Reviews of the literature on lesson preparation in music education may provide a variety of information, techniques, and methods with which to improve lesson structure. The use of Shulman's (1987) teaching knowledge, specifically pedagogical content knowledge and content knowledge, could help students prepare in a more effective manner. The present review of the literature describes important issues in preservice teachers' development, including knowledge of teaching, music content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and lesson planning, as well as potential applications to help better prepare instrumental music teachers.