This article presents the transcript of Peter Webster's 2014 Senior Researcher Award Acceptance Address. Webster comments on several big ideas in music education: (1) The consideration of teaching as a blend of constructivist approaches and direct instruction that values student-centered work primarily as evidence of learning; (2) The development of personal philosophies of music teaching and learning that place "creative thinking in music" as a central tenant; (3) Interdisciplinary connections between music and a host of allied fields in the arts and in other disciplines as well (Barrett, McCoy, & Veblen, 1997); (4) A return to evidenced-based assessment that can come from the sensitive use of digital portfolios of achievement by students that are routinely considered by teachers, students, and parents (Hebert, 2001); (5) Ways to balance the attention between those students that show interest in traditional ensembles, such as various forms of bands, orchestras, and choruses that celebrate the great Western art music tradition, with more alternative ensembles and classes that expand music horizons; (6) Ways of preparing future teachers to teach music styles in comprehensive ways; and (7) Realizing that every course that is taught at the college level to prepare teachers and researchers of tomorrow cannot be limited to the hard boundaries of the classroom, rehearsal room, and studio walls. Educators must be creative thinkers in their use of social media, distance collaborations, and asynchronous teaching and learning (McHaney, 2011).