Music education in Ancient Greece

Music was an integral part of Greek life, in the spheres of religion, competition and warfare, as well as for relaxation. It also marked the most important moments of life, at births, weddings and funerals. Ancient Greeks therefore educated their children, both girls and boys, in music from a young age. Even in infancy, children played with instruments and learned through songs. Later on, children learned to play the lyre, either in formal setting or at home, and some went on to become professional musicians. This online exhibition explores this musical education through material culture—instruments and images—from across the Mediterranean.

This collection is adapted from an exhibition prepared by Ruth Featherstone on the Ure Museum website, at https://collections.reading.ac.uk/ure-museum/explore/online-exhibitions/well-tempered-lyre/

See also our Greek dance collection