Publisher of the best and most affordable music instruction materials for homeschoolers and self-learners.
Publisher of the most comprehensive collection of hymn arrangements for piano and for voice.
Beginning at the Piano Series
Reading at the Piano Series
Hymns from Genesis
Christmas Carols for the Piano
Hymns for the Piano
Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
Jubilate Deo
Faith of Our Fathers
St. John Bosco Hymn Collection
This delightful program of basic traditional music instruction assumes no prior musical knowledge and can be used
by beginners 5 years old and older. It moves at an easy pace through the increments of music notation and rudimentary
piano (keyboard) playing using printed books and play-along recordings on CDs or cassette tapes. The tapes represent the teacher
who also serves as a duet partner (the student learns by playing along with the teacher). At each level original
materials are used to introduce new concepts, then the standard musical repertoire is utilized in specially tailored
arrangements to hone the student's skills. The Workbooks contain writing and reading materials which help to reinforce
the lesson concepts. Each set of books and tapes also contains a Parent's Manual. Many have successfully learned
music with ease utilizing this technique. Highly affordable and thorough, the program continues to grow in popularity,
especially among homeschoolers.
The Beginning at the Piano series consists of the following modules:
Beginning at the Piano, Book 1A
Beginning at the Piano, Book 1B
Beginning at the Piano, Book 2
Click here for a more detailed description of the Beginning at the Piano series.
The second level of keyboard instruction materials using books and play-along tapes. Reading at
the Piano aptly describes this program which teaches the student to read and explore music while learning keyboard
and music-reading skills. Tasks are arranged in a smooth logical progression and musical materials are drawn from
the best of the West: classics, hymns, folksongs, etc.. A unique recorded practice routine assures success in learning
the more difficult pieces.
The Reading at the Piano series consists of the following modules:
Reading at the Piano, Book One (eighth notes in 2/4 Time)
Reading at the Piano, Book Two (Eighth Notes in 3/4 Time)
Reading at the Piano, Book Three (Eighth Notes in 4/4 Time)
Reading at the Piano, Book Four (Eighth Notes in 6/8 Time)
Click here for a more detailed description of the Reading at the Piano Series
Four volumes of traditional hymns arranged in progressive order. Originally intended to form the basis of a Christian
Piano Method called Genesis. Now serving as the traditional Christian supplement to Beginning at the Piano and
Reading at the Piano which use music selected from the classics. Used in conjunction with this or other methods,
these hymns provide necessary reading materials to strengthen the mind and feed the soul. Warning: Inclusive language
not included!
30 Hymns from Genesis: "In the Beginning"
36 More Hymns from Genesis: "In the Beginning"
33 Hymns from Genesis, Level 2: "And God Said..."
31 Hymns from Genesis, Level 3: "Let there be light"
Christmas Carols for the Piano
30 Christmas Carols - traditional carols arranged to complement Beginning at the Piano, Book 2.
14 Christmas Carols - My favorite of all the books. Contains tasteful arrangements of traditional carols to complement
Reading at the Piano, Book 3 and more advanced levels.
Two volumes of traditional ecumenical hymns in more dressed-up arrangements for the intermediate level pianist. The Hymns for the Piano series consists of the following volumes:
Hymns for the Piano, Volume 1
Hymns for the Piano, Volume 2
Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
Three groups of books and CDs tastefully arranged for piano, voice, and voice with piano. The "easy piano" versions are published in progressive order so that they supplement "Beginning at the Piano, Book 2" and the "Reading at the Piano" series.
Mainly these hymns are drawn from the St. Gregory Hymnal and the St. Basil Hymnal. Latin and English texts are used (Latin hymns are printed also in an English version) In addition to providing meaningful beautiful spiritual tasks for your children, these books can aid greatly in restoring some of the lost-but-soon-returning traditions of the Church in your family and in your parish. Great supplements to homeschool Latin classes.
There are presently three volumes in this series:
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns, Level 2
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns, Level 3
Jubilate Deo - piano arrangements and complete texts in both Latin and English of Pope Paul VI's recommended minimum repertoire of Gregorian chant. Contains the mass which is now commonly called Jubilate Deo (see Adoremus Hymnal) and essential Gregorian hymns. Easy piano arrangements, singable keys.
This series consists of two volumes of piano arrangements of those popular traditional Irish Catholic hymns recorded by Frank Patterson, Regina Nathan, etc. on that best selling CD from Ireland. The two volumes are:
Faith of Our Fathers
Faith of Our Fathers, Volume 2
St. John Bosco Hymn Collection
The first two volumes are now completed in this important series which promises to include a most comprehensive
collection of hymns for the entire liturgical year. Arranged by Alan Jemison for voice(s) with an easy piano part.
