We welcome proposals for lectures, presentations, posters, workshops, round tables, panel discussions, and performances. We are looking for content that connects the rationale behind our teaching journey—our goals, values, and beliefs—with how these manifest in the classroom, in the training space, and on stage. Before completing the submission form, please carefully read the submission guidelines. These outline the available formats, required information, and selection criteria, helping you prepare a clear and complete proposal that aligns with the conference theme.
Thematic strands (each proposal names one)
Beliefs and aims: what string teachers value and why
Methods in practice: approaches, tool and evidence of what works
Practising and performing: motivation, practice, stage readiness, health
Repertoire: what we teach and play, and why (including works by women composers and new music)
Playing together: group teaching, chamber music, orchestras
Careers and the profession: paths, training of teachers, the changing role of the string teacher
ICT and AI: Information and communication technology and artificial intelligence.
Who may apply
String instrument teachers, performers, researchers, and students from all countries. Students and teachers in the first five years of their professional careers are especially encouraged to attend; a portion of the program is reserved for them. Poster presentations are open to students only.
Key dates and submission
Call opens October 23, 2026
Deadline for proposals December 1, 2026, 23:59 CET
Notification of results December 22, 2026
Confirmation and registration by accepted presenters January 15, 2027
Conference April 22-26 2027, Ljubljana
How to submit
Through the online submission form at Open application form .The conference languages are English and Slovenian. For proposals in Slovenian, an English abstract must also be submitted. Each person may submit one proposal as the lead presenter and may appear as a co-presenter on others.Incomplete proposals, proposals sent via email, or proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Formats
| Format | Length | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | 10 min talk at the poster in a scheduled session | Research or practice shown visually, discussed with participants |
| Lecture and presentation | 35 min + 10 min discussion | A research study, a theoretical argument, or a carefully described and reflected teaching practice |
| Workshops | 45 min | Interactive session in one of three forms, named in the proposal: Hands-on workshop: participants engage, play, try out a method or work in groups. Panel: 3–4 speakers with different viewpoints on one question, a named moderator and at least 15 min of audience question; all panelists are listed in the proposal. Round table: a structured discussion led by a named facilitator, with participants as the contributors. |
| Teaching demonstration (Masterclass) | 30 - 90 min | A themed lesson with beginner, intermediate, advanced or adult students and a clearly stated teaching objective. |
| Performance | 25 -90 min | 25 min: Thematic/short performance: A tribute, a repertoire showcase. 45 min: A short performance for general audience without interval. Up to 90 min (including interval): Main artistic event of the day |
What to include
| Item | Lecture & Presentation / Poster | Workshop / Panel / Round table / Teaching demonstration (Masterclass) | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title, thematic strand | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Abstract in English, max. 300 words | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3–6 keywords | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workshop outline and format | – | ✓ | – |
| Full programme: composers, works, dates, duration of each work | – | – | ✓ |
| Video link: live performance recording no older than 3 years | – | – | ✓ |
| Biography in English (up to 100 words) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Photo: standard resolution 300 DPI | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Technical needs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Погледајте изворну објављену табелу захтјева (PNG)
Optional short paper. You may attach a short paper (IMRAD structure, up to 5000 words) for possible conference publication.
Selection criteria and review
Every proposal is reviewed by two independent reviewers against the following criteria:
Connection to the theme Why and How?
Value for string teaching and the profession
Soundness (research or reflected practice)Artistic quality of performance (from the video)
Originality / value of repertoire
Clarity of design / active participation / educational dimension
For masterclasses, panels and round tables, active participation means how the audience is drawn in: observation tasks, questions, planned discussion time, and contributions from the floor.
How we review
Presentations, posters and workshops are reviewed anonymously: reviewers see the abstract and outline, not names or biographies.
Reviewers declare any conflict of interest and do not score those proposals.In determining the final rankings, the committee also takes into account the balance of countries, instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass), levels of instruction, early-career leaders, and research and practice.
Proposals that primarily promote a commercial product, publication, or paid certification are not accepted.
Conditions
Registration: At least one presenter for each accepted proposal must attend in person and register. Otherwise, the slot will be offered to someone on the waiting list.
Costs: Presenters and performers cover their own travel and accommodation expenses, unless otherwise agreed in writing (presenters who are not ESTA members pay a registration fee reduced by 50%).
Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The applicant confirms that parental consent has been obtained for the performance, photography, and filming.
Recording: Sessions and concerts may be photographed, recorded, or live-streamed for ESTA documentation purposes. Presenters will be asked for their consent upon registration.
Copyright: hosts are responsible for obtaining permissions for any music, videos, or images they use.
Submit your proposal and contact the organisers
Поднесите предлогContact: info@esta2027.com
https://esta2027.com/
We look forward to your visit to Ljubljana.
Organizing Committee
Припремите предлог
Попуните образац, провјерите одговоре и пошаљите пријаву организаторима.