This paper is an evaluation of a selection of writings by Frede V. Nielsen and their significance for the philosophy of music education. The terms "Didaktik" and "Bildung," which played a central role in Nielsen's writings, will be introduced, situated within the historical context of classic theories of "Bildung" (Schleiermacher, von Humboldt, and others.), expounded upon from the perspective of the philosophy of music education and related to Nielsen's central question of criteria-driven selection of content. I shall also make reference to Nielsen's position on a number of questions of musical "Didaktik."