The work elaborates the possibilities of working with pupils with special needs in music teaching foreseen by the Croatian National Education Standard. The assumptions in realizing contemporary approach for pupils with special needs, implies, among other things, changes in terminology, introduction of various contents and types of work, teachers' competence and changes within the provisions of the law. The upbringing and education of children with special needs in regular elementary schools is the right of a child guaranteed by the Pre-school Education Act of the Republic of Croatia, and regulations linked to that act. It must be said that CNES presumes a competent teacher. Namely, guidelines are given but not clear instructions on how to realize the educational contents in working with children with special needs.