The AEC is a European cultural and educational network, which was established in 1953. It represents the interests of institutions that are concerned with training for the music profession. Today, the AEC includes 238 member institutions in 55 countries.
The AEC is pro-active towards maintaining and creating a broad network of relations with the European institutions (European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers), national governments, and institutions and networks in the field of music and education at national, European and International levels. In order to make the voice of the sector heard, it is also publishing policy papers and recommendations on a regular basis dealing with relevant European issues.