Other musics in the classroom: from assimilation to multiculturalism in Australian school music

This paper considers the notion of 'other musics' within the Australian school context. It presents a theoretical overview of such terms as 'imperialism', 'assimilation', 'integration' and 'multiculturalism' - all terms that we use to summarise our inclusion of 'other' in Australian culture. By providing an historical overview of its development within educational settings, the examples cited articulate the archaic: assimilation of 'the other' matters within a multicultural society. By considering examples of past and present practice we hope to illuminate our use of other musics in Australian schools.