The primary emphasis of this method book is developing the three essential concepts for learning to play a mallet instrument: (1) Learning the names of the notes on the music staff; (2) Learning the value of the notes and how to count them; and (3) Learning where the notes are located on the mallet instrument keyboard.

As new notes are introduced on the lines and spaces of the music staff, the note name, note value, method of counting, and location of the note on the mallet instrument is clearly illustrated. Each of the essential music elements is presented clearly and sequentially. Each presentation is followed by several exercises and original melodies that are specifically designed to develop reading ability, technique, and musicianship. Every lesson builds on those that came before, giving students a chance to practice what they have learned and reinforcing skills that will be used over and over.

Also included in this method are seven elementary solos written for marimba, xylophone, or vibes. These solos contain all of the newly learned music concepts that were presented throughout the book. The seven solos are ideal for band tryouts, recitals, and solo and ensemble contest.

1st and 2nd Endings      
A Major Scale      
Accidentals      
Bb Major Scale      
C Major Scale      
Chromatic Scale      
Common Time      
Cut Time      
D Major Scale      
Dotted Quarter Notes      
Eb Major Scale      
Eighth Notes      
F Major Scale      
G Major Scale      
Half Notes and Half Rests in Four-Four Time      
High Note Ledger Lines      
Holding the Mallets, Starting Position, Using Your Foot      
Illustration and Description of the Six Mallet Instruments      
Joe Maroni      
Low Note Ledger Lines      
Preliminaries      
Sixteenth Notes      
Three-Four Time - Dotted Half Notes      
Ties      
Two-Four Time      
Whole Notes and Whole Rests in Four-Four Time