Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2008
This article traces the history of Musical Education of the Under-Twelves (MEUT) from its birth in 1949 to its demise in 1983. Because it arose from a coalition of pre-war societies and associations it provides a valuable historical link, as well as an example of a later alliance with progressive ideas in education. The paper considers the following questions: What were the historical roots of MEUT? Why was MEUT formed? What new ideas were developed and debated, and how did these relate to traditional concerns? What accounted for the demise of MEUT? Through the investigation of such an association we can better understand how music as a curriculum subject changes over time.