Although it is not yet common practice, case studies are beginning to be used in undergraduate music methods classes. One fruitful approach is the use of case studies as a means of nurturing reflective practice through cooperative learning activities. This paper describes and presents support for the case method of instruction through a review of the music education and educational research and scholarship relating to the case method in teacher education. The paper points out that several music educators have developed casebooks for use in music education methods courses and that several educational researchers have designed research studies to examine and document the outcomes of the case method. It also notes that for music education researchers to engage in case development research projects, these projects will need to be recognized as scholarly contributions, particularly regarding tenure and promotion. The paper suggests that formation of a "Case Method in Music Education" Special Research Group as a branch of the Society for Research in Music Education may provide a forum for discussion of the case method in music, the development of music education case literature, and the dissemination of research results regarding the case method. It cites several centers for case method research and development in teacher education. The paper suggests that case study research which looks in depth at one music class setting or one music teacher may add to the knowledge base for successful music teaching; research is also needed in the area of implementation and effect of the use of the case method in music education methods courses. (Contains 61 references.) (BT)