Neil A.

Kjos Music Company

The Neil A. Kjos Music Company is an American music publisher based in San
Neil A. Kjos Music
Diego, California. It has published a large number of books used to teach music,
Company
most notably the Standard of Excellence series of books and software.
Founded 1936
Founder Neil A. Kjos

Contents Country of origin United States

Headquarters San Diego,
History
location California
Standard of Excellenceseries
Tradition of Excellenceseries
Publication printed music
types
String Basics series
Introduction To Artistry In String series Official website kjos.com

Bastien Piano Basicsseries

External links

History
The Neil A. Kjos Music Company was founded by its namesake inChicago in 1936 as a one-room operation in space rented from the
Lyons Band Instrument Company. By 1957, the company had outgrown the premises at Lyons and built a 20,000 square foot plant in
Park Ridge, Illinois. Neil A Kjos, Jr., soon began working for the company after receiving degrees from St. Olaf College and
Teachers College, Columbia University, and serving in the 524th Air Force Band. During his studies, Neil Jr. met Jane Smisor
Bastien, future author of the best-selling piano methods around the world. Neil Jr. acquired the title of president when his father
retired in 1969.

In 1973, Neil Jr. determined that the company should expand to a part of the country with a more reasonable climate. A location in
San Diego, California, was selected for the construction of a new plant. After completion in 1975, the Neil A. Kjos Music Company
operated from both San Diego and Park Ridge. In 1985, the Park Ridge location closed, and all operations were transferred to the
newly expanded facility in San Diego.

Neil Jr.’s two children, Mark and Tim, joined the company in the mid-1980s. Upon Neil Jr.’s retirement in 2000, Mark and Tim, with
their strong business and music backgrounds, continue the legacy established by their grandfather and father
.

Since its inception in 1936, the Neil A. Kjos Music Company has pursued the goal of publishing the most effective methods and
compositions for music teachers and students. Kjos Music continues to set the standard in all areas of the educational music
publishing industry.

Neil A. Kjos, Sr. was the brother-in-law of Olaf Christiansen, the son of the founder of the Saint Olaf Choir, and the second
conductor of that famed group. From the company's earliest days, choral music has also been an emphasis.

Standard of Excellence series

The most popular books in the series are the Standard of Excellence Band Methodvolumes. Among the band titles and three volumes
for nearly every instrument used in a band.
Each of the books comes with Standard of Excellence's IPAS software. The software has every piece from the book and a program
where the user can play along, receiving guidance as to whether the note was done properly or not. It is claimed by some to be the
most comprehensive band method ever (Dylan Meyer).

Tradition of Excellence series

Tradition of Excellence is a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to appeal to today's band students. The music; the
dynamic look; the scope and sequence; the tools for differentiated instruction; the smooth pacing with careful review; and the
included INTERACTIVE Practice Studio make T
radition of Excellence the fastest growing band method today!

String Basics series

String Basics: Steps to Success for String Orchestra is a comprehensive method for beginning string classes. Utilizing technical
exercises, music from around the world, classical themes by the masters, and original compositions, students will learn to play their
string instruments in an orchestra. Step-by-step sequences of instruction will prove invaluable as students learn to hold their
instrument and bow, finger new notes, count different rhythms, read music notation, and more.

Introduction To Artistry In String series

The comprehensive approach of Artistry in Strings provides all the basic tools necessary for establishing solid technique and
expressive music making! Perfect for classroom, group, or private instruction. Each book includes music theory, composition,
listening exercise, improvisation, ensemble performances, and interdisciplinary studies for a well-rounded approach. Music styles
include classical, jazz, country, rock and folk music from a variety of cultures around the world.

Bastien Piano Basics series

Bastien Piano Basics is a collection of piano instruction books targeted to children ages 7–11 from the primer level to level 4. This
series is authored by James Bastien and Jane Smisor Bastien.There are many supplementary books within the series.

External links
Neil A. Kjos Jr. NAMM Oral History Interview(2003)
Jane Bastien NAMM Oral History Interview (2006)
Bruce Pearson NAMM Oral History Interview (2017)

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This page was last edited on 13 April 2019, at 02:12(UTC).

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