We believe that cultural diversity, participation, and creativity are vital to achieving a sustainable, fair, and thriving society that fosters individual and collective wellbeing. By recognizing music and arts education as a fundamental right, we uphold these values and empower future generations to create a better, more sustainable world.
- Cultural Diversity & Inclusion – safeguarding diverse traditions and ensuring equitable access for all
- Human & Cultural Rights – supporting the universal right to participate in music and arts education
- Educational Quality & Innovation – fostering creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital transformation
- Social Cohesion & Empowerment – strengthening participation, community building and youth empowerment
- Community & Exchange – creating spaces where members, educators, and students from diverse backgrounds meet, learn, and grow together in mutual respect and appreciation
- Sustainability – committing to environmentally and socially responsible and future-oriented practices
The role of EMU and music and art schools in society
Music and art schools are vibrant spaces for creativity, cultural engagement and community development. They preserve our musical heritage and the rich diversity of traditions and practices, while embracing innovation and new forms of artistic expression. They empower young people, strengthen social cohesion, and contribute to the development of societies that are democratic, sustainable, innovative and future-oriented.
By connecting its members across Europe, the EMU provides a unique platform for mutual exchange and understanding. It enables dialogue and collaboration across diverse traditions, systems, and perspectives – from institutional leaders to teachers and students – fostering a culture of respect, appreciation, and shared learning.
The EMU supports its members by fostering partnerships with European networks and across the cultural and educational sectors, expanding collaboration at European and international levels, encouraging innovation in teaching and learning, including new approaches, and raising the profile of music and art schools as vital institutions in Europe’s cultural landscape.
The European Music School Union (EMU) is the voice for music and art schools in Europe, advocating for music and arts education as a cultural right for all, and strengthening schools as vibrant spaces for creativity, diversity and social cohesion across Europe.
The EMU envisions a Europe in which music and arts education remain a political and societal priority, with music and art schools serving as pillars of cultural and educational life, empowering future generations through creativity, participation and innovation.
