A Century of Change in Music Education

This book reflects on the evolution of music education over the twentieth century, highlighting significant changes and challenges faced by educators today.

Published in 2000, A Century of Change in Music Education addresses the ongoing debates surrounding education in schools, particularly the role of music. Often blamed for various societal issues, the education system has seen a steady decline in resources allocated to music education over the past two decades. This book serves as a crucial reminder of how we have reached the current state of music education and the challenges it faces today.

In this insightful work, author Stephanie Pitts explores the historical trajectory of music teaching in British secondary schools throughout the twentieth century. Each chapter delves into a distinct period, examining how the ideas and practices of each generation were shaped and evolved. Key educational publications from each decade are analyzed, highlighting influential figures such as MacPherson, Somervell, and Yorke Trotter, as well as more contemporary thinkers like Paynter and Swanwick.

The book also emphasizes the shifting perceptions of music within the school curriculum, tracing the evolution of children's engagement with music. From the musical appreciation lessons of the 1920s and 1930s to the post-war focus on performance and the improvisation and composition trends of the 1970s, A Century of Change in Music Education provides valuable context for today’s music educators, enabling them to understand their practices within a historical framework.