The "Three Artistic Processes" provide a powerful model for organizing standards-based music teaching and assessment as well as a vision of the musically educated student. They also clarify how student-centered music education helps children master 21st-century skills necessary for future success. This article outlines why and how music teachers can use the processes to guide their instruction and advocate more effectively for their program. (Contains 1 table, 1 figure and 3 notes.)