Classroom teachers and home educators alike recognize that listening to music is an important part of the feast we spread for our students. Our sound-saturated society, however, has caused us to be passive listeners, inattentive to music’s language. This presentation will discuss what makes music art and why we need it. It will also provide suggestions on how to develop the skill of active listening. This will help students to be discerning while they hear music, enhance their musical understanding, and, ultimately, their enjoyment of music. This session will also cover practical considerations for educators such as presentation, factors in choosing truly beautiful and edifying selections, introducing musical vocabulary, adding physical movement, using visuals, and how to discuss music with students from preschool to high school, all while honoring that the work of art is greater than the sum of its parts. Attendees will have the chance to practice active listening themselves and leave with resources to aid them in their own teaching either in classroom or homeschool.