PlayTheGroove

At PlayTheGroove, we KNOW performing IN ENSEMBLES solidifies experiences in music educatioN.

To HELP, WE curated CURRENT music FROM AROUND THE GLOBE—with CONTENT AND GUIDES—THAT ENCOURAGE PERFORMANCE, IMPROVISATION, COMPOSITION, LIFE SKILLS, CREATIVITY, AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.

Easy Process. Dynamic. Fun. Creativity Maximized

Energize Your Jazz/Pep/Horn Band

PlayTheGroove handpicks fun, current global grooves and jazz which is seamlessly infused into a flexible, unit-based approach that integrates sight-reading, playing by ear, and creative expression from day one.

We do this by:
• Crafting high-quality sheet music for all instruments

• Offer cleared and current Global Groove and Jazz music selections

• Adding dynamic resources and pedagogy

• Empowering aspiring musicians and fortify teachers

• Helping to transition learning experiences into the 21st century through goal-driven innovation and technology.

★★★★★ 5/5

“This is awesome! I will continue to offer this to the kids this fall. I think they really enjoyed the experience and the chance to lead more than me.”

“The songs are challenging them enough to be interesting but let them sound good rather quickly.”

“The PTG library offers a range of styles of music that are inspiring, energizing, and challenging to play, which gives all kids the opportunity to improvise and take risks”

“Having quality recordings and exciting music to choose from helped get everyone excited about playing a song they liked.”

“In the first rehearsal, one student said, "I love this!" I asked him later if he meant the process or the song and he said both.”

“They really liked the more contemporary, jazz style of the pieces. It was a nice change from the more traditional arrangements (even the Latin and world pieces) found from most music publishing sites.”

“I like giving choices in choosing songs, but often the whole world of music is too broad. Having a predetermined sampling to choose from helped everyone to focus on what to look for in choosing a song for us to do.”

“Students are more invested in working on a song if they are interested in it and have a chance to form their own opinions. ”

“They listened more carefully and made thoughtful reflections about who should be on the melody, how to trade the melody, and what additional percussion parts to add.”

“They liked trying all the aux percussion parts on Argentia. I had a pro drummer come in and demonstrate all the aux parts and the students each played claves, congas, triangle, and shaker.”

“They experimented, found things that worked and what didn't work. They were free to express that and change as they desired. Basically, they took ownership of it.”

One thing I really liked about this whole exercise was being able to narrow down my favorite song through quick and easy questions.

I enjoyed listening to short excerpts from each piece and seeing how they differed in instrumentation, rhythm/groove.

I enjoyed being a part of the process of choosing what song we play. I feel like now we will definitely play a song that people like

It was nice to be more like a student-run group.

I liked the process of narrowing down the songs. I feel like it helped me make an informed decision of what I should be looking for in a favorite.

Platinum Unison Packs

We’re doing something different for jazz band. PlayTheGroove (PTG) offers a new series of charts and teaching methods of current jazz and world jams. “Platinum Unison Packs” (PUPs) are crafted to work for any instrumentation from 3 to 25 or more players. PTG offers inclusivity; all students engage in a modular and flexible, unified learning experience. We embrace student-led practices for all instrumentations and emphasize modern learning objectives and competencies. Performing is one goal alongside addressing the “individual,” and the creative process. And wait till you hear the content of current jazz and world jams––it’s not like anything you’ve heard for schools groups––we guarantee it!

You can use these packs for:

Daily Rehearsals and Warm-ups
School Jam Sessions, Performances & Events
Music Competitions & Festivals
Private Lessons
Play-along Home Practice
Home Schooling
Auditions
Jazz Theory and Improvisation Activities
In-class, Blended, and Remote Teaching

The benefits of Platinum Unison Packs include:

Everyone plays the melody and rhythm
Flexible & Encourage Student-Led Ensembles
Customizable for 3 to 30+ players
Stronger Emphasis on Rhythm Section
Creative Arrangement Options
Varied Part Difficulty for mixed skill levels
Educational Strategies to increase musician capability
Star parts for all instruments w/ chords above all measures
Parts crafted to emphasize Melody, Harmony and Rhythm
Explore and discover current jazz and global jams (great for ethnic studies)
Sheet music closely follows the recordings

Platinum Unison Packs include:

Teacher Reference Elements & Guidelines:

Sheet music for all Western instruments with an expanded rhythm section
Original CD-MP3 with count off
Consistent format - each tune has the same part list and resource elements
Student-led, inquiry based framework to exploring and rehearsing the tune
Fully cleared music for education

Musical Parts: (each chart is the same):

Melody - Horns/Woodwinds Strings (unison based):

Piano/Keyboards:

Vibes:

Guitar (all w/ TAB):

Bass:

Drums/Percussion:

Contact Us:

We welcome your comments and suggestions at: [email protected].

Questions and complimentary coaching:
Richard Frank
818.514.4784
[email protected]

Our Core Beliefs

Why PlayTheGroove

PlayTheGroove is founded on these core principles: Youth learn differently today and education needs to match their needs. We believe that dynamic, flexible, and culturally aware music education can be the gateway to build 21st century skills for successful 21st century lives.

Everyone Plays the Melody

PlayTheGroove is a new playground for discovery, growth, and musical exploration and creativity for remote, hybrid, or in-class situations.

Students Enjoy Practice

Everyone can play all the time with parts at varying skill levels, be challenged on an individual basis, and try new instruments as we include the master recording and sheet music to learn from and play-along with.

Reduces Student Dropouts

Every instrument plays beginning to end: more captivating and engaging than counting 37 bars of rests.

Engage youth in performance ensembles with music and music education methods that are relevant and accessible to them.

Music Has Cultural Substance

We hand-picked relevant music that is current and reflects society and classrooms.

Music is a gateway. There’s a lot to learn!

PlayTheGroove International Virtual Video

In March 2020, the pandemic robbed millions of young musicians and their teachers of the chance to play together in school.

At PlayTheGroove, we KNOW performing IN ENSEMBLES solidifies experiences in music educatioN. To HELP, WE curated CURRENT music FROM AROUND THE GLOBE—with CONTENT AND GUIDES—THAT ENCOURAGE PERFORMANCE, IMPROVISATION, COMPOSITION, LIFE SKILLS, CREATIVITY, AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.