Media Review: The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy in Music Education

The recurrent, systematic, and critical examination of beliefs and assumptions—of the grounds of our musical and instructional actions— is fundamental to professional practice in music education. (3)

The Handbook of Philosophy in Music Education , edited by Wayne D. Bowman and Ana Lucía Frega, is a compilation of essays that address a wide range of philosophical issues in music education at national and international levels. Topics include: challenges to assumptions and beliefs about music, music education, and music education philosophy; and the values and aims of music education and philosophy. Bowman and Frega encourage an “inclusive discourse” of philosophical inquiry to “further responsible action informed by careful deliberation” within the music education community as evidenced by the diversity of contributors (twenty-six authors) and topics (p. 495).