The commercially successful movie Mr Holland's Opus tells the story of a high school music teacher throughout his thirty year career. It offers the general public a picture of what it is to be a music educator. This article outlines a critical reading of the film from the perspective of a practising high school music teacher. Three broad themes emerged in this teacher's viewing of Mr Holland's Opus : (i) general issues about teaching were identified that were not specific to music education, (ii) issues specifically about music education were critiqued as being unrealistic, and (iii) it is difficult being a musician if you are a music teacher. The themes suggest the movie has numerous possibilities for teacher reflection, as well as exposing myths about teaching which are portrayed in the mass media.