At the beginning of the 1980s, there were over 20 music societies registered in the canton. Almost half of them were founded in the 19th century. Within some of these societies smaller groups emerged specializing in newer musical trends not offered by the original organizations.

While lessons in the music school were offered only to those who could afford them, the music societies gave people from all social classes a chance to learn an instrument and to play with others in groups.

In the last decade of the 20th century, some of the groups were disbanded due to lack of interest for this kind of music which had previously played such an important role in the city.