Ray Cramer’s contribution to the distinguished Teaching Music through Performance in Band series is but one of the ways he has advanced the art of band music and performance. Under his leadership as Director of Bands at the Indiana University School of Music, the IU Wind Ensemble earned an international reputation for outstanding musical performances—only one of his many and varied accomplishments.

Now, Cramer’s ten chapters on the teaching of music throughout the Teaching Music series are collected in one volume, making this a treasure-trove of practical advice and inspiration. Step by step, he shares the methodology of selecting appropriate literature (Volume 1)— including the importance of performing music of multicultural diversity (Volume 2)—using the director’s personality to successfully engage the band (Volume 3), and the nuts and bolts of developing beautiful ensemble tone (Volume 6), along with practical advice regarding making a difference (Volume 4), the road to inspired teaching (Volume 8), and relentlessly pursuing excellence as a music educator (Volume 10).

Cramer’s profound love for music and the students he helps make music has been an inspiration to readers of the Teaching Music through Performance in Band series for 20 years. This collection of essays from one of the preeminent bandmasters of our time will inspire and enlighten you on your journey to become the best music educator you can be.