Abstract:
The commercially successful movie Mr Holland's Opus tells the story of a high school music teacher
throughout his thirty year career. It offers the general public a picture of what it is to be a music
educator. This article outlines a critical reading of the film from the perspective of a practising high
school music teacher. Three broad themes emerged in this teacher's viewing of Mr Holland's Opus:
(i) general issues about teaching were identified that were not specific to music education, (ii)
issues specifically about music education were critiqued as being unrealistic, and (iii) it is difficult
being a musician if you are a music teacher. The themes suggest the movie has numerous
possibilities for teacher reflection, as well as exposing myths about teaching which are portrayed in
the mass media.
