Habits of a Successful Intermediate Band Musician
By Scott Rush and Jeff Scott
For Intermediate level band musicians (start after Beginner, but before Middle-Level)
Methods for all major band instruments and percussionists
Available as a physical book or digital download
Available exclusively on MakeMusic Cloud online platform
Habits of a Successful Intermediate Band Musician is a field-tested, vital, and—most important—musical collection of 172 sequenced exercises for the intermediate band student. Features include:
- Melodic contouring to shape phrases and develop expression.
- A focus on range development and timing exercises with more rests.
- Teacher tips for each exercise.
- More work in Concert C, D-flat, and G.
- More sequenced diatonic solfege that begins on the first day of instruction.
- One-octave scale studies in twelve keys.
- Sequential rhythm charts embedded in the book. These same rhythms are then presented with pitches for a seamless transfer to the music students are performing.
- Slower pacing of scaffolded concepts.
- An emphasis on rhythm vocabulary, aural literacy, and the components of playing (the “three buckets”).
- An introductory exercise for developing vibrato.
- Expanded whole tone scales.
- Left (L) and right (R) indicators for woodwinds, along with appropriate chromatic alternate fingering indicators.
- Rhythm charts in simultaneous coordinating lines to promote part independence.
- Technique and skill-building exercises embedded within the method, which help to prepare students for future Habits exercises.
- And much, much more!
Available Editions
Testimonials
Habits of A Successful Intermediate Band Musician is a must for middle school bands. This comprehensive series includes everything directors need to develop student skills, including technique-building exercises and scale studies in all major keys, and rhythm charts with coordinating melodic studies. It even introduces melodic contouring to assist students with developing musical expression. The teacher tips are perfect for directors looking for innovative ideas on how to approach teaching these concepts.
Dr. Jennifer Compton Lambert
Director of Bands, River Trail Middle School
Johns Creek, Georgia
Habits of a Successful Intermediate Band Musician is an excellent addition to any band program’s curriculum. The warm-ups, rhythm studies, and songs are meticulously sequenced to develop the individual skills of students. We have witnessed this firsthand as students have successfully prepared for all-district and all-region auditions.
Gregory Denson
Director of Bands, Cheek Middle School
Aubrey, Texas
