The School of Rock Method Books: Helping You Build a Modern Band Program
One of the biggest challenges in launching a Modern Band program is not student interest. It is structure. It might also be the fact that most music educators were either never trained on how to actually teach a modern band, let alone actually play in one while they were in school. Like any formal program, teachers rely on materials that work during the school day as well as help students learn how to play their instruments, and these materials become even more important if the teacher doesn’t have experience playing those instruments themselves. When I taught an after school modern band program in the last year of my teaching, I simply didn’t have any materials for my students. I relied solely on the way that I learned how to play rock music - peer to peer mentoring, listening to a song over and over, and slowly but surely rehearsing with my friends in an unstructured environment - usually in a basement or a garage. When we created the Modern Band Bundle at MusicFirst, I wanted to find a valued partner and trusted print resource to help students (and their teachers) learn how to play guitar, bass, keys, drums and vocals in a structured way - but honoring the modern band philosophy. That’s why we partnered with School of Rock to bring the School of Rock Method books into PracticeFirst powered by MatchMySound, alongside the MusicFirst Classroom, and the numerous chord charts from the MusicWill Jam Zone provides a practical system that addresses all of those needs without requiring teachers to build everything from scratch.
The School of Rock Method books are best used as a technique builder and musicianship foundation method for Modern Band. They are not songbooks. They are designed to teach students how to play their instruments in a structured way - just like the metod books that we use for band and orchestra. Guitarists learn how to approach rhythm and lead playing. Bassists focus on groove, time, and harmonic function. Drummers work on coordination, form, and feel. Keyboardists and vocalists develop skills that support ensemble playing rather than isolated performance. This focus on technique makes the books useful in both middle and high school settings, regardless of whether Modern Band meets as a class or an after school club.
These books function well as instructional material. Teachers can use them to introduce core skills, differentiate instruction, and establish common expectations across instruments. Because the method books follow a clear progression, students can move forward independently while still working toward shared ensemble goals. This is especially helpful in mixed ability classes where some students are new to music and others already play an instrument.
When the students head home after school, the same material becomes a practice and preparation tool. Many Modern Band programs rely on after school rehearsals, which are often limited in time and inconsistent in attendance. The School of Rock Method books allow students to work on their technique at home so that rehearsal time can focus on playing songs together rather than reviewing basics. This continuity between in school instruction and out of school practice helps programs remain stable even when schedules are not.
PracticeFirst powered by MatchMySound is what makes this possible at scale. By assigning method book material through PracticeFirst, teachers can see whether students are actually practicing and how well they are progressing. Students receive immediate feedback while they practice, which is especially important when teachers do not see them every day. And because PracticeFirst is the only assessment tool that can assess polyphonic instruments (like the guitar), it the PERFECT solution to provide automated feedback to students when they are practicing at home.
Technique alone, however, is not enough. Students also need songs to play - especially ones that they personally love to play. This is where chord charts from the MusicWill Jam Zone play a complementary role. While the School of Rock Method books focus on how to play, Jam Zone chord charts focus on what to play. They give students access to real songs with authentic harmonic progressions that can be adapted for different skill levels. Teachers can use these charts to teach form, harmony, and ensemble interaction without being tied to notation heavy arrangements. In my opinion, this creates a clear division of labor between resources. The School of Rock Method books build technique and musicianship. PracticeFirst supports skill development and accountability. MusicWill Jam Zone chord charts provide repertoire and real world application. MusicFirst Classroom ties everything together into a system that works during class time and beyond it.
For schools looking to build or strengthen a Modern Band program, this approach offers flexibility without sacrificing structure. Students develop real skills, learn real songs, and experience music making that feels authentic whether it happens during fourth period or after the last bell rings. If you would like to review the materials in the School of Rock Method Books as well as all of the software and resources in our Modern Band Bundle, just click HERE to sign up for a FREE 30-day trial!