Abstract

This paper - which presents only a part from a broader research - analyzes the dominant institutions of private music education in Greece from 1971 to 2000 (conservatories and private music schools). The analysis extends to the social groups involved in this particular institution of Greek musical life, with an emphasis on the educators. The second part presents the results of a sociological research carried out on 20 institutes of music education in 9 prefectures of Northern Greece. Two types of questionnaire were used along with the method of participant observation.

The structural changes of the social groups involved in this important institution (its history is longer than 130 years) have not been clarified so far. Moreover, most of the features of these social groups are still unknown. This shortcoming could hardly prevent mistakes in music education policy with unpredictable effects on the musical culture in Greece. Even though it is clearly stated that further analysis and research are necessary, the paper is original in terms of the data it provides for a discussion of the social reproduction and cultural socialization in Greece. Actually, this is the first research report of this kind published in the country.