This guide was developed as a model for local music education programs. Following the preface, a unit titled, "Rationale/Philosophy/Goals," contains the philosophy and goals of music education and preferred student attitudes toward music. Goals and objectives for a multicultural, nonsexist approach to music education, and recommendations for an exceptional student music education program are included. A visiting musician program is mentioned. "Scope/Sequence/Strategies" is divided into three parts. Part One, "General Music," referring to elementary and secondary music courses which provide the students a broad range of experiences, is divided into three components: knowledge, skills, and senior high course offerings. Within the knowledge and skills sections, achievement and emphasis is organized by three instructional levels: lower elementary, upper elementary, and junior/middle high. A bar graph is used to show the levels of instruction most appropriate for specific concepts. A musical skills checklist outlines musical behavior at various instructional levels. Musical skills and knowledge for senior high students of varying degrees of musical experience are described through course offerings. Part Two, "Performance Groups: Bands, Orchestra, Chorus," refers to school performance groups which epitomize the practical application of music education. In this section, skill groups are categorized in three areas: band skills, string skills, and chorus skills. Each area is divided into elementary, junior/middle high, and senior high levels of music instruction. Part Three, "Teaching Strategies," provides four examples of music education lesson plans. The unit titled "Evaluation" provides guidelines for judging school music programs, students, teachers, and curriculum. The concluding unit contains a list of resources and a bibliography. (APG)