Book excerpt: This book is about making the journey as a music teacher, about the critical real-world problems and conflicts music teachers face that rarely seem to get any notice in college or graduate school music courses. How should a music teacher balance learning and performing? What is the best way to handle an angry parent? What are the consequences of the grades teachers assign? What are the best ways to discipline students? How should teachers relate to the administrators and to other teachers? What if the school is breaking copyright laws? These are just a few of the issues covered in this book. The emphasis here is not on the solution, but on the process. There are many viable approaches to nearly every obstacle, but before any meaningful long-term solutions can be made, teachers must identify their own personal philosophy of music education and recognize those traits that are admirable in another's style. This book is one that will engage you and help you become a more effective music teacher.