MICHAEL FRANCIS SMITH
IT'S TIME TO PLAY
A joyful entry point into instrumental music that prepares students for a lifetime of music-making—and also for Band, Orchestra, and beyond.
Sound before Sight
Musicians before Method
Most traditional methods prepare students for Band/Orchestra.
It’s Time to Play prepares students to make music for life.
Students sing with lyrics and solfège, play songs before adding notation, and build ownership and mastery through improvisation. The result is stronger retention, deeper musicianship, and students who stay engaged.
The It’s Time to Play Series
• Beginning Band
• Beginning Strings
• Recorder
• Ukulele
Avaialbe at J.W.Pepper
Designed to integrate naturally with traditional band instruction while strengthening auditory readiness and student retention.
"I am thrilled to endorse this innovative beginning band method book “It’s Time to Play,” which seamlessly integrates singing, playing, and solfege as the foundation for all pieces learned. The concept is brilliant, and the students absolutely love it." Stacey Faris, Orleans, MA
“Friday’s workshop on the recorder was, perhaps, the most effective and best workshop I’ve ever attended in my 35+ years of teaching music and technology.” – Michael Cushman, Dr. Lewis Libby School, ME