A delightful collection of hymns for the student pianist, the family, the homeschool, the parochial school, the
parish, etc., etc..
Advent Hymns (60+ hymns including the "O Antiphons" in addition to practically any Advent hymn you can
name)
Christmas Hymns and Carols (90+ songs, literally "everything you wanted to know about Christmas")
Alan Jemison is now working on what promises to be a rather formidable collection of materials for the violin
student. A pre-publication version of the first year program (book and
tapes) is available and has been used with success. Watch here for further developments or send questions or comments to alan@aljem.com.
PUBLICATIONS FOR VIOLIN
12 Duets for 2 Violins (1st. position)
Christmas for Two (traditional hymn and carol duets - in the positions)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (violin and piano)
Vivaldi Concerto in G Major (violin and piano)
Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (violin and piano)
1- Please either use the order form (click the hyperlink above) or jot a note indicating the programs that you would like. Include a check with your order, made payable to Alan Jemison Music. (Please note that all prices include postage.)
2- Mail your order to:
Alan Jemison Music
PO Box 64
Ashton, MD 20861
Thank you, and God bless!.
Alan Jemison
All prices include postage.
* * * Dealer inquiries welcomed * * *
BEGINNING AT THE PIANO (first level of materials)
Beginning at the Piano, Book 1-A (approx. 6 weeks of lessons: method book, workbook, parents' manual, 3 tapes) Whole Notes, Half Notes, Rests, Treble Staff, Bass Staff. $48.85
Beginning at the Piano, Book 1-B (approx. 4 weeks of lessons: method book,workbook, parents' manual, 2 tapes)
The Tie, Repeat Sign, Dotted Half-Notes, Sharps and Flats. $35.35
Beginning at the Piano, Book 2 (approx. 6 months of lessons: method book, workbook, parents' manual, 8 tapes)
Quarter Notes and Rests, Expanded Note Concepts, Playing with 2 Hands Together, Repeated Bar Signs, Multiple Bars
Rest, D.C. al Fine, Chords. $92.95
Complete 1 Year Program (Books 1-A, 1-B, and 2) ..... $137.50
You will need another workbook for each additional child using the program.
Workbook for 1-A ..... $23.30
Workbook for 1-B ..... $15.65
Workbook for Book 2 ..... $38.60
READING AT THE PIANO (2nd level of materials)
Reading at the Piano, Book 1 (approx. 6 months of lessons: method book, user's manual, tapes) Eighth Notes in 2/4 Time, Expanded Note Concepts, Key Concepts, D.S. al Fine, Staccato and Legato, More Complex Playing Concepts. ..... $55.75
Reading at the Piano, Book 2 (approx. 6 months of lessons: method book and tapes) Eighth Notes in 3/4 Time,
The Phrase, More Complex Fingering Concepts, 2 Voices with One Hand. ..... $41.00
Reading at the Piano, Book 3 ( approx. 6 months of lessons: method book and tapes) Eighth Notes in 4/4 Time,
Expanded Key Concepts, Sharing a Line of Notes between 2 Hands, Ritard, Fermata, Expanded Playing Concepts, Formal
Concepts. ..... $42.85
Reading at the Piano, Book 4 soon to be released (approx 6 months of lessons: method book and tapes) Eighth
Notes in 6/8 Time, etc. anticipated price. ..... $17.90
HYMN, CAROL AND SONG BOOKS
+14 Christmas Carols ..... $11.40
+30 Christmas Carols ..... $15.70
+30 Hymns from Genesis ..... $15.70
+36 More Hymns from Genesis ..... $15.70
+33 Hymns from Genesis, level 2 ..... $15.70
+31 Hymns from Genesis, level 3 ..... $15.70
+Hymns for the Piano, volume 1 (intermediate level) ..... $12.45
+Hymns for the Piano, volume 2 (intermediate level) ..... $12.45
+Sing Praise to God by Note (elementary sight-singing manual w/ 5 tapes) ..... $39.80
+Jubilate Deo (min.repertiore of Gregorian Chant arr.for the piano [easy]) ..... $23.50
+Faith of Our Fathers (music of the popular Irish recording arr. for piano) ..... $15.50
+Faith of Our Fathers, Volume 2 (music of the 2nd CD arranged for piano) ..... $15.50
TRADITIONAL ROMAN CATHOLIC HYMNS
There are three groups of Traditional Roman Catholic Hymn Collections:
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns - Click here for details (contents)
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano).............$17.00
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano with CD).....$26.00
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (melody only, for singing,
with CD)..................................................$21.00
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns for Voice and Piano
(with CD).................................................$29.00
CDs Separately
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano, CD only)....$12.50
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (melody, CD only)........$12.50
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (voice and piano,CD only)$12.50
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns - Click here for details(contents)
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns,Level 2(easy piano) $17.00
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano with CD)$26.00
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns,(melody only,with CD)$21.00
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns for Voice and Piano
(with CD)................................................$29.00
CDs Separately
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano,CD only)$12.50
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (melody, CD only)...$12.50
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (voice and piano,
CD only)..................................................$12.50
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns - Click here for details (contents)
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns, Level 3 (easy piano)....$20.60
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano with CD).....$28.50
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (melody only, with CD)...$23.00
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns for voice and piano
(with CD).................................................$32.00
CDs Separately
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (easy piano, CD only)....$12.50
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (melody, CD only)........$12.50
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns voice and piano, CD only)$12.50
ST. JOHN BOSCO HYMN COLLECTION (a hymnal for the People of God)
Advent Hymns (60+ hymns arranged for unison voices with an easy piano part) ..... $27.35
Christmas Hymns and Carols (90+ songs arranged for voices and easy piano) .........
