<p>Service learning (SL) is a methodology that combines academic training with social commitment, favoring the development of pedagogical and social competencies in music education. Its implementation faces challenges related to planning, sustainability, and teacher training. This study aimed to analyze the SL models in music education and their influence on students’ professional development, and examine their role in connecting music education and the community. A literature review followed the PRISMA protocol, systematically searching the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. Studies published in the last decade exploring SL’s application in music education were selected. The results showed that SL contributed significantly to developing pedagogical, social, and leadership competencies in future teachers, strengthening student motivation, autonomous learning, and diversity. SL has proven to be a transformative tool in music education, although it still requires more substantial institutional commitment to become a sustainable and accessible practice.</p>