Second Cohort · Registration Now Open
Mentorship, classes, and resources for new beginner band teachers.
You do not have to figure out beginner band alone.
A year-long mentorship and cohort course for new, early-career, or new-to-beginner-band teachers who want practical support, resources, reassurance, and a plan for the 2026/27 school year. The second cohort begins during the week of September 28.
Program Overview
The First Downbeat is practical, realistic, and built around the actual rhythm of the school year. Through live classes, recorded sessions, resources, checklists, guided practice, discussion, and optional one-on-one support, participants will build a beginner band program that fits their students, timetable, school context, teaching style, and capacity.
The course is grounded in one important reminder: there is no one right way to teach beginner band, and you do not have to know everything before you begin.
Want to know more?
Want to know more? Watch this short introduction, then scroll down for pricing, support options, course details, and registration.
Founding Year Pricing
Registration for the second cohort is open through September 20, 2026, and the cohort begins during the week of September 28. Standard founding-year pricing applies; there is no early-bird discount. Additional spring sessions may be added based on the needs of the group, but pricing will not increase.
Group Course Access
$597 CAD
or 3 payments of $249 CAD
Best for teachers who want the course structure, community, resources, and replay access, but do not need scheduled individual mentorship throughout the year.
Register for Ensemble AccessIndividual Mentorship + Full Course
$1,997 CAD
or 5 payments of $475 CAD
Limited to 4 teachers for 2026/27.
Best for teachers who want regular personal guidance, accountability, troubleshooting, and someone to walk with them through the first year of beginner band.
Apply for First ChairProgram Details
See who this program is designed to support and what is included.
Compare Ensemble Access and First Chair Mentorship.
Group Course Access
Best for teachers who want the course structure, community, resources, and replay access, but do not need scheduled individual mentorship throughout the year.
Individual Mentorship + Full Course
Best for teachers who want regular personal guidance, accountability, troubleshooting, and someone to walk with them through the first year of beginner band.
Limited to 4 teachers for 2026/27.
| Tier | Group Classes | Group Hours | Individual Hours | Total Live Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensemble Access | 17 | 34 | 0 | 34 hours |
| First Chair Mentorship | 17 | 34 | 17 | 51 hours |
View the 17 course topics covered across the year.
The First Downbeat follows the school year from setup and first sounds through concerts, assessment, diverse learners, instrument care, events, advocacy, and planning forward.
See what the first four sessions will cover, with more added as the cohort progresses.
Each lesson is shaped by the needs, questions, and immediate priorities of the participants. The order or emphasis may change as the school year unfolds. That is why the detailed list is being published gradually: the plan below will be updated as we work through the course, while the full running list of planned topics remains available on this page.
Map the school year, identify known concerts, festivals, assessments, trips, and other milestones, consider pacing and program goals, and build a flexible roadmap that can guide decisions without becoming a rigid contract.
Define what rehearsals should look, feel, and sound like, then design clear entry, attendance, setup, visual-plan, storage, help, and productive-waiting routines that support regulation, independence, and resilience.
Examine method-book sequencing, understand what makes concert repertoire difficult, choose materials intentionally, review needed supplies, and explore accessible adaptations including alternate parts, clearer notation, and learning sheets.
Turn the year plan, routines, and selected resources into a practical opening sequence. Plan expectations and family communication, resource distribution, warm-ups, method-book and repertoire use, measures of success, continuity notes, and any materials still needed.
New session details will be added here as participants move through the school year and the course responds to what they need next.
Review registration, payment, invoices, receipts, and First Chair availability.
To join the second cohort, complete the online registration/application form by September 20, 2026. The cohort begins during the week of September 28. First Chair Mentorship is limited to 4 teachers, so that tier may involve a short application or confirmation step before your space is held.
After your registration is received, an invoice will be sent for the course fees. Payment is accepted by e-transfer. Credit card payments are not currently accepted.
Receipts will be provided for all registrations. Participants may use receipts for school professional development funding, reimbursement requests, or tax records where applicable. Please check with your school, district, accountant, or tax professional to confirm eligibility.
Ready to Join?
Register by September 20, 2026. The new cohort begins during the week of September 28, with standard founding-year pricing and no early-bird discount. If you have questions before registering, you can email Sarah directly.