The MPM was conceived by professional percussionist Linda Maxey for use by students of all ages, providing an exceptional instrument at a fraction of what a professional marimba set costs. The high-quality tuning and craftsmanship of this instrument has set a new standard for this mid-level instrument market. The MPM may be used as a step-up, but many band directors choose this as the first and only instrument for their students in 6th-8th grades. It is so useful that many high school students keep it for home practice of state audition music. Virtually all 2-mallet audition music fits on this instrument and all scales can be played in at least 2 octaves.