Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide a structured opportunity within ISME for the involvement of individuals drawn together by a common interest in a field of study, teaching and/or research when the existing ISME organisation may not directly facilitate such activity. ISME provides SIGs with programme time at the World Conference, publicity, scheduling and prestige under the ISME umbrella. SIGs may be established by the ISME Board, following a request made by three advocates, representing three different regions or countries, and at least 20 members of ISME.

Compared with Commissions, SIGs are more focussed on applying knowledge in practical settings.

The current Special Interest Groups are:

• Musicians’ Health and Wellness
• Spirituality and Music Education
• Practice and Research in Integrated Music Education
• Critical Debates on Music Education for Social Change
• Music  Technology
• Applied Pedagogies
• Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation
• Popular Music Education
• Decolonising and Indigenising Music Education