Garden or Desert: The Contradictions of Policy and Practice in School Music Education

Abstract

Using my knowledge and experience in England and my involvement in European project work, I reflect upon the relationship between general education policy towards schools, the music curriculum, and music teacher training; and discuss what I see as a retreat from the principle of ‘music for all’ and from the central importance of creativity in music education. Whilst governments claim to embrace arts and cultural education; and make statements about the importance of creativity, the reality for teachers and students is inconsistent. The preoccupation with advocacy can distract us from the more important work to be done in developing the quality of research and practice in the field.