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