This paper first outlines the focus of ethnomusicology as a discipline, pointing to its concentration on music examined as intersocial activity and identifying the methodological givens that follow from that assumption. It then looks at concerns shared with researchers in the field of music education, with references to the ethnomusicological literature. The concept of music and topics of musical transmission and ability are treated in depth, to show what ethnomusicological approaches offer to specialists in music education. A final section introduces the writing of ethnography, prior to the conclusion, which identifies further areas of mutual interest.