The Association Européenne des Conservatoires, Académies de Musique et Musikhochschulen (AEC) headquartered in Brussels, is Europe's leading authority in higher music education. It supports music institutions through innovation projects like AEC_SMS, backed by the Europe Creative programme, and actively participates in shaping cultural policy across Europe. The AEC convenes councils and congresses to address challenges and opportunities in music education, reinforcing its role as a central voice in the sector.

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