignement supérieur spectacle vivant Bretagne Pays de la Loire
PESMD Bordeaux Aquitaine
Pole Supérieur d'enseignement artistique Paris Boulogne-Billancourt
Pôle Aliénor
Pôle Sup’93

Georgia

V. Saradjishvili Tbilisi State Conservatoire

Germany

Folkwang, Universitat der Kunste
Hochschule für Künste Bremen
Hochschule für Musik - University of Music Karlsruhe
Hochschule für Musik "C.M. Von Weber"
Hochschule für Musik Detmold
Hochschule für Musik Freiburg im Breisgau
Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar
Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin
Hochschule für Musik Mainz
Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg
Hochschule für Musik u. Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt am Main
Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" Leipzig
Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg
Hochschule für Musik und Theater München
Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover
Institut für Musik der Hochschule Osnabrück
Internationale Musikakademie Anton Rubinstein
Musikhochschule Lübeck
Musikhochschule Münster
Popakademie Baden-Württemberg
Robert-Schumann-Hochschule
Rostock University of Music and Drama
Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst-Mannheim
Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst- Stuttgart
Staatliche Hochschule für Musik- Trossingen
Universität der Künste Berlin

Greece

Athens Conservatoire
Municipal Conservatory of Pylaia-Hortiatis
State Conservatory of Thessaloniki
University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

Hungary

Franz Liszt Academy of Music
Széchenyi István University, Faculty of Arts

Iceland

Iceland University of the Arts

Ireland

MTU Cork School of Music
The Royal Irish Academy of Music
TU University Dublin (DIT Dublin Institute of Technology - Conservatory of Music and Drama)

Israel

The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance

Italy

CPM Music Institute
Conservatorio Di Musica Di Castelfranco Veneto A. Steffani
Conservatorio di Musica ''Francesco Antonio Bonporti''
Conservatorio di Musica "A. Casella"
Conservatorio di Musica "A. Corelli"
Conservatorio di Musica "A. Vivaldi"
Conservatorio di Musica Antonio Scontrino
Conservatorio di Musica "Arrigo Boito"
Conservatorio di Musica "B. Maderna - G. Lettimi" di Cesena e Rimini
Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello di Venezia
Conservatorio di Musica C. Pollini - Padova
Conservatorio di Musica “Claudio Monteverdi”
Conservatorio di Musica "E.F. Dall'Abaco"
Conservatorio di Musica E.R.Duni
Conservatorio di Musica “F.Venezze”
Conservatorio di Musica 'G. Battista Martini'
Conservatorio di Musica Giacomo Puccini La Spezia
Conservatorio di Musica "Girolamo Frescobaldi"
Conservatorio di Musica Giuseppe Martucci
Conservatorio di Musica "Giuseppe Verdi" di Milano
Conservatorio di Musica L. Refice
Conservatorio di Musica 'Luca Marenzio'
Conservatorio di Musica Lucio Campiani Mantova
Conservatorio di Musica "N. Rota"
Conservatorio di Musica - Perugia, Istituzione di Alta Cultura
Conservatorio di Musica Piccinni
Conservatorio di Musica "S. Giacomantonio"
Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia, Rome
Conservatorio di Musica Statale «Alessandro Scarlatti»
Conservatorio di Musica Tito Schipa
Conservatorio di Musica "Umberto Giordano" - Foggia
Conservatorio di Musica di Vicenza "A. Pedrollo"
Conservatorio Statale de Musica - 'Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina'
Conservatorio Statale Di Musica "Luigi Cherubini"
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "G. Rossini"
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "G. Tartini"
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "Giuseppe Verdi" Torino
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "J. Tomadini"
Conservatorio Statale di Musica Luisa D'Annunzio
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "N. Paganini"
Conservatorio Statale di Musica Nicola Sala di Benevento
Conservatorio Statale di Musica "O. Respighi"
Fondazione Scuola di Musica di Fiesole
ISSM Conservatorio Guido Cantelli
Istituto Superiore di Studi Musicali "L. Boccherini"
PIANETA ARTE (AIMART – Accademia Internazionale di Musica e Arte)
Saint Louis College of Music

Kazakhstan

Kazakh National University of Arts
Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory

Korea, Republic of

Korea National University of Arts

Latvia

Latvian Academy of Music

Lebanon

Antonine University (UA) | AEC
Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine
Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music

Lithuania

Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre
Vilniaus Kolegija University of Applied Sciences
Vytautas Magnus University Music Academy

Luxembourg

Conservatoire de la ville d' Esch-sur-Alzette
Conservatoire de Musique de la Ville de Luxembourg
Conservatoire du Nord
University of Luxembourg

