Music education evolved and adapted in response to changing practices of the Ontario school system. At the turn of the twentieth century music was taught in schools, in the military, in churches, and community organizations. This paper examines the introduction of music to the Ontario school system first through vocal instruction and later through instrumental instruction. Our research indicates that music education played a role in the development of a Canadian/Judeo-Christian identity; this continued through much of the twentieth century, but saw a decline as we neared the twenty-‐first century. As a result of political and economic factors we have seen a drastic shift in government focus in relation to the arts. Has music education progressed or regressed as a result of these factors? In addition to examining the methods and mediums in which music was taught in Ontario schools we attempt to answer this question.
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