Slovenian Music School Association

The Union of Slovenian Music Schools is an association of public and private music schools, conservatories and Slovenian music schools from abroad committed to the improvement of learning and working conditions, affirmation of music education, mutual integration and, naturally, enhanced level of cultural events in Slovenia.

The fundamental tasks of Slovenian Music School Association /SMSA are:

• integration and commitment to the quality growth and development of Slovenian music education,
• coordination of activities rounded off by educational processes,
• ongoing provision of information on all major issues and tasks,
• provision of incentives and proposals to enhance the educational system and amend legislative and other regulations governing the existence and work of music schools,
• organisation and execution of yearly regional and national competitions for young Slovenian musicians and dancers,
• organisation and co-organisation of school orchestra shows, district shows and other performances by soloists and chamber groups as well as other activities presenting top teaching achievements in the Slovenian music education,
• commitment to the development of music culture in Slovenia,
• development of music culture and integration with Slovenian music schools and societies in the neighbouring countries and wider international environment,
• promotion of professional advancement of schools in teaching, material and other areas,
• exchange of experiences in teaching guidance,
• cooperation and integration with music societies, associations and music institutions, and cooperation with other school communities,
• informing the public of SMSA work and achievements,
• performance of other tasks agreed upon by SMSA members.

Union Chairwoman

The Chairperson of Slovenian Music School Association is elected by members at an electoral assembly. The Chairperson represents the Union of Slovenian Music Schools and is responsible for the legality of the Union’s operations. When absent, the Chair person is replaced by Vice-Chair.

On 21 January 2025 the chairmanship of SMSA was assumed by Tonja Lapanja Brenčič, headmistress of the Music School in Idrija.

Vision

Slovenian Music School Association comprises Slovenian public music schools (54) and private music schools (7) holding a concession of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. SMSA, therefore, represents a union of 61 music schools educating pupils and students in music and ballet at elementary and secondary level.

The Union seeks to improve learning and working conditions of music schools, affirm music education in the country and bring schools closer to one another. This is where experiences are exchanged and various projects are planned. Slovenian Music School Association is run by an Executive Committee comprising 14 members from all regions in Slovenia. The Executive Committee monitors and manages the work programme of the Union.

SMSA has been a member of the European Music School Union (EMU) since 1991.

Slovenian Music School Association cooperates with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, the Slovenian National Education Institute, the Academy of Music in Ljubljana and other higher education institutions. Authorised Union members participate in the National Music Education Council, National Council for Changes to the Educational System, the TEMSIG National Commission for Competitions and the Association of Principals of Elementary Schools. SMSA also collaborates with Slovenian music schools abroad.

History

Slovenian Music School Association (hereinafter SMSA) is a well-organised professional association with clear rules and, particularly in recent years, exceptional achievements. The primary goal of SMSA is to become or remain the leading and broadly recognised professional association of public educational culture and art institutions in Slovenia. The quality and preservation, in future also increase, of the scope of activities will ensure the development and protection of employees’ jobs.

SMSA is active in integrating and achieving cooperation between principals of music schools and conservatories in order to affirm music and dance education activities, while providing mutual professional support, education and information to principals.

SMSA includes principals of Slovenian music schools, conservatories for music and ballet, private music schools providing a publicly approved music school programme for at least 6 years, private schools operating under special pedagogical principles and Slovenian music schools from abroad.

SMSA was founded due to the common interests of its members as defined in the SMSA Rules and pursuant to the law.

SMSA continues the work of the Slovenian Community of Music Schools and the Slovenian Union of Music Teachers.

SMSA is entered in the court register under registration number 1198637000.

Its registered office is in Mladinska ulica 12, 2000 Maribor. SMSA is financed from membership fees, public funds (TEMSIG and BALTEK competitions), donations and other funds.

The fundamental legal document of the Union is the SMSA Rules, which constitute its act of incorporation.

SMSA is managed and represented by the Chairperson of SMSA who is elected by secret ballot for the term of 4 years.

In 2016, the Slovenian music education celebrated the 200th anniversary of uninterrupted activities. The celebration culminated with a concert at the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev dom featuring symphony orchestras of music schools, secondary music schools and the Academy of Music, conducted by Simon Krečič.

Upon that occasion, the President of the Republic of Slovenia presented SMSA the SILVER ORDER OF MERIT, while the formal speaker at the event was Helena Maffli, the Chairwoman of the European Music School Union (EMU).

Members

SMSA MEMBERS MAY BE:

• public music schools providing a basic music education programme,
• private music schools providing a publicly approved basic music education programme and entered in the register for at least 6 years,
• Slovenian music schools abroad,
• providers of secondary school, post-secondary and university music programmes

Activities

Slovenian Music School Association is committed to:

• integration, quality growth and development of the Slovenian music education,
• the development of music culture in Slovenia,
• the promotion of professional advancement of schools in teaching, material and other areas,
• exchanging experiences in teaching and education,
• putting forth initiatives and proposals to enhance the educational system and amend legislative and other regulations governing the existence and work of music schools.

The Union organises yearly regional competitions and participates in the preparation and execution of national competitions for young Slovenian musicians and ballet dancers.

The Union participates in the organisation of shows featuring accordion, string and symphony orchestras and other activities presenting top achievements in the Slovenian music education.

The Union cooperates with other associations, music societies and music institutions.

Education

Additional education takes place at schools organising such education for employees and children or, rather, pupils. They are intended for advancement, development and cooperation among Slovenian and foreign recognised musicians.

Study groups

Study groups operate within the scope of the National Education Institute and meet regularly a few times a year. For most instruments, study groups are extremely active and participate with various institutions, striving to improve and advance music education.