According to Katz and Chard (1990/2000) a project in education is an indepth study of a particular topic or theme that extends over a period of time. The project approach in music education is a way of teaching and learning that encourages students to interact with their musical environment--to explore and discover musical environments in ways in which they can derive meaning.
Typical projects in music consist of ideas children find interesting and are drawn from real life musical encounters. For example, students in kindergarten might explore and study what and how sounds are made and how to classify them. Middle school students might be involved in projects about iPod playlists or filmscoring or showcasing their understandings of music as an entertainment. High school students might participate in projects that examine themes of love and death as found in song literature from around the world.
Additional information on the project approach can be found in the links below:
www.projectapproach.org/index.php
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-overview
http://www.edutopia.org/node/884
http://www.edutopia.org/node/901
http://www.edutopia.org/chard.html
Katz, L.G. & Chard, S.C. (2000) Engaging Children's Minds: The Project Approach. 2nd Edition. Ablex