The "Method" of Democracy in Music Education

Abstract

The winning of an artist representing the lowest level of Finnish musical taste during the 2006 Eurovision song contest marks not only the rebellious attitude towards the over-sanitized contest, but it was the result of a new practice--voting by text message. Recently, music-biased schools that were once selective of the music they teach are now offering new curricula for non-classical piano elements as well. Finnish music schools now face a need to develop their local curricula in ways that could more plausibly answer the requests of the public. Moreover, the significance of general music education is being taken seriously now that various signs have indicated changes in the politics that frame its meanings and values. This article discusses the ways in which Finnish musical taste is now turning towards a more democratic form. (Contains 1 figure and 5 notes.)