The Jubo Method What is the Jubo Method ®?

The Jubo Method offers a unique approach for anyone learning their first music instrument. A simple instrument and 2-stage music course is all one needs to start playing, reading, composing and performing music.

What does the Method consist of?

The method consists of the instrument Jubo and two method books, Jubo I & II. Jubo I is geared towards children 8-12 years. It covers simple lessons easy to learn. Children can master 3 exercises and 13 pieces in around 2 weeks. Jubo II is for any age. The repertory is more challenging and completes the instrumental technique so students have a firm grasp of most major music issues. With a class held twice a week, Jubo II can be completed in 22 sessions. Jubo I & II can be mastered easily within 4 months.

Is it simple?

Yes. It’s designed to be so simple, anyone can play a scale in around 3 minutes and sightread music in under 6.

What does a Jubo sound like?

Jubo is voiced to sound soft and pleasant, like a person whistling. Jubo is designed so several can play together without irritating others.

How easy is Jubo to learn?

The Jubo Method is very easy to learn. Teachers have little time to take up a new instrument. Jubo is not a complex instrument filled with keys and multiple finger holes. Not only can a teacher pick up a Jubo in minutes, the students can too. That way the students, along with teacher can help others who may need more help.

What is the learning curve?

Jubo has a very easy learning curve. Within minutes a Jubo student can learn what takes other beginning wind players months to master, if ever at all. A jubo player can play 8x more repertory than your typical recorder student.

Does Jubo use a notation system different from standard western notation?

When you learn the C scale, you’ll be able to replicate it by reading a new type of notation, JuboTab®. Designed specifically for the Jubo, JuboTab®. is the easiest notation system to read from. A minimum of symbols gives you all the information to

play pieces and exercises. The look of JuboTab resembles western notation so when a student moves from the Jubo on to the next instrument, the notation will look familiar.

The Suzuki Method trains music by way of the ear. Is the Jubo Method similar?

The Jubo Method differs from Suzuki putting less emphasis on learning by ear and more on learning through reading. All music education involves memory. Along with sightreading, Jubo also introduces composing.

Most music is taught in large groups where students play all at once. Is Jubo similar?

Jubo stresses individuality, not herd mentality. Unlike other methods, the Jubo Method stresses positive confidence so every individual gets to play individually. No more students lost in the shuffle. Playing in large groups hides problems. Jubo is a problem- solver solution so each student gets individual attention and support.

Why do most music programs have students playing in large groups?

Because it’s a cost cutter. Having more students playing together is a time saver for teachers. However it can hide problems. When learning music, the best students are the ones who get individual attention from their teachers.

Do Jubo players always play alone?

Not always. The only time students play as a group is when they are working their music out (practicing). We recommend playing in large spaces or outdoors if a large group plays in unison.

Is Jubo expensive?

The Jubo method is the most affordable method available. Orff and Suzuki programs are great if one can afford all the equipment and expense which runs well into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Jubo costs way less, so it’s not out of anyone’s budget.

What kind of repertory does a Jubo play?

Jubos play a special repertory. JuboRep® contains old and new pieces designed not only for the Jubo, but playable on any melodic instrument. JuboRep is designed so all kinds of accompanying instruments can play along too. Repertory is specifically short so there are no page turns. Pieces are designed to be read quickly so a jubo player can read one piece after the other; the best way to master sight reading.

If the repertory is simpler, is it simple minded and uninteresting?
No. JuboRep offers high quality compositions. No more Hot Crossed Buns. Recorder students for example, have to settle for pieces within for their playing level. But with

Jubo, young students play pieces they love to play, not what they must settle for. Repertory consists of pop, classical, world, jazz, folk, country, early music and other styles.

Is the Jubo a pre-instrument or an instrument that can be played on a higher level?

Both. As a pre-instrument, it prepares students with adequate music basics combined with sightreading and composition techniques. Once the instrument, repertory and basic music skills are mastered, the student is ready to move to the next level of instruments. Good technique and confidence go together so transition to more complex instruments is smooth.

As a serious instrument, Jubo has tremendous capabilities to play all sorts of pieces on various skill levels. The sky’s the limit as to where this instrument can be taken.

What happens after both Jubo Books (I&II) are completed?

There are two options. The first is explained as children graduate to more challenging instruments. However, the Jubo program can continue learning hundreds of more repertory offerings.

Where was the Jubo Method created?

The Jubo method is created in America. The other music pedagogies come from areas outside of America. Suzuki (Japan), Orff (Germany), Dalcroze (Switzerland) and Kodaly (Hungary). Now America has it’s own unique music training method.

Where is Jubo Made?

The Jubo method and the manufacture of the Jubo are made in the state of Vermont. Other aspects of manufacture is performed in the New England area.

How does the Jubo Method differ from Orff, Dalcroze or Kodaly?

The Dalcroze Method explores the relationship of music and movement. The Orff method takes it further with greater emphasis on singing and playing instruments. Kodaly works primarily with singing and mentioned earlier Suzuki focuses on memorization and the training of the ear. All these methods are effective. Jubo is different as the focus is getting a good economical music program into the schools and a greater emphasis on reading and composing music. Both disciplines reinforce one another. Students learn how to write their own music enabling them to understand western notation, as well as playing and reading successfully.

Are there teacher programs for the Jubo?

Yes. Like Orff, Suzuki and Kodaly, Jubo has a certification program designed for those who want to teach the Jubo way.

Is Jubo only for children?

No. Jubo can be learned by anyone, at any age. Parents can learn the instrument in a short time which means families can play together.

What is the range of a Jubo?

One octave

Does that limit the choice of repertory?

Yes, but it doesn’t diminish it. You won’t be able to play The Star Spangled Banner, but you can do a lot with an octave. When you’re starting out, you want the instrument to be simple and issue free. When the desire to play The Star Spangled Banner becomes great, that’s the time to move on to an instrument that can play it.

How many finger holes does a Jubo have?

4.

Are there any cross fingerings?

None.

How many keys can a Jubo play in?

Out of the 30 known major and minor keys a Jubo can play successfully in 9.

Do you have to learn varying degrees of breath pressure?

No. Jubo needs only one level of breath pressure. There are no harmonic breaks as there are in other woodwind instruments. Because the inner chamber is tiny, one breath can play a phrase of great length.

Is it easy to hold?

Yes, perhaps the easiest instrument to hold.

Why was Jubo created?

To fill the void in entry-level music education. Good programs cost money and school budgets which can’t afford such programs get their funding cut time and time again. That’s what Jubo was designed for. A simple effective economical entry-level program that can meet the challenges schools are facing now and well into the future.