CONSTELLATIONCLASS
FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MUSIC EDUCATION ICME, CREATED BY AGNESE RAKOVSKA, TAKES PLACE IN RIGA
On March 21, the first International Conference on Music Education (ICME) was held in Riga at Hanzas Perons. This newly established platform-unprecedented in Latvia-brought together music teachers, students, researchers, emerging composers, and industry professionals from Latvia and across Europe.
The conference was initiated and creatively directed by musician Agnese Rakovska, founder of the social enterprise and music education platform Zvaigznāja komanda.
The event opened with a panel discussion titled “The Importance of Music Learning in the Educational Process”, featuring key representatives from the education and cultural sectors: Laima Geikina, Chair of the Riga City Council’s Committee on Education, Culture and Sports; Dace Melbārde, Minister of Education and Science; Agnese Lāce, Minister of Culture; and Ģirts Ozoliņš, founder of Erica Synths. The discussion was moderated by Agnese Rakovska and focused on the role of music education in schools, the development of creativity, and the impact of technology in learning.
“I am truly impressed by the strong interest and the participation of more than 400 attendees at the first ICME conference-it clearly shows how relevant the development of music education is today,” said Agnese Rakovska. “I am also delighted by the international reach, with guests attending even from the Åland Islands. I envision this conference as a strong international platform where educators, artists, and creative industry professionals can come together to shape the future of music education.”
ICME also featured a wide range of international experts from across Europe. Professionals from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Spain, and Romania shared their experience and insights, including Mark Aitchison (University of Reading), Jonas Jansson, Peter Åstedt, Ari Perälä, Anželika Krastiņa, Dr. Kadri Haljas, as well as Romanian music industry professionals Andra Vasile, Anca Lupeș, and education expert Daniela Barbu.
Several Latvian experts also contributed presentations, including artificial intelligence specialist Kristaps Cīrulis, architect Agnese Blaubārde, creator of Vantofons Jānis Vērzemnieks, and founder of Barboleta Baiba Blomniece-Jurāne.
The day before the conference, international delegates joined a cultural excursion to the Kurzeme region, organized in collaboration with Nordbus. In Jūrkalne, on the Baltic Sea coast, guests experienced Latvian cultural traditions-tasting sklandrausis (a traditional pastry) and listening to performances by the Suiti women, a unique element of Latvia’s intangible cultural heritage.
Alongside the conference, a songwriting hackathon took place, where students from various Latvian cities worked with Zvaigznāja klase digital music stations to create new song ideas and develop their creative skills. At the end of the conference, participants had the opportunity to listen to the songs created during the hackathon.
The top prize was awarded to Daugavpils Iespēju Secondary School, with second place going to Liepāja Rainis Secondary School and third place to the student team from Riga Primary School No. 1 Development Centre.
The conference was organized by Zvaigznāja komanda Ltd. and the association Dziesmu hakatons, with support from Fonds AUGT, AKKA/LAA, Depozīta punkts, and the Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund.
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MUSIC EDUCATION-ICME HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. THE CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 21, 2026 AT THE HANSA PLATFORM. INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET MUSIC EDUCATION EXPERTS FROM 8 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD - SWEDEN, FINLAND, ESTONIA AND EVEN ROMANIA. A STUDENT SONG HACKATHON AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN PARALLEL WITH THE CONFERENCE, VISITATION IS FREE FOR EVERYONE WITH PRIOR REGISTRATION.
PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE - 50 EURO, FOR STAR CLASS TEACHERS - FREE OF CHARGE. A CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ISSUED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE CONFERENCE.
MORE INFORMATION ICME.LV
THAT'S A WRAP ON THE THIRD SONG HACKATHON!
In today’s rapidly evolving world, creativity and innovation are no longer optional—they are essential. As education systems strive to prepare students for future challenges, the integration of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—has emerged as a powerful framework. Among these disciplines, music holds a unique and often underestimated role. Embracing the STEAM approach in music education is not just beneficial—it is transformative.
Unlocking Innovation: The Importance of the STEAM Approach in Music Education
Why STEAM Matters in Music Education:
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Fosters Creativity & Innovation
Music enhances problem-solving and critical thinking — skills that are essential across all STEAM disciplines. -
Integrates Technology with Artistry
Using digital tools like recording stations, audio editing software, and music production platforms teaches students how technology and creativity go hand in hand. -
Encourages Collaboration
Music projects often require teamwork, mirroring real-world collaboration in STEAM careers. -
Builds Confidence & Communication Skills
Performing, creating, and presenting music helps students express themselves and builds self-esteem. -
Supports Cognitive Development
Research shows music improves memory, spatial reasoning, and mathematical ability — reinforcing STEM skills through artistic engagement. -
Prepares for Future Careers
Modern music education using STEAM tools opens doors to careers in music technology, sound design, digital media, and beyond.
THE SONG HACKATHON IN LATVIA 2024
A MASTERCLASS AT VILJANDI CULTURE ACADEMY
2On October 3, 2024, as part of the Estonian, Spanish and Irish project "Digital Skills for Music Teachers", the Star Class gave a master class on the project and the possibilities of using technology in music lessons.
PHOTO: Maritta Anton
HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
We are very happy to start the new school year together, we sincerely congratulate all the teachers and wish them great endurance. We especially congratulate the teachers of the Zvaigznāja class on the start of a powerful campaign. Thanks to the costumes of the students of the Latvian Academy of Arts Zaiga Brutāne and Marta Cimdiņa. Thanks also to Joanna Strēle for the transformations.
The Zvaigznāja team is ready to start the new teaching work on the development of methodological material for the 8th grade and teacher training.
Music is the coolest subject in school!
THE FRST SONG HACKATHON TAKES PLACE IN LATVIA
On May 12, 2024, four Zvaigznājas class schools met in Sigulda Devon and created song sketches together with their mentors. In the discussion, Agnese, together with Jaunmārupe teacher Baiba Rudzīte, music producer Armands Varslavāns, Mans Robots representative Vitoldas Jānis and Roboskola.lv Jānis Aleksejevs, discussed the importance of the subject of music and how to create an environment so that students would like to become music educators or part of the music industry. After listening to the songs, the song of Druva Secondary School and mentor Paula Dundere was recognized as the winning song of the hackathon.
TALLINN MUSIC WEEK - EDUCATION PANEL
The Star Class project was also added to the list of participants at the Tallinn Music Week 2024 conference this year. During the masterclass and discussion, the project was presented internationally, providing insight into what has been achieved in Latvia so far and why the introduction of digital technologies in schools is an important step for the sustainability and expansion of the music industry.
THE FIRST DIGITAL MUSIC STATION IN LATVIA HAS ARRIVED AT SIGULDA 1ST PRIMARY SCHOOL
On December 6th, the first "Zvaigznāja class digital workstation" was inaugurated in the music room of Sigulda Primary School. This initiative by Agnese Rakovska aims to modernize music lessons with a focus on practical activities. Music teacher Evija Rozena believes the digital station will make classes more engaging, allowing students to create their own music and explore new talents. Parent Jolanta Lebedoka played a key role in supporting the project, expressing her hope that this will inspire students who were previously uninterested in music to discover their creative potential.
