Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician

Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician by Scott Rush & Jeff Scott is a field-tested method book tailored for first-year band students. Designed to establish strong fundamentals, the book contains 225 sequenced exercises that guide students from basics—mouthpiece/reed/headjoint setups—all the way through tone, rhythm, and key signature work. What sets this method apart is its Habits Universal online component. It includes: A backend gradebook for teacher assessment via submitted video recordings Accompaniment tracks, video clinics, rhythm vocabulary sheets, and video coaching for each instrument from the very first days of instruction Other standout features include: Diatonic solfege introduced on Day 1 Initial instrument-ready work: mouthpiece only, then mouthpiece + barrel, or similar parts before full playing begins Sequential rhythm charts embedded early, then rhythms re-presented with pitches so students can apply rhythm knowledge in musical contexts quickly. Introduction of multiple concert keys (B♭, E♭, A♭, C, F) earlier than many beginner books, plus inclusion of Concert G scale in back of book. This method is ideal for classroom band directors, private instructors, and students who want a strong, structured approach to their first year of band.