Moldova, Republic of

Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts Chişinău

Montenegro

Music Academy, University of Montenegro

Netherlands

ArtEZ University of the Arts
Codarts University of the Arts
Conservatorium Haarlem Hogeschool Inholland
Conservatorium Maastricht
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Fontys Academy of the Arts
HKU University of the Arts Utrecht
Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag
Prince Claus Conservatoire

Norway

Barratt-Due Institute of Music
Kristiania University College - School of Arts, Design and Media
NLA University College
Norwegian Academy of Music
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Oslo National Academy of the Arts, The Academy of Opera
The Grieg Academy, University of Bergen
The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
University of Agder
University of South-Eastern Norway
University of Stavanger, Faculty of Performing Arts
University of Tromsø

Poland

Akademia Muzyczna im Feliksa Nowowiejskiego
Akademia Muzyczna im I.J. Paderewskiego w Poznaniu
Akademia Muzyczna im. Grazyny i Kiejstuta Bacewiczow
Akademia Muzyczna im. Karola Szymanowskiego w Katowicach
Chopin University of Music
K. Lipinski Academy of Music in Wroclaw
Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk
The Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Krakow

Portugal

ANSO - Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra
Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa
Escola Superior de Música e Artes do Espetáculo do Porto
Universidade Lusíada Lisboa
University of Aveiro

Qatar

Qatar Music Academy

Romania

The National Academy of Music in Cluj-Napoca
Universitatea Nationala de Arte "George Enescu" Iasi
Universitatea Nationala de Muzica Bucuresti

Russian Federation

Moscow State Conservatory "P.I.Tchaikowsky"
Nizhny Novgorod State Glinka Conservatoire
The Gnesins Russian Academy of Music

Serbia

Faculty of Music Belgrad (FMU)
University of Novi Sad - Academy of Arts

Singapore

Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore

Slovakia

The Academy of Performing Arts Bratislava

Slovenia

University of Ljubljana, Academy of Music

Spain

Berklee College of Music, Valencia Campus
Centro Superior KATARINA GURSKA
Centro Superior Música Creativa
Conservatori Superior de Musica del Liceu
Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Navarra (CSMN)
Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Vigo
Conservatorio Superior de Musica Manuel Castillo
Conservatorio Superior de Musica Salvador Segui
Conservatorio Superior de Música "Andrés de Vandelvira"
Conservatorio Superior de Música "Bonifacio Gil", Badajoz.
Conservatorio Superior de Música de Aragón
Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castilla y León
Conservatorio Superior de Música da Coruña
Conservatorio Superior de Música “E. Martinez Torner”
Conservatorio Superior de Música ¨Joaquín Rodrigo¨
Conservatorio Superior de Música "Manuel Massotti Littel"
Conservatorio Superior de Música Óscar Esplá de Alicante
Escola Superior de Musica de Catalunya (ESMUC)
Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía
Musikene - Higher School of Music of the Basque Country
Real Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Madrid
Real Conservatorio Superior de Música “Victoria Eugenia” de Granada
Taller de Músics Escola Superior d'Estudis Musicals

Sweden

Academy of Music and Drama - University of Gothenborg
Ingesund School of Music, Karlstad University
Luleå University of Technology -School of Music in Pitea
Malmö Academy of Music
Royal College of Music in Stockholm
School of Music, Örebro University
SKH – Stockholm University of the Arts

Switzerland

Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana
Haute école de musique de Geneve
HEMU – Haute Ecole de Musique et Conservatoire de Lausanne
HKB - Hochschule der Künste Bern
Hochschule Luzern - Musik
Lucerne Festival Academy
Musik-Akademie Basel / Hochschule für Musik Basel FHNW
Zurich University of the Arts

Thailand

College of Music, Mahidol University
Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music

Turkey

Ankara Music and Fine Arts University
BAU Bahçeşehir University Conservatory
Dokuz Eylul University, State Conservatory
Maltepe University Conservatory
Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University - İstanbul State Conservatory
Yasar University Department of Music

Ukraine

A. V. Nezhdanova Odesa National Academy of Music
H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University
Kharkiv I.P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts
Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts
Mykola Lysenko National Music Academy of Lviv
Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music

United Arab Emirates

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy

United Kingdom

Guildhall School of Music and Drama
London Performing Academy of Music (LPMAM)
Royal Academy of Music- London
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Royal College of Music- London
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Trinity Laban
University of Leeds- School of Music

United States

New World Symphony

Wikipedia Article

Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen's Wikipedia article

Country Featured Universities

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Related Resources

Explore other Belgian higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in Belgium.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.