$31.90
PUBLICATIONS FOR VIOLIN
12 Duets for 2 Violins (1st. position) ..... $11.60
Christmas for Two (traditional hymn and carol duets - in the positions) .........
$24.50
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (violin and piano) ..... $11.75
Vivaldi Concerto in G Major (violin and piano) .........
$15.35
Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (violin and piano) ..... $14.35
Remember ... all prices include postage.
Please send check with order to:
Alan Jemison
PO Box 64
Ashton, MD 20861
A paper delivered by Alan Jemison at the NACHE Convention,
Manassas,VA, July 14, 2000
I am not an authority on Catholicism, so I cannot render an opinion on the Catholicity of children.
I would just naively assume that a Catholic child is generally, a member of a Catholic family; that is, a family
that attends a Catholic Church and is faithful to the teachings of the pope and the magisterium.
I am, however, by virtue of a lifetime of work, a bit of an authority on music. Hopefully, that is the reason I
have been invited to speak here.
What is music?
sound?
beautiful sounds?
What is beautiful?
Music is not culture. That elusive word culture reflects the way people live and work and play and pray in their
society; their games, their music, their church, their theatre, etc..
The popular music of any given time necessarily reflects the basic culture of that time and place, but it is not
that culture, only an element of it. In a well-ordered society music is harmonious and logical. In a rebellious,
disruptive, materialistic society music is all of those (and less).
Traditional Catholics live within a well-ordered society created by The Church and, hopefully, reflected in their
daily lives. Traditional Catholic Homeschoolers generally project the Church's values in their children's instruction
by choosing a classical curriculum that embodies traditional disciplines and subjects of primary importance.
Music, which was, up until mid-twentieth century, always part of the classical curriculum (even in the public schools),
is no longer treated as an essential subject, but, rather, is considered an elective or extra-curricular activity.
Why?
In my opinion, this trend represents the current practice in a musical trend that has gradually grown from mid-ninteenth
century to the present; the trend to emphasize performance of music over creation or composing of music. This is
the subject for a book that probably no one would want to read, but which I will touch on briefly here.
As performance takes precedence over creation the main emphasis naturally shifts from intrinsic musical (aesthetic)
value to entertainment value. Naturally, if we look to music purely for entertainment, our requirements for its
intellectual content slacken and we look to it purely for hedonistic titilation. This trend has completely taken
over in our present-day popular (shudder) music and has wormed its way prominently into the music of the Church
(subject for another book). It naturally follows that, if music is merely entertainment, it should be excluded
from a classical curriculum.
Many parents, sensing that there is value in musical education apart from the modern day classical curriculum,
send their children off to teachers for private music lessons. There the students are groomed to perform and compete
as if music is an atheletic activity wherein one works diligently to acquire skills that are then used to overcome
or outshine the skills of others. The emphasis in this instruction is on the athletics and the drill required to
achieve digital mastery. Music reading and music as a written literature are little, if at all emphasized. This
is all done under the guises of character-building or emotional development or whatever.
The end result is usually the development of children who can parrot classical music selections and expertly compete
in musical contests or so-called talent shows. These children seldom acquire the basic sight-reading skills that
would enable them to play through a hymn or song book while friends or family (or church) join in singing; the
skill to read instrumental music at sight and thereby enjoy countless hours of musical pleasure playing with friends
or family. Also, history unfortunately shows that, once graduated from high school, most of these children fail
to continue in any musical endeavors primarily because of the absence of performing contests at the college level
and beyond. This is a tragic waste. Just think of how useful properly trained amateur musicians could be in enhancing
the music of the Church (and the world).
