Sound Innovations F.A.Q.


Teacher's Score

What does the score feature?

• A complete library of all instrument-specific CDs and DVDs for each student book

• An audio recording featuring the solo from each instrument book, to provide aural models of characteristic tone for all instruments

• Sound Advice boxes throughout to assist teachers with quick and easy-to-use tips and suggestions

• A book-only version

Will the score correlate even if I’m using the Director’s Choice Edition?

Yes, all Director’s Choice scores will match the student books, including tune substitutions and enrichment pages.

MP3 Disc

Each CD includes:

• Instrument-specific recording of the melody for each line of music in the book for Book 1 and instrument-family-specific recordings for Book 2.

• Play-along track without the melody for each line music of the book

• Instrument-specific acoustic recording of a tuning note

o In the string book, there is an instrument-specific recording of the tuning note for each string on the first and last tracks.

o In the band book, there is a tuning note on the 1st and the last track of the CD that matches the first note taught in the band book.

   If you choose to start on a different pitch, the CD will change to match the Director's Choice book.

• Click-off track at the beginning of each recording

• Tempo Changer program, allowing students to speed up or slow down the tempo to suit their practice needs

Why do you use MP3s on the disc?

MP3 discs allow us to provide every line of music in the book on one convenient disc. Sound Innovations is the only method available that offers this feature. Extensive research has found that this is the ideal format for today’s student. The disc can be run in the computer, and easily transferred to MP3 players such as the iPod, which is ideal for today's student. Additionally, most CD players made in the last several years will be able to play MP3 discs.

DVD

What features do the DVDs contain?

The Sound Innovations DVDs offer lessons and examples by expert teachers and musicians in a master class setting. While most methods provide a DVD that only demonstrates instrument set-up at the beginning of the book, the Sound Innovations DVDs are referenced throughout the entire student book and includes instruction on beginning to advanced techniques. Students can refer to the DVD throughout the year, not just at the beginning. All Book 1 DVDs close with a performance of the final solo from the book to provide inspiration and modeling of a high level of musicianship.

Book 2 DVDs contain demonstrations by instrument-family ensembles that are guided by the authors. Each DVD features individual instrument and ensemble-specific lessons demonstrated by an instrument-family specific ensemble. Filmed in high definition, these master classes are presented by professional musicians and serve as a private lesson that teach students the fundamentals of ensemble playing.

What skills are addressed in the band and string DVDs?

Book 1 Band DVDs address:

• Assembly and disassembly of the instrument

• Posture

• Playing position

• Embouchure

• Breathing techniques

• Producing a sound

• More advanced techniques, such as articulation and instrument-specific skills particular to that instrument (such as crossing the break for the clarinet)

Book 1 Percussion DVDs address:

• Tuning

• Care and maintenance

• Rudiments

• Accessory percussion

Book 1 String DVDs address:

• Instrument set-up

• Left-hand set-up

• Introduction of notes on all strings

• Right-hand set-up

• Bow placement and movement

• Producing a good sound

• More advanced techniques, such as hooked and slurred bowings, dynamics, and double stops

Who are the instructors on the Book 1 DVDs?

Sound Innovations DVDs contain instruction from the following professional performers and teachers:

Last NameFirst NameInstrument
ConklinScottViolin
NgwenyamaNokuthulaViola
ZhangDaxunBass
ColonEmilioCello
HutchingsSimonClarinet
PayneTereasaFlute
HutchingsSimonAlto Sax
FarrellTimothyTrumpet
FreyAdamEuphonium/Baritone/Treble Baritone
Owens, Jr.Douglas ABassoon
Owens, Jr.Douglas AOboe
RodriguezAlcidesAlto Clarinet
RodriguezAlcidesBass Clarinet
RodriguezJosephTrombone
SwobodaDeannaTuba
TungMargaretHorn
WoodShannonPercussion
YoungRobertTenor sax
YoungRobertBari Sax
SheaJasonElectric Bass

Director's Choice Edition/Customization

What is the Director's Choice Edition?

The Sound Innovations Director's Choice Edition is a printed method that includes all of the features of the Sound Innovations method, with an added capability to customize the pedagogy, tunes and enrichment based on your teaching needs and preferences.

What is the price structure of the Director’s Choice, and what customization options do I have in each price bracket?

The Director’s Choice Edition is available in a three-tiered pricing structure, depending on the level of customization. The first level is available at an introductory price of $8.99 – the same price as the Standard Edition! Pricing includes all instruments except Piano, Combined Percussion and Score.

Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 1Tier 1
$8.99
Tier 2
$10.99
Tier 3
$12.99
Personalize the Book Cover with School/Teacher/Class Information
Choose the Concert Pitch Sequence
Choose Starting Note Value
Optional inclusion of note names in note heads
Personalize the introductory page
Manage Your Playlist with Non-Copyrighted Tunes
Manage Your Playlist with Copyrighted Tunes 
Add up to 12 Enrichment Pages 
Add up to 32 Enrichment Pages  
Combined Percussion$12.99$15.99$18.99
Piano Accompaniment$12.99$15.99$18.99
Teacher's Score Book/17 CD/2 DVD Kit$89.99$94.99$99.99
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 1Tier 1
$8.99
Tier 2
$10.99
Tier 3
$12.99
Personalize the Book Cover with School/Teacher/Class Information
Choose Arco or Pizzicato Technique
Choose Ascending or Descending Pitch Direction
Choose Starting Note Value(s)
Optional inclusion of note names in note heads
Personalize the introductory page
Manage Your Playlist with Non-Copyrighted Tunes
Manage Your Playlist with Copyrighted Tunes 
Add up to 12 Enrichment Pages 
Add up to 32 Enrichment Pages  
Piano Accompaniment$12.99$15.99$18.99
Teacher's Score Book/5 CD/1 DVD Kit$59.99$64.99$69.99


What are the method options for customization for band and string pedagogy?

Band method options:

• Select a starting concert pitch (D-C-B♭, B♭-C-D, D-E♭-F and F-E♭-D)

• Select a starting note value (whole notes or quarter notes)

• Optional inclusion of note names in note heads

String method options:

• Beginning technique (arco or pizzicato)

• Pitch direction (ascending or descending)

• Starting note values (quarter notes or quarter notes & eighth notes)

• Optional inclusion of note names in note heads

You can choose from:

African-American • Alternative Styles [Strings only] • American Folk/Patriotic • Australian • Canadian • Christian • Classical • Jewish • Latino • Movies/TV/Broadway • Pop/Rock • Texas • World Music • and more.

Additionally, tunes may be substituted individually. Due to the pedagogical considerations of the method, not every line of music is substitutable.

What are the options for tune selection?

Your Director’s Choice Edition features a customized playlist (a list of all tunes included in your book) based on your preferences. You may choose to emphasize a particular style of music by selecting a genre. When you do this, you replace approximately 10-20% of the tunes in the book with this genre.

What are the options for enrichment pages?

Band enrichment pages include: Technique • Rhythm • History • Theory/Composition • Duet & Full Band pieces (including Pop) •Assessment • Manuscript Paper • Practice Record • Repertoire.

String enrichment pages include: Technique and Rhythm • History • Theory/Composition/Improvisation • Ensembles (including Pop) • Assessment • Repertoire • Scales • Finger Twisters • Manuscript Paper • Practice Record • Duet Parts.

How do I know my customized book will work with my class?

The authors have written multiple approaches to teaching that are all pedagogically sound. You can customize your book with confidence knowing the choices you make will fit within the basic framework that the authors have developed, based on their extensive teaching experience as well as state and national standards.

If I create a customized Director’s Choice Edition, will others be able to see it?

No. The content of your book will only be viewable to you.

If I substitute the musical lines in the book, how will this affect the correlation to the MP3s on the included disc?

Whenever you substitute tunes in your Director's Choice Edition, the disc will automatically be correlated with your selections.

How do I know what my customized book will look like?

When you have completed building your Director's Choice Edition on the website, you can view a full PDF sample of each student book before making a purchase.

What happens if I don’t like the method I created one year? Will I be stuck using that version in future years?

You can create as many versions of your method book as you wish, as well as save and update your method anytime before placing your final order. After you have placed the order, your method can not be changed and custom books are not refundable. However, you can customize and order a new book at any time.

Will more customizable features be added to the books after they are released?

Sound Innovations is based on teacher's needs and preferences and our authors take great care in collecting feedback from teachers around the world. After each book is released, Alfred will continue to add more enrichment pages, substitutable music lines, and customization options to the Director's Choice Edition.

Ordering Information

I need my books for the beginning of the school year. What is my deadline for completing and ordering my Director's Choice Edition?

The printing and delivery of your Director's Choice Edition will take approximately 10 business days after you have placed your order.

What happens if I need additional books after I receive my initial order?

You may order individual books to be delivered to your school. Additional shipping fees will apply.

