This landmark collection explores the origins and foundations of music education across five continents and considers:• the inclusion of music as part of the compulsory school curriculum in the context of the historical and political landscape• the aims, objectives and content of the music curriculum• teaching methods• the provision and training of teachers of music• the experiences of pupilsContributors have been carefully selected to represent countries which have incorporated music into compulsory schooling for a variety of differing reasons giving a diverse collection which will guide future actions and policy.