This new edition has been thoroughly revised to take account of recent changes to the curriculum. With a focus on evidence-based practice, this book aims to develop open and reflective practitioners who will critically examine their own and others' ideas about music education and the way in which children learn music. Providing an overview of contemporary issues in music teaching and learning from a range of perspectives, the book centres on teaching music musically, and enables the reader to: place music education in its historical and social context; consider the nature of musical knowledge and how pupils learn musically; critically analyse the statutory framework within which music teachers work; develop an understanding of the three key areas of composing, performing and appraising as well as issues such as creativity, individual needs and assessment; and examine aspects of music beyond the classroom and how effective links can be made between curriculum music and music outside of school. Including tasks, activities and reflections to help student-teachers to integrate the theory and practice of music education, this book will provide support, guidance, ideas and challenges for beginner teachers, and will be useful for mentors in schools and teacher educators.