Abstract

This paper analyzes the concept of ‘periphery’ and its implication in the musical curriculum in primary and secondary education. Although the educational system has organized the musical curriculum focusing on the music products of Western Tradition, attempts have been made in order to introduce music from the periphery (World Music, popular genres and folk traditions). But ‘the periphery concept’ needs to be reconsidered: to what extent can Western Tradition be considered as central to teenagers now? And moreover, how can we introduce a critical perspective on the implications of considering some music as peripheral? We have developed our research in two different educative levels: a sampling in pupils from several Primary and Secondary School in Andalusia (Spain), whose universe is full of musical experiences, but not necessary the same in which the curriculum is focused.