This landmark collection will explore the origins and foundations of music education across five continents. The introduction of music as a compulsory subject in schools is of unique significance for music educationists and researchers. However, their shared knowledge of this phenomenon is fragmentary and there is consequently a need for more comprehensive documentation and analysis of the foundational aspect of school music from a variety of international perspectives. "Origins and Foundations of Music Education" considers the following key issues: 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 as a compulsory subject; teaching methods; the provision and training of teachers of music; and, the experiences of pupils experiencing this musical education. Contributors 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. "Continuum Studies in Educational Research" (CSER) is a major new series in the field of educational research. Written by experts and scholars for experts and scholars, this ground-breaking series focuses on research in the areas of comparative education, history, lifelong learning, philosophy, policy, post-compulsory education, psychology and sociology. Based on cutting edge research and written with lucidity and passion, the "CSER" series showcases only those books that really matter in education - studies that are major, that will be remembered for having made a difference.