Why celebrate in 2004? the centennial of the New South Wales primary syllabus

March 1 1904 marked the publication of the first syllabus in New South Wales public schooling, a single volume syllabus which organised the curriculum into seven parts, one of which was music. This paper considers the historical background to the music section of the syllabus, and the place of music. The first syllabus was an historical event that should be remembered for three reasons: it marked a time of education reform in New South Wales; its introduction demonstrated the ability of a large system to undergo effective change; and, finally, because certain aspects of the syllabus writers’ vision are still relevant for today’s curriculum.