Our curriculum providers, our publishers and our arts media teach us that we should become good listeners. So we
are offered books, videos, cassettes and CD's which, in general, tell us about composers and their music from a
human interest perspective while playing some snippets from their music in the background. Here again the emphasis
is on the performance of the music and the student is here encouraged to become a good listener. Good listener
- what does that mean? What does one who has no knowledge of music's content or syntax listen to? What would American
children hear while listening to Indian poetry or speeches by the Russian Premier? What would they be listening
to?
I guess then that a good listener is one who will sit quietly and patiently while something they have no knowledge
of or appreciation for is sounded forth for them. Radical view? Really?
Further, we subscribe to the notion that, by viewing and hearing the performance of a symphony orchestra, our children
will become educated in the musical art and will gravitate toward becoming performers or at least good listeners.
So we cart our children off to the local cultural center where the orchestra gives a children's concert complete
with stories about the music and the composers, performances of music with narration like A Young Person's Guide
to the Orchestra, Peter and the Wolf, The Carnival of the Animals, etc., and demonstrations of the playing of various
instruments of the orchestra.
This activity, emphasizing the theatrical aspects of the musical art, does much to encourage children to learn
to play an instrument, but it contributes little to their musical understanding. In contrast to this, imagine,
if you will, the great joy children who are well-versed in basic song literature, who have learned some basic note-reading
on an instrument, would experience at an orchestra concert. Not only could they then hear a live representation
of musical ideas which embody many of the already familiar twists and turns of melody and harmony, but they would
now hear them on the most sophisticated and glorious instrument ever conceived - the orchestra. Additionally, they
could gain a greater knowledge of the value of note-reading as they see 80+ people reading notes from the stand
in front of them and adding each of their written parts to the greater fabric of the orchestral whole. Need I mention
how totally overwhelming would be the performance of a Beethoven symphony to such informed listeners?
Folks, I'm sorry to make what appears to be such a heretical statement during these modern times, but - are you
ready for this - are you sitting down?
MUSIC IS NOT A PERFORMING ART.
Music is an art, but it embraces more than its actual performance. Granted, music needs to be performed to be perceived,
but the real art of music is the art of creating it, of composing it. This art cannot be remotely approached by
one who cannot read and execute the musical notation - by one who is, so to speak, musically illiterate.
Further, a true musical art cannot rest on the ability of a talented few to perform works by long-deceased composers
and the willingness of the general public to sit still and listen to the fruits of their labors.
The art of music is embodied in a traditional, or what you might call standard literature, the existence of which
is a reflection of the good taste and expertise of the general public over centuries of time. Our Western musical
culture has its beginnings in the Church (Pope Gregory) and it rises to its highest pinnacles of achievement in
the European courts of the 18th. century (Mozart and Haydn) and the symphony halls and opera houses of the 19th.
century (Beethoven and Wagner). The trends which I call the cult of the performer begin in mid 19th. century with
public fascination with such figures as Paganini and Liszt (both of whom continued also as composers) and advances
into modern times with adulation for Itzaak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma, neither of whom could compose a Baptist Revival
Hymn.
Granted, both these guys are very good at what they do, as are all the popular performers. The problem is that
they represent a musical culture wherein the tail wags the dog - the performer rules over the composer. They further
represent a culture wherein, as I mentioned, a few talented ones do all the work to produce performances from which
the audiences are expected to learn music while they merely sit still and listen to a shower of sounds.
Sorry, but it doesn't work that way. To learn music one must sit down with an instrument and daily perform logical
tasks which gradually and thoroughly lead to mastery (just as Perlman and Ma did). The student should not be distracted
by false promises of easy success or unearned rewards (not that they shouldn't be encouraged by every means).
Singing is an activity that all, especially Catholics, should engage in. When it is led by musically literate people,
forth comes good intonation and rhythm, and, would you believe - harmony! If Catholics are ever going to sing in
church they need:
1.Traditional musical instruction in singing and instrument playing beginning in the early grades.
2.Solid collections of practical, beautiful and worshipful music in the pews of the churches - tunes with harmonies for other voices.
If the world (or the Church) is ever again to have a healthy musical culture, we need literate musicians
who, having learned in the tradition, are prepared to carry its banner forth into the future by knowledgeable performances
of existing music and intelligent, fearful creation of new music. What, by and large, passes for new music in our
Church today would quickly yield to intelligent, sensitive and expert new creations by a knowledgeable group of
composers.
