Belwin Pre-Instrument Method: Pre-Instrument Book

Exploratory and inviting. The book opens up possibilities rather than narrowing them. Pictures make instruments real and tangible; descriptions explain not just what they are but why students might care about learning them.

Students preparing to begin band or orchestra for the first time. This resource works equally well in elementary general music classes, as a summer prep assignment, or as a standalone introduction before formal instrument selection. Any young musician who benefits from seeing the full landscape of available instruments before committing to one.

Use this at the start of a pre-band unit or as preparation material before instrument selection day. Distribute it to fifth graders in spring so they arrive in sixth grade band already familiar with the instrument families. Pair it with in-class demonstrations where students handle instruments and match them to what they've read.

• Identifying instruments by sight and name across band and orchestra families
• Understanding the basic roles each instrument plays in an ensemble
• Making informed choices about instrument selection based on actual knowledge rather than guessing
• Building vocabulary specific to instrumental music before hands-on learning begins