Music Education and Rural Reform,1900-1925

Abstract

Between 1900 and the early 1920s, music began to be viewed as an important social tool by Progressive Era reformers. One aspect of reform was inspired by the Country Life Movement. With over half the children in the United States still living in rural areas, reformers focused on improving the economic and social conditions of rural people. Rural reformers expanded university offerings in music and campaigned for the legal and educational framework for music education. Ideas for mass music education were explored, including efforts based on agricultural extension models. New approaches were tried that are now standard. A social rationale for music was expounded, giving importance to the Community Music Movement and the Pageant Movement. Rural reform contributed to a wider acceptance of music as an important aspect of education and promoted music as a social necessity.