Composers, those musicians who had risen to the top musical levels, would be constantly inspired to create more
and better works by the existence of a learned public who could sing, perform and appreciate the composer's efforts.
Sound too idealistic? I think not - and I think the solutions to these problems as well as others in our Church
lie with you, the Traditional Catholic Homeschoolers.
So where do we begin?
Our children need to learn to read music on an instrument;
they need to engage in singing activities in the home;
they need to have traditional instrumental and vocal materials available;
they need to learn to share music-making as a gift of the Holy Spirit, not to use music as a weapon in a contest.
What do we do?
What materials do we use?
There are a lot of materials out there that are used in developing musical activities for children - some good,
some bad. I am sorry, but my work is centered on creating instructional materials and Traditional Catholic hymn
collections, and I have little, if any, time for reviewing those materials. I am peripherally familiar with those
programs that are used for instruction on piano and violin, the instruments I teach, and for which I write instructional
materials, but I have little knowledge of the others. In general, I am critical of those materials I know for the
lack of attention they give to note-reading and, in general, the teaching of music as literature.
I don't by any means have all the answers, but I do strive in my work to present my students with logical materials
arranged in gradually ascending steps leading to mastery of music-reading and instrument playing. I also have written
a basic singing program that teaches vocal note-reading. More to come...
Let's talk about the Alan Jemison Music piano instruction program called Beginning at the Piano and Reading at
the Piano. This program can be done on a traditional piano or an electric keyboard. In this program I have definitely
solved the problem of teaching beginning note-reading, that is, reading notes from the printed page while playing
them on the piano or keyboard and keeping time, or being rhythmically accurate. This problem is handled in the
most effective way known, the way Leopold Mozart taught the young Wolfgang and the way most musicians of the classical
period taught all their students: the student is given tasks to perform, beginning with simplest and graduating
to more complex, and the student's tasks are accompanied by the teacher on another instrument; in the Alan Jemison
version the teacher is recorded on tape. The standard literature is utilized in ways that make it readily available
to the student by writing arrangements that utilize this body of music in inventive ways.
Using this approach, the student is immediately immersed in a sea of musical reality and is given tasks to perform
which are not only possible, but richly rewarding. Problems of rhythm (playing in time) are thoroughly solved and,
in violin instruction, the additional elusive problem of playing in tune is also adequately addressed (never solved).
Because the student is playing duets with the teacher his tasks can now be reduced to the very simplest without
risk of boring him. Now he can march through all the steps necessary to lay a solid foundation while participating
in performances of real music with his duet partner, the teacher.
The writing and supplemental playing tasks contained in each Workbook help to strengthen the concepts taught in
the Method Books. The writing assignments are most essential to the learning of musical concepts.
Many supplemental materials are available which utilize the student's learned skills. A list of Alan Jemison Music
publications and how they relate to the instructional program follow:
Beginning at the Piano, Book 2
36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
32 More Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
30 Hymns from Genesis
36 Hymns from Genesis
33 Hymns from Genesis
30 Christmas Carols
Reading at the Piano, Book 1
39 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns
31 Hymns from Genesis
More advanced
Jubilate Deo
Faith of Our Fathers, 2 volumes
Hymns for Advent (latest release St. John Bosco Hymn Collection)
14 Christmas Carols
Hymns for Advent is my newest publication and the first of the St. John Bosco
Hymn Collection which promises to be an
enormous quantity of books and, hopefully recorded tapes and CD's. The plan for the
St. John Bosco Hymn Collection is
as follows:
1. A separate volume for each major season of the Church Year containing a comprehensive collection of materials
gleaned from many sources. Each volume to be published in the following formats:
a. Elementary Grades - single vocal line with a simple, but complete, piano part.
b. Intermediate Grades - 3-part choral arrangements for Soprano, Alto and Baritone.
c. Advanced - 4-part choral arrangements in the common parish hymnal (choir edition) format.
Other formats, such as 2-part treble harmony with piano part and 2-part harmony: soprano and baritone are also
contemplated. Actually, I wrote many hymn arrangements in the soprano and baritone format for my students at Christendom
College while I was struggling to teach them to read music. These are available for future publications.
It is my sincere hope that, through the publication of these works and by your use of them in your homes, I can
contribute substantially to that healing that is so greatly needed in the music of our Church. Much work is needed
to educate our children in this noble art, one of the greatest gifts of God. The Church's music is very sick, and
healing can, I believe, only come from our efforts expended toward the youth of today who are the Church of tomorrow.
May God richly bless all of us in this work!
Alan Jemison
Alan Jemison Music
PO Box 64
Ashton, MD 20861
aljem.com
alan@aljem.com
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