RMA-SMI-EADH Annual conference 2026

This conference aims to promote research and practice in music, sound, or dance across all repertories, contexts, methodologies and approaches. For example, the place of music or dance within societal well-being; historical, hermeneutic or ethnographical studies of persons, repertories, performances, formats (e.g., film, iconography, choreography), technologies (including AI), musical instruments, notation systems, or institutions/societies. The perspectives of analysis, perception, psychology, or identity are equally of interest. In short music, sound and dance in all their manifestations. Proposals that reflect insights from other disciplines are encouraged, as are performance, composition, or scholarly collaborations between musicians and dancers.

Presentations are invited in the following formats:

• Individual papers (20 minutes + 10 for Q& A)
• Themed sessions or round tables (90 minutes, including Q&A)
• Lecture-recitals – music or dance (20 minutes + 10 for Q& A)
• Practice-based research workshops (90 minutes)
• Compositions and performances (up to 15 minutes)
• Compositions, choreographies, or new musical instruments as a ‘paper and demonstration’ presentation (20 minutes)
• Poster presentations (up to 10 minutes)
• Audio Visual Artworks for gallery presentation (maximum 30 minutes)

The committee welcomes proposals from practitioners and scholars at all career stages. We aim to represent the entire scope of current music scholarship and all facets of dance history. Any individual may submit one proposal.

Membership in the RMA, SMI or EADH is not a prerequisite for submission, but members can avail of a discounted registration fee. For further information on  joining any of these societies, please see here for the RMA, the SMI, and the EADH.

All proposals must be submitted no later than 23:00 (GMT) on 1 December 2025. The submissions portal will be available at the conference website from 1 November, with details of submission procedures for proposals – including full specifications related to practice-based submissions and workshops.

Conference email (for queries) : rmasmieadh26@qub.ac.uk