ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we introduce the book Advancing Music Education in Northern Europe, which describes innovative approaches pioneered in the Nordic and Baltic countries during the 20-year history of the Nordic Network for Music Education (NNME). We set the scene by describing the countries of Northern Europe, the general situation for music education practice and research, and how and why the NNME arose to support professionalization of the field of music education in this region. We identify three major themes addressed across the book: Current practices and background, higher education reforms, and professional networks. Additionally, we note that our discussions throughout the book are also framed by the four multi-year projects launched within the NNME network, which were on the themes of: (1) professionalization (1997-2007), (2) democracy (2008-2010), (3) sustainability (2011-2014), and (4) universality of music (2015-2018). We conclude by offering a detailed overview of the book’s 14 chapters by notable authors representing each of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries of Northern Europe.
