Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2008
This discussion develops a perspective on the current relationship between music and the school curriculum in North America. The gap between rhetorical support for music education and the reality of educational and societal commitments is traced to fundamental philosophical dilemmas facing education in particular, and society in general. Several ‘new keys’ are offered for the future of music education including a radical proposal for ‘deschooling’ music education and a practical guide for ‘networking’ excellent programmes.