Author of 400+ instructional books used by elementary band and orchestra programs nationwide
Larry E. Newman
Nationally Recognized Music Educator | Author of 400+ Instructional Music Books | Founder of Children’s Music Workshop
Larry E. Newman is a nationally recognized music educator who has spent more than four decades building elementary instrumental music programs and developing beginner method books now used by band and orchestra directors across the United States and internationally. His materials have helped thousands of young musicians begin their journey in school music programs.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, cum laude degree from Temple University’s College of Music, a California teaching credential and a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Eastern Illinois University. (Mr. Newman received the “Outstanding Graduate Alumnus Award” from EIU.)
Mr. Newman has supervised music programs in more than eighty public and private institutions from the Kindergarten through college levels.
Mr. Newman was honored by the Los Angeles City Council at City Hall for his contributions to music education in Los Angeles (See photos and video.) He was also featured on CityView’s Channel 35 series, “Faces of LA” (see video) as well as in VoyageLA magazine.
Mr. Newman received the Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Award from the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation which honors people who provide excellent programs to youth. He was nominated for the 25th Annual BRAVO Award, established by the Music Center of Los Angeles County to recognize individuals for innovation and excellence in arts education.
Larry E. Newman is founder and musical director of the All Schools Elementary Honor Orchestra at UCLA — a citywide ensemble representing more than 100 students from dozens of Los Angeles area elementary schools. Established in 1999, the orchestra has provided high-level performance opportunities for young musicians for over two decades.
The orchestra’s annual broadcast performances from UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall have earned five Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, for excellence in arts education programming. These awards recognize the impact of the program in elevating elementary instrumental music to a nationally respected level.
As a professional trumpet player, Larry Newman has performed with such star entertainers as Dizzy Gillespie, Jack Jones, Florence Henderson, Jerry Lewis, Billy Eckstine, The Fifth Dimension, Al Martino, Shirley Jones, The Lettermen, Jim Nabors, Jerry Van Dyke, Jim Stafford, Michel Legrand, Stephane Grappelli, Clark Terry, Ed Thigpen, Cab Calloway, George Kirby, Margaret Whiting, Benny Carter, The Four Aces, The Modernaires, Bobby Rydell, Joe Williams, Roger Williams, Slide Hampton, The Smothers Brothers, Fred Travalena, Rita Moreno and others.
Mr. Newman worked as a trumpet instructor on the 2004 Universal release, Ray, starring Jamie Foxx as well as the 1999 movie, Anywhere But Here, starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman.
Larry Newman is leader of The Pacific Palisades Brass Quintet and is a freelance trumpet player in the Southern California area. He plays VANLAAR trumpets and flugelhorns.