“I use this text because it is a broad examination of music education. Our other methods classes go into more detail, but this text and this course are a broad overview of the journey these future music educators will take.” — Barbara Elliott, Texas State University

“This text is concise and focused on the topics that are most relevant to music education majors in the early stage of teacher preparation. Dr. Hoffer’s experience in K–12 music education, higher education, and MENC leadership is evident. The style is engaging and straightforward.” — Lee Harris, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

“This is an excellent book for an introduction to music education. The size is not overwhelming, and the chapters are not too long. The book covers an excellent range of topics that should be the focus of the course.” — Michael Chandler, Austin Peay State University

“Dr. Hoffer’s book gives an excellent foundation for Music Education students. Because of his leadership in the profession, he was in a unique position to give details of our profession that not many people know.” — Anne C. Witt, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

“This is an excellent introductory text for undergraduate music education students. It is easy to read, understand, and use.” — Erica Kupinski, Murray State University

“The addition of international perspectives, along with the thoughtful ‘challenges’ sections in this edition, is appreciated and helpful.” — Michael V. Smith, University of Missouri, St. Louis

“This text remains a great little supplementary book for any Introduction to Music Education course.” — Richard Sang, CUNY Queens College

“The text is comprehensive and covers material in an inviting way.” — Rachel Whitcomb, Nazareth College of Rochester

“I like the combined philosophical and historical perspectives included in this text. The end-of-chapter questions are also helpful.” — Rachel Cornacchio, Messiah College

“It is concise and very appropriate for the first course in music education.” — June Williams, Georgetown College

1. The Importance of Teaching Music
The Experience of Teaching / The Need for Instruction / The Nature of Aesthetic Experiences / Nonmusical Reasons for Music / Students or the Subject?

2. The Nature of Music Teaching
What Is Music? / What Is Teaching? / Analyzing Music Teaching / Observing Music Teaching

3. Planning and Assessing Music Teaching
Amount of Planning by Music Teachers / Assessing Learning in Music

4. Qualities and Competencies of Music Teachers
Personality / The Importance of Being Yourself / Human Qualities and Professional Competence / Teacher and/or Performer?

5. Preparing to Be a Music Teacher
Specific or General Preparation? / Applying Musical Knowledge and Skills / Learning in Music Education Courses / Knowledge of Teaching Techniques / Continued Growth and Self-Evaluation

6. The Music Education Profession
What Is a Profession? / Being a Member of a Profession / Educating Others about Music Education / Teachers and Educational Goals

7. Development of the Profession
Before 1800 / The Nineteenth Century / The Twentieth Century / The Twenty-First Century / Conclusion

8. Content of Music Classes and Rehearsals
Learning in Music / Guidelines for the Content of Music Classes and Rehearsals

9. The Elementary School Music Program
Goals of the Elementary School Music Program / Importance of the Elementary Program / Music and Classroom Teachers

10. The Secondary School Music Program
General Music / Elective Courses / Reasons for Dominance of Performing Groups / Types of Performing Groups

11. International Curriculum Developments
Dalcroze Approach: Development and Background / Orff Schulwerk / Kodály Approach: Development and Background / Suzuki Talent Education: Development and Background / Foreign Methods in American Schools

12. Challenges in Music Education
Music in Early Childhood / Music in Middle Schools / Education versus Entertainment / Fund-Raising / Cultural Diversity / Students at Risk / Closing Thoughts

13. Music Education and Mr. Holland's Opus
Three Useful Questions

Appendix A: The Music Code of Ethics
Appendix B: Music with a Sacred Text
Appendix C: Fund-Raising