What are the payment options?

Once ordering is enabled, you will be able to place your order with the following options:

Option 1: Pay with a School Purchase Order

Director's Choice Edition must be ordered through an Authorized Sound Innovations Retailer, listed on this site. The Authorized Retailer will bill the school using the Purchase Order, and the books will be shipped directly to the school.

Option 2: Director (School) Pays with a Credit Card or via PayPal Online

Teachers can choose up to five Authorized Retailers from the SI website through which to order each book. Alfred will ship the books directly to the school.

Option 3: Parent Pays Online Option

Parents can pay individually for student books.

How do I set up the Parent Pays option?

1. After you have created your method, please activate it.

2. Click Order to place your order.

3. On the payment options screen, select "Parents Pay" and specify the date the books need to be delivered to your classroom. A minimum of 15 business days is required to complete your order. Once you have selected the desired delivery date, you will not be able to change it. To order additional books after this cutoff date, you will need to access your method again, and repeat the ordering process.

4. You will see a payment cutoff date listed on this screen. This is the date by which parents must pay for their student's book(s) so that all books may be printed and shipped to your school at one time.

If parents place their order before the Parent Purchase Cutoff Date, they will receive a discounted shipping rate of $1.50 per book for US orders ($3.00 for Canadian orders) and all books will automatically ship together to the school address you specify. Books ordered after the Cutoff Date will incur standard shipping rates plus a $2 handling fee per book (to be paid by the parent), and will be shipped directly to the parent. We recommend that you encourage parents to purchase their student books before the cutoff date.

5. Enter information for your program (school name and school year). This is the information with which parents will locate your custom method.

6. Enter the estimated number of books that will be purchased by parents. You will be able to track actual purchases by the parents compared to your estimate in My Account.

7. Please enter any special instructions that will help the parent determine the correct book that they should purchase when they access the Sound Innovations website. You will be able to print a flyer to hand out to your students to help the parents order their books online once your order is complete.

8. Enter your school shipping information and select the check boxes to agree to our terms and approve the content of your custom method.

9. Select the Sound Innovations authorized retailers who will participate in the sale of the method. You may select up to five retailers.

10. Your order is now complete. You may now print out a customized flyer that will instruct parents on how to purchase their student's book. We recommend distribution of this flyer well in advance of the Parent Purchase Cutoff Date to allow parents ample time to place their order.

11. You may then select to order your Teacher's Score for your method, create a new method, or print sample sections of your method. You may print the first level of each student book, most of Level 1 of your Teacher's Score, or entire sample books of Violin, Clarinet, and Mallet student books.

12. You will receive a reminder email five days before the Cutoff Date. On the Cutoff date, all books that have been paid for will be printed and shipped to the specified school address. Any books ordered after that date will be shipped to the student's house.

What happens if I do not receive the books when students need them?

When the order is placed correctly, Alfred will make every effort to print and deliver your custom books by your desired delivery date. If you do not receive your books by that date, you will be able to download the first several pages of each instrument for your students to use until the books are delivered.

When will Books 2 and 3 be released?

Book 2 is now available and Book 3 will be available in fall 2012 to correlate with the advancement of beginning instrumental students.

SmartMusic

Is Sound Innovations available on SmartMusic?

Yes, the Standard Edition for Books 1 and 2 and Director's Choice Editions for Book 1 are available on SmartMusic. Director's Choice Editions will contain corresponding files on SmartMusic.

How do students redeem the free offer of the first 100 lines of music on SmartMusic for Book 1?

A student will simply need to download SmartMusic from www.smartmusic.com to access the first 100 lines of Sound Innovations for free using the code found at the beginning of each student book. To access the remainder of the book, students must purchase a SmartMusic subscription for an annual fee of just $36.

If I have a teacher’s subscription and have set up a Gradebook account on SmartMusic, will I be able to assign homework and receive student recordings?

Yes. Students can receive and submit their assignments if they have access to either a practice room at school or a home subscription, which costs $36 per year.

More Information

Where can I find in-depth information about Sound Innovations?

Our authors will be travelling across the country to present SI at local and national events. Find their schedules at on our events page. We will also be presenting regular online clinics. Visit alfred.webex.com for the latest scheduled clinics.

How can I keep up to date on the new developments of Sound Innovations?

Sound Innovations is regularly evolving to meet the changing needs of students and teachers everywhere. Sign up for the Sound Innovations mailing list to be the first to receive up-to-date information on the method, special offers, and more!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and our blog.