This article emphasizes the importance of helping students select instruments they are well suited for to ensure their success in instrumental music. Patterson suggests testing students on small pieces during instrument drives to assess their skills and match them with suitable instruments. For admission into the Beginning Percussion class, specific skills required include the ability to keep steady time, subdivide pulse without instruction, and mimic basic snare drum skills. This process aims to create a beginner class with evenly matched abilities, leading to greater retention and success for students in the long run.