APPC 2026: The Art of Imagination – Creativity through the Piano

For 32 years, the Australasian Piano Pedagogy Conference (APPC) has been dedicated to cultivating a love for piano music and learning. We are delighted that the next conference will be held in Adelaide, July 6-10, 2026.

The APPC was founded in Adelaide in 1993 by Rodney Smith OAM, who envisioned a vibrant and inclusive platform for the entire Australian piano community. Inspired by successful international conferences, Rodney's goal was to create an intense learning experience, drawing together concert performers, academics, university educators, and studio teachers to encourage the exchange of knowledge and artistic abilities. Since that inaugural event, highly successful conferences have been held biennially across Australia, with only a brief pause during the recent COVID pandemic.

Operating under the guidance of a dedicated National Committee with representatives from every Australian State and Territory, as well as New Zealand, and led by National Chair Jody Heald AM since 2005, each conference is a testament to committed local volunteer organisation. Beyond its formal sessions, the APPC is a vital networking hub, providing unparalleled opportunities for piano teachers and musicians to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger professional community. Our strong partnerships with Kawai Australia, universities (like the newly merged Adelaide University), music publishers (such as Hal Leonard), and exam systems (including AMEB), underscore the conference's significance within the broader music education landscape.

The APPC has truly evolved into a cornerstone event for piano educators, scholars, and practitioners across the Australasian region and beyond. It serves as a crucial platform for ongoing professional development, facilitating cutting-edge knowledge exchange and driving the continued evolution of piano teaching practices worldwide.

We look forward to your company in Adelaide as our distinguished speakers, presenters, and performers share their artistry, expertise, and research. Together, we will explore how to inspire and cultivate our students' imaginations through piano music, ensuring it remains a vibrant and essential part of their lives. For more information and to discover opportunities to participate, please visit appca.com.au. We eagerly anticipate welcoming piano music and education enthusiasts from around the world to Adelaide next year!

Dr Debra Andreacchio, Chair of APPC 2026

Patron: Piers Lane AO
Patron, Adelaide 2026: Eleonora Sivan