Original music tuition books by John Kember
“John Kember is truly one of our finest composers who incorporates the interests of the student as well as the pedagogical needs of the teacher in his works.”
-- Julia Amada Kruger, Vice-President of the American College of Musicians
“Here is a composer and teacher who understands the jazz piano idiom and how to train it positively, thoroughly and progressively”
-- John York, 'Piano', July/August 2005.
The charming songs and Pooh''s Hums from A.A.Milne's classic Winnie-the-Pooh
and Christopher Robin books were set to music in the 1920s
and some, such as "They're Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace" have been
childhood favourites for generations.
For the very first time, all 67 of these beautifully crafted settings have been
recorded by baritone Grant Doyle and pianist John Kember with narration by Brian Sibley.
The recordings, capturing the innocence of childhood and evoking an idyll of
England at peace in the fragile years immediately following the First World War,
are now available on a double CD, published by EM Records as EMRCD 083
More information
John has more than 70 currently available publications, published
by Faber Music, by Music Sales, by Schott and by Self-published, and although this website no longer offers the option to buy direct
they are available through good music shops or direct from the publishers.
Getting around
There are buttons at the top of each page which will take you back here, or to John's
biography, or to a list of publications organised into collections, or to a list organised
by instruments. You can also see selections of publications
of a particular type.
On the left of this page there are thumbnails of some of John's more recent publications.
Anywhere you see a thumbnail you can either hover over it for a brief summary, or click
for an in-depth page about the publication which includes a sample score and often a
sample of reviewers' comments.
On the right there is a small selection from some of these comments. Hover over them
for more details.
Where to find us
Go to www.johnkember.com to find details of all these publications and the online ordering facility. The website makes it easy to locate books by instrument and by musical style. Each book is annotated with details of the Grade standard for which it is intended and with descriptions of the content. Most books also include a sample page to allow you to assess whether it is right for your needs.
What they say
“beautifully crafted arrangements of jazz and pop standards ... a gift to anyone who wants to entertain”
“John Kember has produced some more beautifully crafted arrangements of jazz and pop standards ... a gift to anyone who wants to entertain, either alone or with others. ... Each is then turned into a characterful piano piece, with plenty of rhythmic variation and syncopation, and some fine examples of bass and inner-part melodies.”
Nancy Litten, 'Piano Professional', Summer 2011
“arrangements true to the originals and compositions
beautiful, stylish and delightfully pianistic”
“I always send up a quick cheer when I see anything by John Kember,
as his arrangements are true to the originals and his compositions
beautiful, stylish and delightfully pianistic.”
Fiona Lau, 'Music Teacher', March 2010
“Presented with style, care and panache”
“Presented with style, care and panache ... ideal for ensemble work, in school or teaching studio ... an arrangement with real pianistic flair for performace and private indulgance.”
John York, 'Piano' Dec 2009/ Jan 2010
“I love these books. They eclipse any others I have examined because they work. Nothing thin or weak, nothing merely derivative”
“two fabulous volumes ... The reason these work so well where others often fall short of expectation is the sheer quality of the arrangements by John Kember. ... I love these books. They eclipse any others I have examined because they work. Nothing thin or weak, nothing merely derivative”
John York, 'Piano' Spring 2009
“practical and original gems that could easily be prepared as part of a concert”
“The solos with piano accompaniment that are included at the end of each chapter are practical and original gems that could easily be prepared as part of a concert program. ... This text would be of particular interest to adult players who wish to brush up on their sight-reading skills, and is an excellent resource for teachers who would like to reinforce the reading ability of their students and are looking for a clear and systematic method to accomplish this task.”
Brenda Brenner, 'Strings, October 2007 (USA)
“John Kember is truly one of our finest composers who incorporates the interests of the student as well as the pedagogical needs of the teacher in his works.”
“John Kember is truly one of our finest composers who incorporates the interests of the student as well as the pedagogical needs of the teacher in his works.”
Julia Amada Kruger, Vice-President of the American College of Musicians
“Here is a composer and teacher who understands the jazz piano idiom and how to train it positively, thoroughly and progressively”
“Here is a composer and teacher who understands the jazz piano idiom and how to train it positively, thoroughly and progressively, starting at about the grade 3 level. His music always feels and sounds great and the 'Plus One' volume also encourages ensemble work, improvisation and a wider experience for the pupil. All styles are covered within the books, big band, gospel, ballad, blues etc and, again, presentation is brilliant.”
John York in 'Piano', July/August 2005
“A brilliant and original collection”
“A brilliant and original collection which covers all standard jazz techniques and idioms-swing rhythm, anticipation, syncopation, walking bass-line in blues, rag, jazz waltz and dreamy reflective styles.”
'Piano Journal' (EPTA)