Across its Thursday Talks (formerly Strategic Learning Talks), the MEP Group has cultivated a structured online space for membership discussions and international exchange on systemic questions shaping music education policy. The series has addressed national reform processes such as “Finland’s new 2030 Vision for Music Education: Three main themes and 25 action proposals”, explored workforce and teacher preparation challenges in sessions such as “Reflections on training school music teachers for a post-pandemic world”, and engaged critically with cultural policy debates in “Culture Wars in Music Education: Policy Approaches to Diversity.” Talks such as “Policy Actors in Music Education: Making an Impact?” have examined the role of governance and leadership in shaping sector outcomes, while MEPLab sessions from Asia, the Americas and Europe the on “Global Compact on Music Education: From Text to Active Process” have focused on translating shared principles into implementation across regions. Other discussions have addressed humanitarian responses (“Help for Ukrainian Refugee Musicians”), workforce sustainability, funding frameworks, equality of access, advocacy strategies, and cross-sector collaboration. Contributors have included senior researchers, ministry advisers, international network leaders, and sector practitioners. Collectively, the Talks reflect the MEP Group’s commitment to evidence-informed dialogue that bridges research, policy, funding, and practice across diverse governance systems. 

Upcoming Thursday Talk

2026 Music Education Policy Monitor. A snapshot of current and emerging music education policy initiatives across countries and regions, as reported by MEP Group members. 26 March 2026, online.