Following the huge success of their instrumental method Look, Listen & Learn, Michiel Oldenkamp and Jaap Kastelein have focussed their attention on school bands and devised a completely new method to be used in both instrumental lessons and class bands or wind ensembles.

Learning Music Together has been developed, in close collaboration with professionals from the class band scene, music schools and academies in the Netherlands and Germany, a completely new method for young wind players and percussionists, so being a combined method for instrumental lessons and class bands.

Instrumental technique is introduced and developed in the student books and this supports the learning pathway for the class band. The emphasis in the class band pieces is on playing together, group dynamics, general musical education and having fun making music together. Integrating these two components produces the complete method. Learning Music Together combines instrumental lessons with a course for class band.

The drum lessons offer drum-specific items such as new notes and technical exercises while at the same time supporting the learning of the class band, with a focus on rhythm, melodic structure and playing music together. The method consists of two volumes. Volume One introduces the first instrumental notes in unison and then develops part-playing with duets. Volume Two builds on the skills taught in the first volume and introduces pieces in three parts.

In addition, the extensive website offers all kinds of supplementary materials such as demos and accompaniment tracks for all pieces, additional playing material (with well-known songs) and instructional videos. Learning Music Together is logically structured with carefully planned skill progression and child-friendly layout, ensuring that this method will prove to be motivating for students, teachers and conductors. A perfect combination for young musicians!