Missouri Classical Music News

James W. Bastien, composer, piano pedagogue and musician, died December 7, in La Jolla, California.

Jim and his wife, Jane, are known throughout the world for the Bastien Piano Basics and other piano books published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company.

In 1999, Jim and Jane Bastien were the recipients of MTNA's Achievement Award, the association's highest honor, in recognition of their outstanding career in music and contribution to the music profession. The couple again was honored in 2003, when they were named MTNA FOUNDATION Fellows.

Music is a vital part of human life. In every culture some form of music-making is included...Music is a language which transcends speech and is understood the world over.

Regardless of special talent, millions of students are engaged in the pursuit of musical instruction as an extention of the general learning process.