To develop an understanding of major 20th century musical styles and compositional techniques in junior high school general music classes, and to utilize rather than ignore student interest in current music, a sequence for units-of-study was developed and tested over a 2-year period in urban junior high schools. The initial units dealt with what teenagers know musically--rock, pop, soul, electronic music, and jazz. A unit on African and non-Western music followed; the concluding units dealt with early 20th century styles such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Barbarism, Transcendentalism, and Dadaism. The result of the study was an overview and guide for teachers of general music. (Included in the report are background materials and methods used for the study; research findings; a discussion of recent emphases in music education; sample objectives, tests, and activities; and a list of references.) [Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (MF)