The ISME commission on Special Music Education and Music Therapy was established in 1974 in order to contribute to the progressive development of music therapy and music in special education. This report, edited by Melita Belgrave, is the report of the proceedings of the 21st international seminar, held at Drake Music Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, from 20-23 July 2016.

The commissioners for 2014-2016 were:

• Markku Kaikkonen, Finland (Chair)
• Melita Belgrave, Chair-Elect, United States of America
• Jessie Chen, Taiwan
• Michelle Hairston, United States of America
• Bo Nilsson, Sweden
• Giorgos Tsiris, Edinburgh