{"id":50,"date":"2025-08-21T01:52:40","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T01:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/?page_id=50"},"modified":"2025-09-03T14:24:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T14:24:15","slug":"2026-pre-conference-seminar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/2026-pre-conference-seminar\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ISME Policy Commission Pre-Conference Seminar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">July 20-24, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">University of Toronto, St. George Campus | Toronto, Ontario, Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvaXMxMjM4NS1pbWFnZS1rd3lzZWtqYi5qcGc.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-53\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvaXMxMjM4NS1pbWFnZS1rd3lzZWtqYi5qcGc.webp 1024w, https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvaXMxMjM4NS1pbWFnZS1rd3lzZWtqYi5qcGc-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/czNmcy1wcml2YXRlL3Jhd3BpeGVsX2ltYWdlcy93ZWJzaXRlX2NvbnRlbnQvbHIvaXMxMjM4NS1pbWFnZS1rd3lzZWtqYi5qcGc-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Welcome to Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toronto, Canada&#8217;s largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario, is one of the world&#8217;s most multicultural cities and a global center for business, finance, arts, and culture. Home to over 2.9 million people, Toronto&#8217;s diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, festivals, cuisine, and vibrant music scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University of Toronto &#8211; St. George Campus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[University of Toronto St. George Campus &#8211; Historic buildings with modern facilities]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add photo of UofT&#8217;s iconic University College or Convocation Hall<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada&#8217;s leading institution of learning and one of the world&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Campus Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prime location<\/strong> in downtown Toronto, walking distance to cultural venues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Historic architecture<\/strong> mixed with modern research facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Excellent transportation<\/strong> connections via subway, streetcar, and bus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>World-class libraries<\/strong> including the iconic Robarts Library<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beautiful green spaces<\/strong> providing peaceful areas for discussion and networking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Faculty of Music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The University of Toronto&#8217;s Faculty of Music, housed in the Edward Johnson Building, is one of Canada&#8217;s premier music schools. The faculty features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Walter Hall<\/strong> &#8211; A beautiful 500-seat concert hall<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MacMillan Theatre<\/strong> &#8211; Historic performance venue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>State-of-the-art practice rooms<\/strong> and recording facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Music library<\/strong> with extensive research collections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toronto&#8217;s Music Scene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Toronto&#8217;s music ecosystem provides perfect real-world examples of policy in action:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">World-Class Venues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Roy Thomson Hall<\/strong> &#8211; Home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Massey Hall<\/strong> &#8211; Historic venue recently renovated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Four Seasons Centre<\/strong> &#8211; Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phoenix Concert Theatre<\/strong> &#8211; Popular music venue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Music Spaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Regent Park School of Music<\/strong> &#8211; Community-based music education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SKETCH Working Arts<\/strong> &#8211; Arts program for marginalized youth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lula Lounge<\/strong> &#8211; World music venue and cultural hub<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neighbourhood music programs<\/strong> across Toronto&#8217;s diverse communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Air Travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)<\/strong> &#8211; Canada&#8217;s largest airport with direct flights from over 175 destinations worldwide. Located 25 km from downtown with excellent ground transportation options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)<\/strong> &#8211; Smaller airport on Toronto Islands, 10 minutes from downtown, primarily serving regional routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ground Transportation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UP Express<\/strong> &#8211; Direct train from Pearson Airport to downtown (25 minutes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>TTC Subway<\/strong> &#8211; Extensive subway system connecting the campus to the entire city<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Streetcars<\/strong> &#8211; Historic streetcar network providing convenient campus access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GO Transit<\/strong> &#8211; Regional rail and bus service from surrounding areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accommodation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On-Campus Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[University of Toronto residence buildings &#8211; Graduate House or New College]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add photo of UofT graduate residence facilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Graduate House<\/strong> &#8211; On-campus accommodation for visiting scholars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Massey College<\/strong> &#8211; Historic college with guest facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Summer residence options<\/strong> &#8211; Various colleges offer summer accommodation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nearby Hotels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chelsea Hotel Toronto<\/strong> &#8211; Family-friendly, close to campus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Park Hyatt Toronto<\/strong> &#8211; Luxury option in Yorkville<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Hazelton Hotel<\/strong> &#8211; Boutique luxury in Yorkville<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites<\/strong> &#8211; Budget-friendly near campus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exploring Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Must-See Attractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CN Tower<\/strong> &#8211; Iconic 553-meter tower with observation decks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toronto Islands<\/strong> &#8211; Peaceful parkland with city skyline views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distillery District<\/strong> &#8211; Historic cobblestone area with galleries and cafes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>St. Lawrence Market<\/strong> &#8211; Historic market with local foods and crafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Casa Loma<\/strong> &#8211; Gothic Revival castle and gardens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural Neighborhoods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kensington Market<\/strong> &#8211; Bohemian area with vintage shops and diverse eateries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Little Italy<\/strong> &#8211; Italian heritage with authentic restaurants and cafes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chinatown<\/strong> &#8211; Vibrant Asian community with markets and dim sum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yorkville<\/strong> &#8211; Upscale area with galleries, boutiques, and fine dining<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Queen Street West<\/strong> &#8211; Hip neighborhood with live music venues and art galleries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate &amp; What to Bring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July Weather in Toronto:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Temperature:<\/strong> 20-26\u00b0C (68-79\u00b0F)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conditions:<\/strong> Warm and humid with occasional thunderstorms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recommendations:<\/strong> Light, breathable clothing with rain jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indoor venues:<\/strong> Air-conditioned, bring light sweater for meetings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact &amp; Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Local Organizing Committee:<\/strong> Details TBA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Policy Commission Co-Chairs:<\/strong><br>Dr. Tuulikki Laes: <a href=\"mailto:tuulikki.laes@uniarts.fi\">tuulikki.laes@uniarts.fi<\/a><br>Dr. Daniel Hellman: <a href=\"mailto:danielhellman@missouristate.edu\">danielhellman@missouristate.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>University of Toronto Faculty of Music:<\/strong><br>Edward Johnson Building<br>80 Queen&#8217;s Park<br>Toronto, ON M5S 3H6<br><a href=\"https:\/\/music.utoronto.ca\">music.utoronto.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look forward to welcoming you to Toronto &#8211; a city where diverse voices create beautiful harmony!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ISME Policy Commission Pre-Conference Seminar July 20-24, 2026 University of Toronto, St. George Campus | Toronto, Ontario, Canada Welcome to Toronto Toronto, Canada&#8217;s largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario, is one of the world&#8217;s most multicultural cities and a global center for business, finance, arts, and culture. Home to over 2.9 million people, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-50","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":95,"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/50\/revisions\/95"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ismepolicycommission.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}