Innovation In Music 2026
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12-14 June, 2026
Aalborg University, Denmark
Call For Papers​​
Innovation in Music welcomes academics, creatives, producers, artists, industry professionals, technology developers and equipment manufacturers to come together and submit abstracts for consideration. We encourage abstract submissions on all kinds of ‘innovation in music’, related to topics such as:
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Innovative production, recording, mixing and mastering techniques
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Innovative approaches to composition, songwriting and performance
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Innovative approaches to music business, events, management and enterprise
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Innovations in music technology
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Innovative approaches to music research
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Innovative approaches to promoting diversity, equality and representation in music
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Innovative approaches to sustainability and sustainable practices in music
Paper Presentations
Presentations are by default in the format of 15-minute talks, followed by 5 minutes Q&A. Abstracts should give a summary of original research and an outline of the presentation to be given, and be 300-500 words. After the conference, presenting authors will be invited to submit a full paper (4,000-6,000 words) for peer review and inclusion in the book of proceedings, published by Routledge (subject to contract). In due course we will open the abstracts submission portal, so please check this website regularly for updates.
Performance and Workshop Proposals
Proposals are also welcome for presentations combining academic talks with innovative or interactive performances, workshops and demonstrations appropriate to the conference scope. If you would like to submit such a proposal, please get in touch with the organising committee prior to submitting your abstract for a discussion of technical requirements and possibilities, by emailing info@innovationinmusic.uk
Dates and Deadlines
10 November 2025 – Abstracts submission portal opens
12 January 2026 – Abstracts submission deadline
31 January 2026 – Authors notified of acceptance
17 April 2026 – Earlybird registration discount ends
01 June 2026 – Registration closes
12 June 2026 – Conference opens
27 July 2026 – Deadline for submitting full chapters
Organisation
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​Conference Committee, Aalborg University:
Dr Mads Walther-Hansen, Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Psychology, Music and Sound Knowledge Group
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Conference Committee, International:
Professor Jan-Olof Gullö – Royal College of Music (KMH), Sweden
Professor Justin Paterson – University of West London, UK
Associate Professor Russ Hepworth-Sawyer – MOTTOsound & York St John University, UK
Professor Rob Toulson – RT60 Ltd, UK
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For any other enquiries please email info@innovationinmusic.uk​
Equality, Diversity and Sustainability
All involved in the organisation of Innovation In Music are committed to encouraging fairness, equality and diversity throughout our event, in terms of the organisational structure, the invited participants and in the encouragement of presenters and paper authors. We welcome anyone interested in the conference themes to engage with us and join us in building a sustainable conference that can represent all corners of the music related industries.
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We are also committed to being thoughtful and responsible with respect to sustainability. Whilst the conference is intended as an in-person event - and we significantly value face-to-face interaction between delegates - we will always endeavour to assist with participants who cannot attend or who are aiming to keep a low-carbon footprint. Where possible, we thoroughly recommend delegates travelling to the conference through public transport and using the most sustainable methods. We also take note of the 17 Sustainability Goals of the United Nations and, where relevant, consider these in our conference organisation.
If you are passionate and/or expert in areas connecting music with equality, diversity or sustainability, we will be very pleased to receive an abstract proposal from you - enabling us to continue learning and communicating on these essential topics.
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Past Conferences
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The website from our most recent conference, Innovation In Music 2025, hosted by Bath Spa University, UK, can be viewed here
Below are a number of keynote films from our past Innovation In Music Conferences held at York St John University & University of York (2013), Anglia Ruskin University (2015) and University of Westminster (2017). Videos of more recent conferences will be added soon.
Download programmes and abstracts for past conferences:
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Innovation In Music 2024 - Kristiania University College, Oslo: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2023 - Edinburgh Napier University: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2022 - Royal College of Music, Stockholm: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2019 - University of West London: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2017 - University of Westminster: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2015 - Anglia Ruskin University: conference programme
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Innovation In Music 2013 - York St John University and University of York: conference programme
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Sign up to the Innovation In Music email list to be kept informed of conferences, dates and announcements.
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Contact:
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