Basic Law, Article 6, para. 2

The care and upbringing of children is the natural right of parents and a duty primarily incumbent upon them...

NRW State Constitution, Art. 6, para. 2

Children and young people have the right to develop and express their personalities... The state and society shall protect them from dangers to their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They shall respect and safeguard their rights... and nurture their innate talents and abilities.

The Basic Law approaches the education of children in manner that is diametrically opposed to the state education under National Socialism: the well-being of children is the highest guiding principle. At the same time, the Basic Law also guarantees children the right to parental care and education.

Music schools are public education institutions in the community. Though they often work closely with daycare centres and public schools, they view their mission of educational and cultural education as their own independent responsibility.

The photograph shows a group of children in the elementary musical education class offered by the Westfälisch School for Music in Münster. Founded in 1919 by the city of Münster, the school is currently attended by over 7,000 pupils and 200 teachers.