History
Since its inception, Sempre has played a pivotal role in advancing research and fostering collaboration in music psychology and music education, evolving alongside the growth of the field.
1966
In 1966, Arnold Bentley launched biannual conferences on research in music education, creating a platform for academic exchange and laying the groundwork for the integration of music psychology and education in the UK. These early conferences established the foundation for future academic collaboration.
1972
In 1972, the Society for Research in Psychology of Music and Music Education (SRPMME) was officially founded, formalising the community of researchers dedicated to the study of music psychology and its relationship with education. This move brought together scholars to discuss and share ideas at a time when the field was beginning to flourish.
2002
The society was renamed to Sempre (The Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research) in 2002 to better reflect its expanded mission. The new name highlighted the society’s growing focus on diverse areas of music research, including music psychology, music education, and their practical applications.
2012
Sempre marked its 40th anniversary with a special conference held at the Institute of Education in London. The event featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Professors Johan Sundberg and Liora Bresler, who shared their insights into the impact of music psychology and education research over the years, reinforcing Sempres role as a leader in the field.
2022
Sempre celebrated its 50th anniversary with a hybrid conference at the University of London. The event featured keynote presentations from esteemed researchers, such as Professor Gary McPherson and Professor Dianna Kenny, who reflected on the contributions Sempre has made to the field. The anniversary marked a significant milestone, underscoring Sempre’s continued influence and growth over five decades.