In German music education, the focus has historically been on formal music education in schools. Participatory music making in the community, or community music, has so far received little attention in theory or practice. This thesis constitutes the first in-depth analysis of the development of community music in Germany, conducted using empirical data and literature analysis. The development of the Munich Community Music Action Research Group is highlighted as an example of the potential of community music in the German context. The research shows that the context-specific development of a framework for community music in Germany gives voice to and connects community musicians, and has contributed considerably to the development of community music theory and practice, not only in Munich, but across Germany.