Children’s and Adolescents’ Musical Needs and Music Education in Germany

Abstract This article explores the musical cultures of children and youth in Germany. The study draws upon the views of both children and scholars, in order to understand the impact of the German tradition of music education on children’s lives and to find ways to improve music education theory and practice. It discusses why music education is the least popular subject in German schools, suggesting a mismatch between student needs and the knowledge and skills music education offers them. It concludes that music education in Germany must address the musical needs of students and develop pathways for them to become self-determined musical individuals who use music they way they need it.