Music Education and Muslims

Music has had an unhappy history in the lives of many Muslims. Because religion is so tightly bound up with culture it is not always clear why this should be the case. Nonetheless, music is a sensitive issue for many Muslims and this has to be understood when providing appropriate music education. Music is a compulsory part of the curriculum in the U.K., so it is essential that music teachers understand the relationship between Muslims and music.

This book looks at the history and position of music in Islam. It considers music education in Muslim countries, and looks at music lessons in multiethnic classrooms in the U.K. The recommendations about how music lessons can be made more appropriate to Muslim pupils are based on the author’s research and experience. She suggests ways to ensure that people are never persuaded to do anything which conflicts with their religion, while extending the opportunity for meaningful music lessons for all pupils.

This book is for all principals striving to fulfill their statutory obligations to all pupils, and essential reading for music teachers in multicultural schools.