'Make no mistake, this is a very important book which deserves the widest possible readership. Ashgate Publishing are to be commended for yet another impressive addition to their catalogue... This should be compulsory reading for all those in and all those entering the profession. This book is full of powerfully good ideas which could substantially improve the teaching and learning of music in our schools.' http://www.teachingmusic.org.uk 'This is a book distinguished by original thinking and fresh ideas... required reading for anyone - everyone - involved in music education and its future.' Music Teacher 'This wonderful book - wise, provocative and passionate - interweaves an account of classroom-based music education in England since the 1950s with Finney’s own professional autobiography.' Educational Review 'This is a timely and well-written book that, although it describes music education in the UK, offers much insight into Australian practices. Too often we are unaware of the ideas and forces that have shaped our daily practice. The more we are aware of our past, the better we are prepared and supported in our present.' Australian Journal of Music Education 'The ’ownership’ of music education continues to be fluid and contested. Finney’s achievement in this book is in revealing the significance of this. In giving us some mechanisms by which to consider - and even, perhaps, influence - the shape of things to come, he has enabled us to try to answer the question he poses at the beginning of his account: ’The future of class music! There was one, but what was it to be?' Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland