This article presents Scott Shuler's "Five Guiding Principles for Music Education": (1) An education in "all" the arts is important for "all" students; (2) Independence--music literacy in the broadest sense--is necessary to lead a life enriched by music; (3) Independent music literacy can be defined as the ability to carry out the three artistic processes in music; (4) To achieve independence and transition to adult involvement in music, students must begin music study early and continue in high school; and (5) High school music electives must address a variety of interests to attract a variety of students. These principles identify important steps music education needs to take to become more basic in schooling and more relevant for all school students.