method books

Jane Smisor Bastien together with her husband James Bastien, wrote the best-selling Bastien Piano Methods enjoyed by millions of students and teachers worldwide. The series of books, all published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company, are now translated into more than 16 languages. Inspired by Robert Pace's "Multi-Key" pedagogical approach and her own ideas culled from years of teaching, Jane and James created the much loved and accessible "Gradual Multi-Key Approach." Evolving through several generations of methodology, their writing culminated with the release of the Bastien Piano Basics, the world's first ever 4-color piano method, which has been a best-seller since it's release in 1985.

William Bay grew up in the music business and like his father, contributed to the field of music method publications.  Mel Bay was a pioneer in guitar method books, which he designed for players of all levels.  He formed the Mel Bay Music Publishing Company in 1947 outside of St. Louis, MO.  William learned guitar at a young age and began creating his own methods of teaching guitar to others.  Over the years, William took over as president of the company and has authored over 200 publications for the company.

John H. Beck has an amazing talent for explaining the art of music making, not just teaching music, but providing meaning to the student in ways that fuel their passion.  As the principal timpanist for the Rochester Philharmonic and a well-respected professor at the Eastman School of Music, John H. Beck has made a lasting contribution to the music industry during his long career.  As a promoter of school programs, he oversaw important changes as president of the Percussive Arts Society that lead to more hands-on programs and demonstrations for students.

Jim and Liz Beloff formed Flea Market Music to promote all things ukulele, and together they have played a big part in the resurgence of the instrument. The company is widely known for manufacturing the Fluke, a half-plastic, half-wood ukulele introduced in 1999. They also worked together in gathering the history of the instrument, adding photographs to document its influences on pop culture. The result is their book The Ukulele: A Visual History, published in 2003.
 

Chris Brooks is proud of the publications he and his partner Chris Crockarell have created as part of their percussion-focused music publishing company. Since forming Row-Loff in the early 1980s, the team of Chris and Chris have lived up to their slogan of providing the “foremost in marching and concert literature.” Behind each of their unique publications such as “Rhythmuscles,” “Halloween Rap” and “Novelty Jamz” is their deep passion for music making and the art of percussive music education.

Jack Bullock has always enjoyed bringing music to young players. His long and well-respected career as a composer of works for bands and his method book have helped establish him as one of the leading writers for the music publishing industry. Working with Columbia and Frank Hackinson in the early days he developed over his career nearly 700 publications. The Columbia catalog was owned by Warner Brothers and later bought by Alfred, which continues to publish his material.

Jim Chapin had the idea of writing a method book for the beginning drummer that would provide clear examples and illustrations. The year was 1947 and no such book was in print. He gathered little hints and simple examples for the book that has become one of the best selling methods in the business. As a player, he toured and recorded countless times, but found the most satisfaction sitting down with one drummer or a room with 101 drummers and providing them with tools to improve their playing.

Roy Clark, the Country Music Hall of Fame guitar player, has always been proud of his connection with the music products industry. In addition to the products he has endorsed over his long career, Roy helped design his signature model for Heritage Guitars. Roy has also been close to many in the music publishing industry ever since writing the first of many successful method books for both guitar and banjo. The books were helped along with the popularity of the TV program,  "Hee-Haw" which Roy co-hosted for over 20 years. Even on the day of his interview for the NAMM Oral History program a fan approached Roy and thanked him for his role in teaching him to play music and for the years of enjoyment he and his family have had as a result.

Larry Coryell has enjoyed a long career as a jazz guitarist. In addition to touring and recording on his own, Larry has worked with some of the greatest names in jazz. Over the years he has developed his own method of playing, and written a series of teaching books and DVDs. His educational publications have provided new material for the jazz student and encouraged many music programs to include a study of jazz guitar. As a composer, Larry has written several songs which he recorded and used for his video instructional products. 

Chris Crockarell and his partner in music publishing, Chris Brooks, have created a special line of percussion methods and music books for those educators looking to bring fun to the art of music. With silly and fun method books and a host of levels and skill sets, the Row-Loff catalog includes such gems as “Pep Band Stuff,” Bucket Beats,” “EZ Blazin’” and “Bag, Bucket, Box, Barrel ‘O!” The company has been a staple at the Midwest Band Clinic and PASIC for several decades, helping both students and educators alike.