"Sound links" is an Australia Research Council Linkage project that examines the dynamics of community music in Australia, and the models it represents for music learning and teaching in formal and informal settings. This project is focusing on a selection of vibrant musical communities across the country and exploring their potential tor complementarity and synergy with music in schools. This paper focuses on the most significant themes that have emerged from author's recent "Sound Links" fieldwork in four musical communities across Australia. Drawing on insights from well over 300 community music practitioners, participants, educators, and administrators, the paper touches on the critical success factors, key challenges, learning dynamics and models tor community-school collaborations found in these diverse community settings. These themes are interwoven with ideas and concepts from community studies in the humanities and community music literature to provide a range of insights into the social, cultural and educational dynamics of musical communities in Australia.