CfP: SMPR 2nd Annual Conference: Take Two: Expanding the Field of Music Production Research, 11.-13.9.2025 (University of Victoria, Canada), Deadline: 21.2.2025

Society for Music Production Research 2nd Annual Conference
September 11-13, 2025 • University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada

Take Two: Expanding the Field of Music Production Research

Paper Submissions:

We encourage proposals from both researchers and practitioners that respond to our themes of equity, diversity and inclusion; social responsibility, and innovation, as well as, those that cover the length and breadth of music production, its research and practice. Possible topics for proposals may include but are not limited to:

  • Practice-Oriented Research

  • Industry Insights

  • Sonic Analysis and Interpretation of Recorded Music

  • Music Production Techniques

  • Music Production Education

  • Perceptual and Psychological Impact of Music Production

  • Music Industry Dynamics

  • Case Studies of Music Production

  • Cultural Perspectives and Impact of Music Production

  • Historical Perspectives of Music Production

Conference Panels and Workshop:

To address our main themes, we have curated three panels and one workshop. These events will spotlight leading voices from the academic, industry and nonprofit sectors, and illuminate the following areas:

  • Building Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Music Production (1)

  • Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Music Production (2)

  • Sustaining cultural heritage through Libraries, Archives and Museums in Music Production (3)

  • Innovating with AI in Music Production (4)

Speculative Solutions Challenge:

By this point it should be obvious that we seek to shake things up, and we recognize that bold exploration demands a kind of inventiveness that does not always rest comfortably in a traditional peer-review process. We want to make this conference a safe place to speculate – yes, really, speculate – about how music production can help build a more equitable, socially responsible and innovative world.

To make room for breaking new ground, in addition to standard, peer-reviewed paper submissions, we are offering a Speculative Solutions challenge based on the conference’s main themes. This is an opportunity to go a bit wild (like the Victoria landscape), present a vision for the future, and get feedback on the ideas from interested and knowledgeable colleagues. Speculations might involve new business models, (music production) technology solutions, organised actions, etc. Regardless, contextualise the proposed solution in a critical framework. In keeping with the spirit of speculation, submissions will be evaluated by domain experts who appreciate the goals of the challenge.

We want to make it easy to speculate. Submissions should take the form of an extended abstract, no more than 300 words, that explains the following:

  • The problem being addressed by the proposed solution, and how it relates to one of the conference themes: DEI, Social Responsibility or Innovation (please choose one main theme, even if a solution potentially addresses needs across categories)

  • The proposed solution

  • What would be necessary for its realisation

  • The expected impact

The abstract may be accompanied by images or diagrams.

Three submissions from each category (DEI, Sustainability or Innovation) will be chosen for presentation at the SMPR conference in Victoria. Presentation at the conference will consist of a poster session (a poster should be created for the conference) and an opportunity to make a 10-minute oral presentation about the idea. The poster may be accompanied by audio or video. However, presenters should be prepared to play this media off their own laptops as a/v equipment may not be available for the poster sessions. All submitted speculations will be evaluated by topic area experts who are participants in the conference’s panels or workshop. These experts will choose the top three for their respective themes.
Please submit proposals via this link by midnight (UTC) February 21, 2025.

Submission types:

  • Individual Papers – 20-minute presentations with 5-minute Q&A. Submit an abstract of up to 300 words. Include the Title, Author(s), contact information, and 3-5 keywords. Abstracts should summarize the context and argument of the paper and a brief conclusion.

  • Speculative Solutions – 30-minute poster display period, 10-minute oral presentation alongside a panel of co-speculators followed by Q&A and discussion. Submit an abstract of up to 300 words covering the information described above. Include Title, Author(s), contact information, 3-5 keywords, and any special requirements for the poster session or presentation.

Please note:

All conference presenters must be SMPR members by the time they register for the conference. For membership information visit: SMPR Membership.

Please spread this CfC widely throughout your own personal networks: https://bit.ly/SMPR2025CfC

Please find more information on the IASPM UK and Ireland branch website

CFP, News, International ConferenceHelene Heuser