Peter, the wolf, and music education

Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf has had an enviable place in the musical education of generations of children.For many, this work represents an education in music-often a solitary education in music; for others, it has provided an introduction to some of the instruments of the orchestra. The work remains one of most performed and recorded twentieth century works. The paper will consider the place of the work in Prokofiev's output, a consideration of its place in music education, and through a range of examples present some views on its enduring, adaptable and educational nature.