Jane Bastien

The Bastien name has become synonymous with piano pedagogy. With more than 300 books in 14 languages to their credit, Jane, her late husband James, and their daughters, Lisa and Lori, have inspired millions of teachers and piano students worldwide.

Jane Smisor Bastien, the daughter of piano teacher Gladys Smisor, developed a love for piano very early in her life. She began piano lessons with Leota Anderson in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the age of three. Jane received an Associate of Arts degree from Stephens College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, and a Master of Arts degree from Teachers’ College, Columbia University. Her piano teachers during her college years included the late David Milliken, Santos Ojeda, and Isabelle Vengerova.

In 1958, Jane founded the Preparatory Piano Department of Music at Newcomb College, Tulane University. She taught piano pedagogy at Newcomb and also maintained a full-time teaching studio of pre-college students. This work inspired her to begin creating what is now known as Bastien teaching materials.

Jane continued a full-time teaching schedule while writing and composing until her passing in 2018. She loved teaching students of all ages and abilities and truly understood the day-to-day realities and challenges facing piano teachers.

Jane was committed to a tradition of excellence in piano pedagogy. At the centennial convention of the Music Teachers Association of California in 1996, Jane and James Bastien received the award for lifelong dedication as piano teachers and composers. In 1999, they were presented with the Music Teachers’ National Association Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their significant contribution to music and music education.