As a percussion teacher or band director, finding the right pieces for your group can be a challenging task, especially when percussion is not your main instrument. From choosing compositions that fit the skill level of your students to ensuring the piece’s overall enjoyment, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It often takes a lot of perseverance to bring up the information you need online. That's why I created two innovative tools to help make the picking process smoother and more efficient: my free eBook titled "You're in the Ensemble" and the One Minute Music Club.
The Free eBook: “You’re in the Ensemble”
Background and Purpose
When I first considered creating this eBook, I wanted to make sure that music educators had everything they needed to make an informed decision when selecting percussion ensemble pieces. As educators, we’ve all experienced the frustration of purchasing music only to find out later that it’s not quite right for our ensemble, often leaving scores collecting dust in a drawer. This free eBook offers a comprehensive solution.
1. Why create a free eBook for teachers and students?
I believe it’s crucial that teachers have quick, easy access to all the information they need when selecting a new piece for their ensemble. The eBook provides a clear, accessible overview of each new percussion ensemble piece, helping educators determine whether the music will work for their group before purchasing it.
2. What problems does this eBook solve for percussion ensemble teachers?
One of the main challenges for band director is selecting pieces that are appropriate for their students’ skill level and musical tastes. The eBook solves this by presenting key melodic lines and providing access to both full recordings and karaoke tracks, giving teachers a chance to preview the music in a realistic setting.
Features and Benefits
1. What does the eBook include, and how does each feature simplify the selection process?
The eBook includes summarized melody sheets for each new percussion ensemble piece. Using QR codes, teachers can scan and instantly access full recordings (including full score) or karaoke tracks where key melodies are omitted. This way, they can play along, assess the music's suitability, and make an informed decision—without any surprises later.
2. Why include karaoke tracks, and how do they enhance the experience for percussionists?
Karaoke tracks allow percussionists to feel like part of the ensemble even before they’ve purchased the piece. This feature not only previews the final product but helps percussionists learn their parts more quickly, fostering a sense of inclusion and improving overall ensemble cohesion.
3. How does the eBook help teachers determine if a piece is right for their ensemble?
By providing both melody tracks and full recordings with scrolling sheet music, the eBook gives teachers and students a thorough understanding of the piece. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the chances of surprises and making it easier to gauge the piece's suitability for the ensemble.
User Experience
1. How easy is it for teachers to access and start using the eBook?
After entering their email address, teachers instantly receive a download link for the eBook. The QR codes inside are clickable for digital users, allowing them to easily access audio and video samples with a simple click. Teachers can start exploring right away, without any hassle.
2. What feedback have you received so far?
A fellow music educator recently shared that the idea of a melody sheet combined with access to a sample track is a game-changer. They felt it would encourage teachers to explore and see if they could teach the piece successfully. This feedback has been incredibly positive, as it is something other publishers have yet to offer.
3. How does the eBook demonstrate your commitment to supporting music educators?
The free eBook reflects my dedication to going the extra mile for music educators. I want to ensure they have all the tools they need to make the best decisions for their ensembles, ensuring a positive experience and avoiding the purchase of music that might not work.
The One Minute Music Club
Concept and Innovation
1. What is the One Minute Music Club, and how does it take the selection process a step further?
The One Minute Music Club is designed to make the selection process even easier. It offers teachers the chance to try out one minute of any new piece with their entire ensemble for just $27, which is credited toward their first purchase. No risk, just insight!
2. Why design this system, and what makes it unique?
I developed this service because I understand how hard it can be to assess whether a piece will work for your ensemble, especially if percussion isn't your primary instrument. This service allows teachers to get a “hands-on” trial before committing to a full purchase, which is a unique offering in the music publishing world.
How It Works
1. How does the process of testing one minute of music help ensembles decide if a piece is suitable?There’s no better way to test if a piece fits your ensemble than by playing it. With the One Minute Music Club, teachers can test out a minute of music with their students, gauge their reaction, and decide if it’s a good fit for their group.
2. What materials or tools do members receive, and how do these help them make an informed decision?Members receive a one-minute sample of the music in PDF format, complete with all parts and scores. The PDF includes a small watermark to protect the content, but it doesn’t interfere with the readability. This allows teachers to preview what the full piece will be like and assess whether it’s a suitable choice for their ensemble.
Encouraging Participation
1. How does the One Minute Music Club build on the free eBook experience?The One Minute Music Club is a natural extension of the free eBook, offering even more material and context to help teachers make informed decisions. If the eBook sample didn’t provide enough insight, the club allows for a deeper trial with actual ensemble participation.
2. What would you say to a teacher who’s already used the eBook but is hesitant to join the One Minute Music Club?There’s no reason to hesitate! In addition to the one-minute music trial, you’ll receive a percussion information guide, offering helpful tips on various instruments in an ensemble. Plus, you’ll get a 10% discount on your next purchase, making it an even better deal.
Impact and Goals
1. How do you see the One Minute Music Club changing the way teachers select percussion ensemble pieces in the future?The One Minute Music Club will revolutionize how teachers select music by allowing them to engage with pieces in a way that is both practical and educational. It eliminates the guesswork and helps teachers make confident choices for their ensembles.
2. Why do you think more publishers should adopt similar systems?Music publishers have a responsibility to make the selection process as simple and informed as possible for educators. I believe more publishers should embrace systems like the One Minute Music Club to help teachers avoid costly mistakes and ensure that they are choosing the best music for their students.
Final Thoughts
The free eBook and the One Minute Music Club work together to simplify the percussion ensemble picking process. By providing easy access to trial versions of new music, these resources help teachers make confident, informed choices without the fear of wasted purchases or unused music. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, these tools are designed to enhance your ensemble’s experience and save you time and money in the process.
Feel free to download the free eBook now and see how it can transform your ensemble’s music selection journey!
About Dirkjan van Groningen: Professional percussionist, teacher, composer, and musical entrepreneur. Helps percussionists to function more effectively in bands and ensembles by providing valuable additional resources with his method books and ensemble sheet music!
