ISME Policy Commission Pre-Conference Seminar
July 20-24, 2026
University of Toronto, St. George Campus | Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to Toronto
Toronto, Canada’s largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario, is one of the world’s most multicultural cities and a global center for business, finance, arts, and culture. Home to over 2.9 million people, Toronto’s diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, festivals, cuisine, and vibrant music scene.
The city’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural expression makes it an ideal setting for international scholarly collaboration and the exploration of policy issues in music education.
University of Toronto – St. George Campus
[University of Toronto St. George Campus – Historic buildings with modern facilities]
Add photo of UofT’s iconic University College or Convocation Hall
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s leading institution of learning and one of the world’s top research universities. The historic St. George Campus, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, seamlessly blends Victorian-era architecture with state-of-the-art facilities.
Campus Highlights:
- Prime location in downtown Toronto, walking distance to cultural venues
- Historic architecture mixed with modern research facilities
- Excellent transportation connections via subway, streetcar, and bus
- World-class libraries including the iconic Robarts Library
- Beautiful green spaces providing peaceful areas for discussion and networking
Faculty of Music
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, housed in the Edward Johnson Building, is one of Canada’s premier music schools. The faculty features:
- Walter Hall – A beautiful 500-seat concert hall
- MacMillan Theatre – Historic performance venue
- State-of-the-art practice rooms and recording facilities
- Music library with extensive research collections
Toronto’s Music Scene
Toronto’s music ecosystem provides perfect real-world examples of policy in action:
World-Class Venues
- Roy Thomson Hall – Home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
- Massey Hall – Historic venue recently renovated
- Four Seasons Centre – Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet
- Phoenix Concert Theatre – Popular music venue
Community Music Spaces
- Regent Park School of Music – Community-based music education
- SKETCH Working Arts – Arts program for marginalized youth
- Lula Lounge – World music venue and cultural hub
- Neighbourhood music programs across Toronto’s diverse communities
Getting to Toronto
Air Travel
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – Canada’s largest airport with direct flights from over 175 destinations worldwide. Located 25 km from downtown with excellent ground transportation options.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) – Smaller airport on Toronto Islands, 10 minutes from downtown, primarily serving regional routes.
Ground Transportation
- UP Express – Direct train from Pearson Airport to downtown (25 minutes)
- TTC Subway – Extensive subway system connecting the campus to the entire city
- Streetcars – Historic streetcar network providing convenient campus access
- GO Transit – Regional rail and bus service from surrounding areas
Accommodation
On-Campus Options
[University of Toronto residence buildings – Graduate House or New College]
Add photo of UofT graduate residence facilities
- Graduate House – On-campus accommodation for visiting scholars
- Massey College – Historic college with guest facilities
- Summer residence options – Various colleges offer summer accommodation
Nearby Hotels
- Chelsea Hotel Toronto – Family-friendly, close to campus
- Park Hyatt Toronto – Luxury option in Yorkville
- The Hazelton Hotel – Boutique luxury in Yorkville
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Budget-friendly near campus
Exploring Toronto
Must-See Attractions
- CN Tower – Iconic 553-meter tower with observation decks
- Toronto Islands – Peaceful parkland with city skyline views
- Distillery District – Historic cobblestone area with galleries and cafes
- St. Lawrence Market – Historic market with local foods and crafts
- Casa Loma – Gothic Revival castle and gardens
Cultural Neighborhoods
- Kensington Market – Bohemian area with vintage shops and diverse eateries
- Little Italy – Italian heritage with authentic restaurants and cafes
- Chinatown – Vibrant Asian community with markets and dim sum
- Yorkville – Upscale area with galleries, boutiques, and fine dining
- Queen Street West – Hip neighborhood with live music venues and art galleries
Climate & What to Bring
July Weather in Toronto:
- Temperature: 20-26°C (68-79°F)
- Conditions: Warm and humid with occasional thunderstorms
- Recommendations: Light, breathable clothing with rain jacket
- Indoor venues: Air-conditioned, bring light sweater for meetings
Contact & Information
Local Organizing Committee: Details TBA
Policy Commission Co-Chairs:
Dr. Tuulikki Laes: tuulikki.laes@uniarts.fi
Dr. Daniel Hellman: danielhellman@missouristate.edu
University of Toronto Faculty of Music:
Edward Johnson Building
80 Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M5S 3H6
music.utoronto.ca
We look forward to welcoming you to Toronto – a city where diverse voices create beautiful harmony!