This project was commissioned to investigate ways in which schools can include the cultural activities and symbols of young people--musical interests in particular--in the design and implementation of a music curriculum. The resulting report is divided into three sections. First is a literature review that focuses on the musical interests of youth and on ways in which schools and school systems have catered to these interests. The second is devoted to a study of school programs that incorporate the music of youth to varying degrees. Seven "pen pictures" resulting from this investigation provide basic data for a synthesis of the characteristics of the programs, with particular reference to the emphasis on the music of youth and the factors that contribute to this development. The third section draws together findings from the two previous parts and sets forth a series of recommendations. These suggest further exploratory work that should be undertaken, some uses for the findings of this study in informing practitioners, ways to involve practitioners in a review of practice, and assistance for them in implementing programs that take young peoples' music seriously. (TE)