Learn To Play

Learning to play a musical instrument is more than just learning HOW to play. At Pleasant Mountain Music, we seek to answer WHY we play. Our Learn to Play stream supports a lesson format where students develop a full spectrum of skills on their chosen instrument(s): Skills that include (and are not limited to) technical requirements, improvisation, ear training, note reading, techniques, historical context, composition, and musicianship. All of these skills take a little longer to come to fruition when approached holistically, but the end result is very much worth it: it produces a well-rounded, and fully developed capacity for musical expression, understanding, and a sense of autonomy and confidence in ones ability to play.

Every musical journey begins with the first step! At Pleasant Mountain Music our faculty draws upon a variety of methodologies, including music books and resources, teaching experience, digital content, and technical training to set up new students of any age for success. Each student is as unique as their instrument, therefore our instructors tailor their recommendations to that student.

Highly recommended method books for piano include: Piano Adventures, My First Piano Adventures, Alfred’s Premier Piano Course, Suzuki method, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), BC Conservatory of Music, and more

Highly recommended method books for voice include: Hal Leonard Voice series, Vocal Technique, Alfred’s Teach yourself to Sing, RCM, ABRSM.

Highly recommended method books for guitar include: The Hal Leonard Guitar series, The FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method book series, BC Conservatory of Music, RCM.

Highly recommended method books for wind instruments: Measures of Success, Essential Elements, Standards of Excellence, ABRSM Jazz, RCM (classical), Sound Innovations.

Highly recommended method books for percussion and drums: Measures of Success, Essential Elements, Standards of Excellence, Hal Leonard Drum method, Alfred’s Drum method, Steve Weiss Music.

Take your first steps towards music in our Learn To Play stream. We will teach you all you need to know so that you can in turn learn to love and even live music.