Unique in its practical approach to music education, this introduction covers the broad scope of the profession integrating musicianship, scholarship and pedagogy. It includes practical approaches to different music class situations with lesson plans that include the national standards and features scenarios of school teaching to assist readers in looking at teaching through the teacher's eyes. The authors examine qualities of the effective music teacher, developing tools for teaching, general music in the elementary and secondary schools, band programs and performances, string education, choral music, multicultural music education and developing a philosophy of music education. For music educators and others interested in musical education.