The Music in Schools and Teacher Education (MISTEC) Commission held its first seminar in Switzerland, in 1976. It is one of the oldest commissions of ISME and concerns itself specifically with music education in schools, curricula, assessment and teacher education.

The ISME Music in Schools and Teacher Education Commission (MISTEC) seeks to promote and support the effective teaching and learning of music in school settings through increased understanding of curriculum development, instructional practices, and innovations in music teacher education. MISTEC sponsors biennial seminars prior to the ISME World Conference, to provide opportunities for music teacher educators and practicing teachers from around the world to share ideas and discuss issues related to our mission. Papers given at these seminars are subsequently published by the Commission. MISTEC also conducts field-related research.