The purpose of this graduate thesis is to examine how pedagogues in leisure time centres carry out music education, in order to promote a meaningful free time for children. By this study I also want to develop my own educational skills to plan and lead meaningful musical activities in this school organisation. Research in this field is scarce, for that reason I have chosen to immerse in other music pedagogy fields that can be seen as relevant for this area of study. The leisure time centre has other preconditions and policies, but there are probably some aspects that can be transferred from research that inquire music education in compulsory school. The study is based on sociocultural theory, which includes the study of how individuals learn and develop resources to think and accomplish practical objectives that create meaningful aspects of our culture and environment. All of the important concepts that appear in the study are marked with cursive text. I have chosen a qualitative research method in form of interviews.  

This study has developed my understanding about how music can have different meanings for pupils in the leisure-time centre. The result shows that there are different opportunities, preconditions and obstacles that regulates in what manner music is used. Among them how the pedagogues own musical knowledge, interests and experiences, but also their ability to listen to the pupils interests, needs and preconditions are seen as important factors to carry out a meaningful music education in the leisure-time centre. Access to good materials for example music instruments, an inspiring environment and how pedagogues plan the music education in this school form is also seen as significant aspects. The result has been possible to clearly compare with previous studies.