This text presents essential theories and methods for teaching music in the elementary and middle schools in a format that reflects current thinking in teacher training. Through the use of case studies, cooperative tasks, and teaching scripts, students are engaged in the challenging realities and joys of teaching general music. The text helps student develop skills in lesson-planning and evaluation and offers effective ways to engage children in meaningful music experiences through singing, listening, moving, playing instruments, composing, and reading music. Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Orff approaches are covered, as are major learning theories. Current topics include mainstreaming, multicultural classrooms, gender issues, creative and critical thinking, cooperative learning, and whole language approaches. Because of the many innovative teaching approaches found in this text, it can serve a wide variety of students. The case studies, teaching scripts, and role playing activities will work equally well in courses for music education majors and in courses which prepare elementary school teachers to incorporate music into their curriculum. The book can also serve as a resource for graduate music education courses.