Critical Issues in Music Education: Contemporary Theory and Practice provides a current introduction to key issues facing music educators. Designed as the main text for a Music Education Theory course or as a supplement for introductory courses on Music Education and Music Education Methods, this text presents a series of essays, written by key leaders in the field, each focusing on a single issue. It provides the most up-to-date, inclusive, and comprehensive introduction of any text on the market.

Most of undergraduate music teacher education focuses on developing the skills and understandings necessary to become a practitioner. The updated second edition links theory and practice, offering multiple perspectives so that music teachers are prepared as well-rounded professionals, better equipped to develop into leaders in the field. Rather than focusing on answering, "What to do" questions, Critical Issues in Music Education focuses on addressing "Why" questions, through examining underpinnings for the field and encouraging teacher inquiry.