Research in the Sociology of Music Education: some introductory concepts

This article presents some key sociological concepts, and examines how such concepts can operate within the sociology of music, focusing on two main areas. One area concerns the organisation of musical activities—the production, distribution and reception of music by a variety of social groups; the other area involves the social construction of musical meaning—what music means, how it takes on its meanings and how those meanings are reproduced, contested and changed. The article then moves on to examine ways in which the issues, principles and procedures identified can inform research in the sociology of music education. Some illustrative examples of existing research are given, and some further topics inviting sociological methodology are suggested.