This paper aims to present the work done with the implementation of music education in Ateneu Igualadí schools during the ten years in which Manuel Borgunyó he led as Head. We are sure that to be important in the field of History of Music Education.
Igualada is an industrial town near Barcelona, a group of workers were founded in 1867 in this place the Ateneu Popular of the working class. Its purpose was the intellectual and moral improvement of workers in the population. This experience became a model and took much of the educational responsibility of the city and was a great educational reference for many Catalan organizations. The year after its inception evening classes for adults and later (1890 and 1908) day schools for boys and girls respectively were initiated
In 1921 as part of the educational activities of the Ateneu, with its expansion creating a Conservatory of Music, in which various sections are contemplated according to the objectives pursued, are deemed necessary. For this new challenge was named Manuel Borgunyó further the position of director of the Conservatory, took responsibility for music education in the schools of Ateneo besides undertaking other projects.
In order to deepen the study of this period, this paper argues about the following issues:
• The role of music education in Ateneu Igualadí schools.
• The Conservatory of Ateneu: educational and cultural activities that were developed.
• The incidence that these activities were within the society of Igualada.
• The role of the chorus in the music education and social life.