Measures of Success is divided into six chapters (Opus 1 through 6). Each "Opus" is followed by a full-page assessment. Students are able to attain achievable benchmarks throughout the method, which keeps them motivated, excited, and playing their instruments.

Music history is presented simultaneously with art, literature, and world history, giving students a broad picture of social and artistic events of a certain time period. Composer pictures, artists, paintings, authors, literary works, world history, and fun facts are presented throughout the method. This strongly supports the National Standards and encourages cross-disciplinary study in music education. Best of all, it is contained in the text so directors do not need to do additional research.

PLAY-ALONG CDS: A NEW LEVEL OF ACCOMPANIMENT
All exercises are played twice by professional musicians-first with the student line, then the accompaniment alone. Accompaniments include live musicians, incredible orchestrations, and a wide variety of styles including concert band, full orchestra, rock, Latin, jazz, funk, country, electronic, and world music. Classical pieces are presented with accompaniments that put them in their original context. Percussion-specific CDs let percussionists hear a characteristic sound of every Instrument while the winds are moved into the background.

Book 1:
Unique chapter organization provides a goal-oriented format
6 full-page assessments include:
Critical Listening Playing By Ear Theory and Terminology Composing / Arranging Performance
Wealth of classical and world music representing over 20 composers and 17 countries
15 pieces for full band
Duets, rounds, & 2 solos with piano accompaniment
2 Play-Along CDs feature demo and performance
tracks with professional musicians
Featured in SmartMusic, the award-winning learning software
Correlates with art and world history
Incorporates the National Standards for Music
Education
Additional features including conducting, rhythm review, clapping exercises, scales, and more!