Executive skill development also commences prior to the first experiences playing the instrument. Students articulate basic rhythmic figures in separated and connected styles using the voice, the breath, the mouthpiece, and finally the assembled instrument. Rote before note. Singing and playing by ear are essential for developing the ability to connect audiation to the physical manipulation of the instrument. Instrumentalists should spend at least a semester playing by rote before learning to read notation.
Songs are the primary content of classroom activities .
In early language learning, a large repertoire of familiar stories is a readiness for formal instruction in reading. The same is true in music, and the number of songs a student knows is an important measure of musical achievement. At all stages of instrumental instruction, students should be encouraged to learn to sing and play as many rote songs as possible. Patterns, not individual notes. Most beginning instrumental methods start by having students play one note at a time.