The Popular Music Study Group of the American Musicological Society and the Center for Popular Music Studies at Case Western Reserve University, in collaboration with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives, will host their 7th biennial developmental symposium 16–18 June 2026.

Aimed towards scholars of popular music interested in or working in academic positions, the Junior Scholar Symposium consists of writing workshops, professional development workshops, and group discussions. A substantial part of the program includes workshopping a journal article or book chapter with senior scholars and other symposium participants. This year, the program will include a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives.

Senior scholars this year include Norma Coates, Daniel Goldmark, Nadine Hubbs, Loren Kajikawa, Maureen Mahon, and S. Alexander Reed.

The symposium will take place on campus at Case Western Reserve University, and the Center for Popular Music Studies provides free on-campus dormitory housing for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Participants will be expected to cover their own meals and travel to the conference. A registration fee of $75 covers fees related to the symposium, but there are a limited number of scholarships for those for whom this cost is prohibitive.