Individuals interested in entering the field of education often begin by selecting a college or university to complete their undergraduate studies. Some college and university programs include the elements necessary to obtain a teaching license while other programs only meet the requirements for a bachelor's degree. The list of variations between university programs is long and often depends on each professor. An individual must decide which program will meet their personal needs and which program will best prepare them for a career in the music classroom. An educator's education doesn't end with earning a degree: once they enter the classroom, music teachers complete professional development hours specific to their district, administration, and personal demands. The purpose of this literature review is to determine how music teacher education, both before teaching and during their career, affects music teacher retention. Effective Music Education The ultimate goal of an individual's education is career preparation, but it is difficult to determine what preparation is necessary without defining the ideal career for the music educator. An effective classroom environment for the music educator would involve the teacher developing a method for assessing, evaluating, and communicating student outcomes (Kay, 2000). Many elementary methods such as Kodaly, Orff Schulwerk, Dalcroze, and Gordon provide detailed approaches to general music education that can be adapted to teach many musical concepts across grade levels and disciplines. Kay (2000) continues to emphasize the importance of teachers improving the way music is taught and learned in the music classroom. This increase in music standards for students would mean an increase in standards f...... middle of paper ......ct=true&db=a9h&AN=27988296&site=ehost -liveEros, J. (2011). The career cycle and the second stage of education: implications for policy and professional development. Arts Education Policy Review, 112(2), 65-40. doi:10.1080/10632913.2011.546683Kay, A. (2000). What is effective music education?. Teaching Music, 8(1). 50. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3393603&site=ehost-liveSmith. MV and Haack, P. (2000). The long-term vision of lifelong learning. Journal of Music Teachers. 87(3), 28. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3735866&site=ehost-liveSpurgeon, A. (2004). Proposed changes to the undergraduate elementary music curriculum. General Music Today, 17(3), 28-32. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=13641916&site=ehost-live