How do young people find their way into music education — and who is still being left out along the way? This interactive workshop invites participants to reflect on how recruitment into higher music education is shaped much earlier: in local music communities, cultural organisations, music schools and informal learning spaces. Together, we will explore what supports young people’s sense of belonging, what barriers still exist, and how pathways into music can become more open and diverse.

The session – which is held by Sheila Simmenes – is also an opportunity for the University of Agder to gather perspectives and ideas from people working directly with children and young people in the field. Through shared reflection and practical exercises, participants will contribute input to their DIM (Diversity in Music), a project led by the University of Agder in collaboration with higher music education partners in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The conversation will help inform the project’s ongoing work on diversity, inclusion and recruitment in music education.

Sheila Simmenes is the project manager for the DIM project and Head of Youth Culture and International Relations at Samsen Culture Centre in Kristiansand.