Summer Newsletter 2025 - It's Time to Play

Summer 2025 - Grand Tetons - It's Time to Play

My wife, Janice, and I just returned from a beautiful trip out West, taking in the majesty of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone—a much-needed refresh after another full year of teaching. I hope your summer has also included moments of rest, reflection, and adventure.

Over the past year, I’ve had the joy of sharing It’s Time to Play with music educators across Washington, D.C., New Orleans, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, and my home state of Massachusetts. What began as a method book has become a movement—a holistic, student-centered approach rooted in the belief that every student belongs in instrumental music.

This year, I’m thrilled to introduce the newest addition to the series: It’s Time to Play a String Instrument. It was an honor to collaborate with Bryan Sanguinito, award-winning string composer and educator, on this exciting new volume.

The Philosophy: SING. PLAY. READ. IMPROVISE. CREATE.

Students sing songs with lyrics and solfège, then move into playing, reading notation, improvising, and creating. Along the way, they connect with diverse cultures through folk songs from around the world and build confidence as instrumental players.

The Series - It's Time to Play

It’s Time to Play a Band Instrument 

It’s Time to Play a String Instrument 

It’s Time to Play the Recorder

Each book includes 50 songs from around the world with lyrics. They can be used as a method book or as a supplement to your curriculum.

Real Stories from Real Classrooms

“After 18 years of teaching, your session changed my entire philosophy. Making music before notation just makes sense.” – Scott Kemerer, PMEA attendee

“This approach has already shifted my teaching. My beginners are energized and excited to play!” – Jen Connolly Rarick, PMEA attendee

“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

“This method seamlessly integrates singing, playing, and solfège. The concept is brilliant, and the students absolutely love it. Highly recommended!” – Stacey Faris, General Music/Grades 4-5 Instrumental Teacher

“Finally—a method that excites students, builds musicianship, and makes year one enjoyable for ALL.” – Tim Leonelli, Director of Music, Abington Public Schools, MA

Thanks for all you do to bring music into the lives of your students. Let’s continue to engage them—joyfully, creatively, and holistically.

Michael

Dr. Michael Francis Smith

Author, It's Time to Play