Stefan Gies

Stefan is originally from southwestern Germany. His main research interests include music philosophy, music education theory and history of institutions. Stefan has been the Chief Executive of the AEC since September 2015. He has dedicated himself to strengthen AEC’s role as a think tank and driving force for innovating the Higher Music Education sector. The key topics he is currently working on include: campaigning for the recognition of the specific features of artistic education; ensuring the long-term preservation of adequate framework conditions to maintain a musical life and cultural offers; promotion of musical education at all levels and according to diverse needs; establishing artistic research and facilitating cross-border mobility. Stefan has been actively involved in AEC since 2007. Before taking on the position as its Chief Executive, he took part in several EU-funded pilot projects on Quality Enhancement in Music Higher Education. He is responsible for running the AEC’s current Creative Europe project ‘Strengthening Music in Society’ (SMS).