Glasnost and Perestroika in Russian Soviet Music Education

Abstract

There is considerable concern in the Russian Federation of the Soviet Union about the state of music education in general schools, the schools most children attend. Many observers draw attention to the decline in musical standards in these schools since the Revolution of 1917. Glasnost – ‘openness’ and Perestroika – ‘reconstruction’, are key factors in contemporary Soviet society which are affecting attempts to raise the standard. In particular, the Kabalevsky system developed in the 1970s and implemented in the 1980s is the focal point of reconstruction and, because of openness, is also the focal point of criticism.In this article the author outlines some of the features of current music education in general schools. The influences of glasnost and perestroika on development are discussed and some international implications are suggested.