This series is intended for music educators and features speeches and articles by leaders in music and arts education on a wide variety of current issues. This publication deals with the move of the music education profession to a position based on aesthetic considerations. The study of music structure and history must be encouraged to enhance appreciation of real music, which is the best material for music education. Establishing a realistic rationale to that end requires two tasks. First, a justification for the music program that is understandable and convincing to laypersons must be established. In this regard, eleven statements having to do with benefits of participating in a music program are cited and include engaging imagination and creativity, discovery of talent level, social participation preparation, self-confidence development, and direct effects on the school as a whole. Second, guidelines for organization and conduct of the music program consistent with its unique character of music and musical experience must be developed. Some caveats for the future and criteria for evaluation of the music program conclude the thoughts presented. The paper includes a selected list of Music Educators National Conference (MENC) publications. (TRS)