This article discusses the numerous benefits of employing contrast-and-compare lessons in music education settings. Such activities focus on the elements of music through the higher-order thinking processes of analyzing, comparing, organizing, and evaluating. They also integrate with the teaching goals and practices of many general educators in other subject areas. By posing interesting and open-ended questions, contrast-and-compare lessons promote engagement by students of all ability levels. Finally, this technique offers opportunities for authentic formative and summative student assessment. Readers will be given carefully reasoned rationale, supporting references, and suggestions for specific lesson designs. (Contains 3 figures and 1 table.)