Audio & Video Recording Assignments in EEi
EEi has supported audio and video assignments since day one — listen to recordings, watch performance videos, and give meaningful feedback that supports real musical growth.
The Powerful Cloud-Based Companion to the Essential Elements Method Book
Access instructional videos, bonus songs, SoundCheck Performance Assessment, and more!
Discover the Power of EE Interactive-
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Establishing an Effective and Positive Rehearsal Routine
A great rehearsal starts long before the first note. Build a consistent routine — Rest/Ready/Play positions, breathing exercises, tizzling along to recordings, and clear pacing — so middle school students focus quickly, take ownership of expectations, and treat every transition as part of the music.
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Finding Methods that Support Your Teaching
Chase Banks — student, director, now Hal Leonard contributor — walks through what to look for when choosing a method book: solid pedagogical sequencing, an integrated digital component like EEi, repertoire that connects to students' listening lives, inclusive content, and a path that grows from beginner through advanced ensemble playing.
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EEi Overview
Essential Elements Interactive is the digital companion to the EE method books for band and strings. The Music Studio gives professional accompaniments, recording, tempo control, and a built-in tuner; teachers get assignments, gradebook, 400+ instructional videos, and customizable resources — all included free with every EE book.
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EE Digital Books
Hal Leonard offers Essential Elements in digital format — the full method book online with theory, history, and creativity exercises plus a free EEi Student Activation Code, all carefully paced for beginning players. Book 1 is available now for both band and strings.
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Essential Elements Includes Free SoundCheck™ Performance Assessment
SoundCheck, powered by MatchMySound, scores every Essential Elements exercise on pitch, rhythm, and intonation as students play — try the embedded demo, then assign performance assessments alongside Music Studio audio and video, all free with your EEi Teacher Account.
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Song Selection Feature
Tailor the EEi Music Studio to your curriculum by enabling or disabling specific songs in your students’ accounts. Three steps: open the Music Studio, click SONGLIST in the left-hand column, then toggle individual songs on or off — useful for skipping content or matching pacing.
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EEi Holiday Album
Make a holiday album in EEi: pick a Bonus Song from the end of the Book 1 Songlist (including three new Charlie Brown Christmas selections), choose piano or pop/jazz combo accompaniment with melody on or off, record your best take, then download the audio to share with family and friends.
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EEi Bonus Songs
Hal Leonard adds pop tunes to EEi as Bonus Songs — carefully-crafted melodies with professional accompaniments and melody examples, available to all EE band and strings users.
