The Power of Playing Together

Ensemble playing isn’t just for advanced students or established school bands. In fact, some of the most rewarding and transformative teaching moments happen in small, beginner ensembles—even when students can only play a few notes. Whatever instrument you teach, creating an ensemble can be a powerful tool for musical growth, motivation, and community building.

Why Every Music Teacher Should Consider Starting an Ensemble (Even for Beginners!)

Starting an ensemble opens the door to a wide range of musical and personal benefits for students:

• Developing Listening Skills - Ensemble playing teaches students to tune in to others, helping them move beyond their own part and start thinking musically and collaboratively.

• Building a Sense of Pulse and Rhythm - Keeping a steady beat is one of the biggest hurdles for beginners. Playing in a group naturally reinforces internal pulse and counting.

• Boosting Sight-Reading and Musical Awareness - Regular ensemble work improves reading skills, as students become more accustomed to multi-part textures.

• Fostering Confidence and Social Connection - Many beginners feel more secure in a group setting. Ensemble playing builds confidence, encourages teamwork, and creates a supportive environment for shy or anxious players.

• Keeping Students Motivated - Most of all, playing together is fun! The social and interactive nature of ensembles can be the key to long-term engagement—particularly for young learners.

  
  

  

  
  

What Ensemble Skills Should We Teach?

It’s easy to underestimate what beginners can achieve in a group. With a clear focus and the right repertoire, even first-year students can build strong ensemble skills. Here are some foundational elements to incorporate:

• Counting and Playing in Time - Rhythm is everything! Use clapping games, echo patterns, and body percussion to develop internal pulse. Backing tracks or simple drumbeats can add extra support. I often say, “If you’re together, you can get away with a few wrong notes!”

• Blending Tone and Matching Sound - Start with unison melodies to focus on pitch and tone matching. Have students echo each other’s phrases for ear training and ensemble cohesion. Next, work on simple rounds, first in unison, then divide the players into groups.

• Listening and Balancing Parts - Once students are ready, introduce warm-ups that focus on balance—like fading in and out to explore group dynamics. Teach them to identify the melody, harmony, and counter-melodies. (A tip I give my harmony players: “If you can’t hear the melody clearly, you’re playing too loudly!”)

• Introducing Phrasing and Articulation - Include group phrasing practice in warm-ups, then apply these ideas to pieces. It’s a wonderful way to build expressive playing together.

• Watching a Conductor (or Leader) - From day one, help students develop ensemble awareness—making eye contact, starting and stopping together, and following visual cues.

• Encouraging Respect and Teamwork - Ensemble etiquette is part of the learning process. A cooperative, supportive attitude leads to better music—and a much more enjoyable rehearsal space.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Choosing the Right Repertoire

Selecting suitable music is essential to ensemble success, especially for beginners. Here's what I look for in early ensemble pieces:

• Limited note ranges (often just the first few notes they’ve learned)

• Simple rhythms—mainly crotchets and minims (quarter notes and half notes), with a few quavers (eighth notes)

• No accidentals, tricky key signatures, or large register jumps

• Familiar melodies—folk songs and nursery rhymes work beautifully

• Rounds and unison pieces to build confidence and listening

• Holiday-themed pieces for cultural variety and seasonal fun

Many of these elements are built into the music in my Young Player series:

• The Young Flute Player Book 4 (Beginner) & Book 5 (Intermediate)

• The Young Saxophone Player Book 1 (Beginner) & Book 2 (Intermediate)

• The Young Clarinet Player Book 1 (Beginner) & Book 2 (Intermediate)

Each book includes rounds, folk tunes, and multi-level ensemble pieces (duets and trios) carefully written for beginners with just a few notes under their fingers.

Holiday or seasonal music is another powerful motivator. Preparing for a festive performance adds a sense of purpose to rehearsals, and students love the opportunity to share joyful, celebratory music with others. My Festive Flute Fun, Festive Saxophone Fun, Festive Clarinet Fun, and Festive Violin Fun books are full of accessible pieces that work well in small groups or larger ensembles. The music is written to accommodate beginner players, with simple rhythms and comfortable note ranges, but still offers variety and interest for more experienced students. These collections feature global celebrations, making them a great way to introduce students to different cultures—even if the holiday isn’t one they personally celebrate. It becomes not just a musical experience, but a cultural one too.

These festive books can be a highlight of your teaching year, giving ensembles something to look forward to and a wonderful opportunity to involve parents and the wider school or community in music-making.

Choosing the right piece at the right level can make all the difference between a frustrating experience and a joyful one. With the right music in their hands, even first-year students can experience the magic of ensemble playing.

Performances That Inspire

Performing in an ensemble gives students a goal and a sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t need to be a big concert—some of the most meaningful performances are small and informal:

• Play at a local aged care home or community center

• Perform for classmates, school assemblies, or lunch-time mini concerts

• Invite parents for an informal showcase after school

• Create a low-pressure concert during a regular rehearsal time

• Record a video to enter in an online competition

These experiences help students gain confidence, celebrate their progress, and connect with others through music.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're working in a school, running a private studio, or teaching mixed instruments, starting an ensemble—no matter how small—can transform your students’ musical journey. From boosting confidence and building listening skills, to improving rhythm, reading, and social connection, the benefits are undeniable. With the right music and a little encouragement, even your newest students can thrive in group music-making. That’s the power of playing together—and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of being a music teacher.

Ensemble Music

Karen North is a music teacher, mentor and book author. She is passionate about bringing music into the lives of children and adults and has enjoyed working in music education for over 40 years.

Karen is the author of the popular method books "The Young Flute Player" and has commissioned over 100 new works for intermediate flute repertoire in "Lyrical Flute Legends" , "Lyrical Flute Encores" and "Inspiring Flute Solos."  as well as a new collection for beginner flutists, "Lyrical Flute Miniatures".

Karen has written two books of music games (with printable templates) "Fun & Games for Music Lessons", "More Fun & Games for Music Lessons 2" and has recently worked with specialist consultants on repertoire books for Violin, Clarinet and Saxophone.

Karen also organizes an international FLUTE CHAMPIONSHIP each year, to give students of all ages and abilities an opportunity to submit a video performance to an outstanding panel of judges. Her workshops for teachers are enthusiastically received and she also offers one-to-one coaching sessions.