The muse for writing Exceeding The Standard developed over a ten year period. The book started life as a need by my wife and I to have a series of limited ensemble works which where educational, engaging and taught the beginner musician the fundamentals of playing a musical instrument and reading music. Teaching in an outback school in NSW, my wife and I formulated the genesis of the band method, which at the start didn’t have a name, just the ‘Beginner Band Stuff’. Some eight years passed and after meeting Monty Mumford whilst playing a jazz gig in 2021 we found that we had similar philosophies on teaching beginner band, hence, Exceeding the Standard was born, and two years later the book was written. Although the author I had valuable help with many fantastic educators and Band Directors from around the world - Belinda Ratnik, Associate Professor Monte Mumford & Dr Jim Coyle.
Exceeding the Standard takes the beginner musician on a musical journey beyond the conventions of traditional learning through an evolutionary, revolutionary fluid, educational environment. My methodology provides an accessible pathway which augments musical education traditions, enabling beginner musicians to effectively interact within the contexts and process of Concert Band Performance.
To find out more about the band method follow the link here: Exceeding the Standard Band Method