ABSTRACT
Dictionary definitions of familiarity refer to it as the state of 'being well known' or having close relationships. In these terms, 'familiarity' is relevant to almost every aspect of music education. All learning involves developing familiarity with a body of knowledge. In music this may include the tonal, rhythmic or structural forms of a particular musical system or genre, specific pieces of music, or a wide range of musical skills including performing, improvisation, composition or analysis and critique. Within particular communities the process of increasing familiarity within the domain may be enhanced by familiarity with the approaches to learning and teaching that are adopted, and with the relationships developed with others within the community which support the learning process. This chapter explores issues of familiarity in relation to music education through consideration of existing research with particular reference to enculturation of musical language, developing musical skills and teachers and teaching, including the impact of educational and life transitions.
