International Perspectives on Assessment in Music Education

Abstract

Music education is part of the public school curriculum in many countries, as either a compulsory or an elective subject. While it offers many young people an opportunity to acquire musical knowledge and skills, it also has its challenges. Being part of the public school curriculum results in a need for assessment in music education. While some problems related to assessment are similar internationally (e.g., concerning music as art), assessment in different countries varies. It depends on various factors such as the general assessment culture, the goals of education, music education policy, individual teaching philosophies, and school culture. By utilizing approaches from comparative music education, philosophy, and sociology of music education, this chapter analyzes music education assessment policies and practices in different countries. By scrutinizing global similarities and differences, it proposes new approaches to assessment that may help address some of the challenges the global music education community faces today.