This article attempts to identify and evaluate the contribution made by Ferdinand Pelzer to English music education. Since the mid-nineteenth century Pelzer's work as a music teacher has largely been neglected; yet research into contemporary accounts suggests that his method of teaching singing was comparatively more successful than those of Mainzer, Wilhem and Hullah.

Dr Button also explains Pelzer's method, setting it against a background of growing interest in vocal music, the establishment of the first national system of education, and the adoption of the Wilhem–Hullah music system for use in elementary schools.