The study examines and traces the historical background of music education in Nigeria; and discusses the role of Western music education in Nigeria. The study relied heavily on written documents, and interviews as a source of information in its approach/methodology. Written documents from the Encyclopedia, International Dictionary, books, articles, and papers presented at the learned Conferences were consulted on the historical background of music education in Nigeria. The outcome of the study provides detailed knowledge of the historical background of music education and Western music in Nigeria. The teaching of Africans to read and write music is one of the major achievements and contributions of Western music, but they only partially succeeded in doing so. The paper highlights some of the negative roles and functions of Western music education in Nigeria. In conclusion, Nigeria did not has music that she considered to be hers. The music curriculum in Nigerian schools and Institutions should be revised to meet the demands of Nigerian society and not Western patterns.

Keywords: Historical, Excursion, Music, Education, Nigeria.