Young students generally don't make up their lessons as they go along. But many music educators are encouraging just that by teaching composition alongside traditional musical concepts. Rather than simply relying on rote exercises that focus on basic musical principles and techniques, teachers are asking students to create their own music early on to gain a greater understanding of how the rudimentary elements of music work together. This article includes an interview with noted composer Lalo Schifrin wherein he discussed the connection between composition and improvisation--and what this connection can mean for music students. (Contains 7 resources and 3 online resources.)