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Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician

By Scott Rush and Jeff Scott

For year one and beginner level band musicians

 

Methods for all major band instruments and percussionists

 

Available as a physical book or digital download

 

Available on both MusicFirst and MakeMusic Cloud online teaching platforms

 

Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician is a field-tested, vital, and—most important—musical collection of 225 sequenced exercises for the beginning band student. The book’s cutting-edge online component, Habits Universal, features a backend gradebook that allows students to submit video recordings of their performances as a primary source of assessment.

This gradebook is compatible with PowerSchool, Canvas, Google Classroom, Brightspace, Edmodo, Schoology, and many other platforms! In addition, Habits Universal features supplemental rhythm vocabulary sheets, accompaniment tracks, video start-up clinics, as well as a professional video coach for each exercise in the book.

What makes Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician unique? Features include:

  • Teacher tips for each exercise in the book.
  • Diatonic solfege that begins on the first day of instruction.
  • Initial exercises on the mouthpiece, mouthpiece and barrel, reed, bocal and reed, or headjoint prior to playing the first notes in the book.
  • 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.
  • Technique and skill-building exercises embedded within the method, which helps to prepare students for future Habits exercises.
  • The introduction of the key of Concert C, which results in students playing the pitches B, E, and A more often (as opposed to the typical emphasis on B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat).
  • The introduction of five keys: Concert B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, C, and F. The Concert G scale is also provided in the back of the book.
  • Left (L) and right (R) indicators for woodwinds along with appropriate chromatic alternate fingering indicators.
  • Shaded boxes around first-time challenges in the student books.
  • A thorough explanation of (T:1) for trombones and rules for when to use it.
  • Rhythm vocabulary that progresses through quarters, eighths, dotted rhythms, sixteenths, and an eighth and two sixteenths.
  • The sequential introduction of the one-handed breakdown of a percussion rudiment before introducing the rudiment itself.
  • The use of the “enharmonic ladder” and the “call-and-response game” to learn enharmonic notes.
  • A thorough explanation of and markings for the “F dilemma” on oboe.
  • An explanation of appropriate flicking on bassoon.
  • Two pages of slow “clarinets only” work that focuses on going over the break and throat tones.

Available Editions

Testimonials

Habits of A Successful Beginner Band Musician is terrific for every band director looking for a comprehensive beginning book. This book walks directors through the first 10 days which are so crucial to establishing a great foundation. It also varies from the usual Bb approach introducing chromatic notes earlier and making those concepts easier for students. I would have LOVED to have a book like this when I first began teaching beginners decades ago!! Well worth the investment!!

Susan Waters

Director of Bands, W. H. Oliver Middle School

Nashville, Tennessee

I have loved using Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician with my first-year players! The curriculum sequence is very logical and does not move too quickly. I really appreciate the “First Days of Instruction” portion because it gives teachers a strong sequence of concepts to introduce in those crucial opening days. I also really appreciate the individual instrument pedagogical reminders/insights throughout the book. Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician gives first-year students a strong foundation. I am thrilled with it!

Christine Wolf

Director of Bands, Central Davis Junior High School

Layton, Utah

“We have been piloting Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician this year with our 6th graders and it is simply fantastic! An innovative book that starts students in Solfege and reading rhythms right off the bat. One of the many things I love about Habits is the PERCUSSION (snare) parts are APPROPRIATE for the level, and go through a concept for several book lines for reinforcement – this is huge! This would be a great option for seasoned band directors who are looking for new content, or a first-year band director finding the right method book.”

Tara Melvin

Director of Bands, Awtrey Middle School

Kennesaw, Georgia

HabitsUniversal.com is a cutting-edge new website that supplements Habits of a Beginner Band Musician.

This exciting new website features free supplemental resources that will significantly enhance instruction for young musicians. You’ll find supplemental rhythm vocabulary sheets, accompaniment tracks, video start-up clinics, as well as a professional video coach for each exercise in the book. In addition, there are First Concert full-band selections and additional Teacher Tips on how to use the method book to maximize instruction.

At HabitsUniversal, you'll also find:

  • Video clinics for every instrument explaning the basics of the instrument from assembly to beginning notes
  • Video exercises from the book led by an experienced instructor for each individual instrument (Meet your instructor today!)
  • Online resources ranging from rhythm and fingering charts to solfege and rehearsal exercises.
  • Audio accompaniments for exercises in the book and warm-ups
  • and much, much, more!

Activating your book with the code found inside ever physical student method book will allow you access to video exercises led by a specialized instructor for your instrument. You will also have the ability to view a digital version of the method book from your phone, tablet, or laptop!

Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician is also available on both MusicFirst and MakeMusic Cloud online resource platforms. Both of these web-based applications feature tools for the teacher such as ways to create lesson plans, assignments, and backend gradebooks that are compatible with PowerSchool, Canvas, Google Classroom, Brightspace, Edmodo, Schoology, and many other platforms. Students will also find engaging tools for receiving and submitting assignments along with live feedback on missed notes and rhythms.

Learn more about MusicFirst and MakeMusic Cloud

Visit HabitsUniversal.com Today!

Did You Know...

Each student method book in the HABITS series is available digitally for access on any device of choice!

Even More!

Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician comes with a FREE digital access code printed on the inside cover!

All other Habits student method books are available digitally for $6.95 (a $3 saving compared to the physical edition).

View Habits Digital Books