This book is concise, practical, and has modular content that can be taught in several flexible formats. The introduction of one hundred musical elements is supported by three hundred activities.Ten core melodies and seventeen other authentic pieces are carefully sequenced in mostly fixed hand positions. The intervallic reading of melodic notation is emphasized. Melodic repetition and gradually more demanding accompaniments help students with divergent abilities to play successfully. Students with prior musical experience will find that this course introduces them to aspects of musicianship that will enhance their future efforts. This book will facilitate meeting the Core Music Standards for grades 5 through 8, and the novice/intermediate Harmonizing Instruments Strand. It will help prepare students for the novice/intermediate Ensemble Strand, the proficient Composition/Theory Strand and the proficient Technology Strand. It will also facilitate introductory college instruction.