The transformation of music education: A South African case study

In this paper I reflect on transformation in South African education policy, post-1994. The new curriculum for schools was underpinned by the democratic values of the constitution and was a time of renewal for music education. However, over time as the original curriculum documents were revised, the focus of promoting indigenous traditions was abandoned and replaced by an overtly Western approach to music education. It is against this background that I also reflect on the transformation that occurred as a result of a continuing professional development programme that arose from a need to improve curriculum implementation in the arts.