In German music education, the focus has historically been on formal music education in schools. Participatory music making in the community, or community music, has so far received little attention in theory or practice. This thesis constitutes the first in-depth analysis of the development of community music in Germany, conducted using empirical data and literature analysis.
The development of the Munich Community Music Action Research Group is highlighted as an example of the potential of community music in the German context. The research shows that the context-specific development of a framework for community music in Germany, within the community music spirit of participation reflected in the action research methodology, gives voice to and connects community musicians, and has contributed considerably to the development of community music theory and practice, not only in Munich, but across Germany.

Alicia de Bánffy-Hall arbeitet seit 15 Jahren europaweit als Community Musician in Forschung und Praxis. Projekte u.a. mit Orchestern, Museen, Schulen, Gemeindezentren und freie Projekte. Seit 2016 ist sie an der katholischen Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt am MA inklusive Musikpädagogik/Community Music tätig. Seit 2018 Mitglied des Editorial Boards des International Journal of Community Music. Alicia de Bánffy-Hall has worked in community music practice and research for over 15 years: with community centres, nurseries, schools, and arts organisations. In 2016, she accepted a post as a lecturer at the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt where she established the first MA in inclusive music education/community music in Germany. In 2018, she joined the editorial board of the International Journal of Community Music.