About the Author
Larry E. Newman
Nationally recognized music educator, author of more than 400 instructional music books and arrangements, founder of Children’s Music Workshop, Emmy Award-winning producer, and professional trumpet player.
Music educator • author • performer
Music books written by a teacher who understands young beginners.
Larry E. Newman has spent more than four decades building elementary instrumental music programs and developing beginner materials for band, orchestra, piano, guitar, ukulele, recorder, and classroom music.
Larry E. Newman is a nationally recognized music educator whose materials are used by band and orchestra directors across the United States and internationally. His books are written to help young musicians get started successfully, with clear notation, practical pacing, and music that works in real teaching situations.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, cum laude, from Temple University’s College of Music, a California teaching credential, and a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Eastern Illinois University. He also received Eastern Illinois University’s Outstanding Graduate Alumnus Award.
What makes Music Fun Books different?
The books are created for real elementary students and real music teachers. They are meant to be practical, approachable, and flexible enough for school programs, private lessons, homeschool families, and young musicians learning at home.
- Beginner-friendly pacing
- Elementary music focus
- School-tested materials
- Teacher-friendly formats
- Free samples
- Amazon ordering
Recognition and teaching impact
A career centered on elementary music education.
From school programs to citywide honor orchestra productions, Larry Newman’s work has focused on giving young musicians meaningful, inspiring musical experiences.
Temple University and Eastern Illinois University
Bachelor of Music Education, cum laude, from Temple University’s College of Music; Master of Arts in Music Performance from Eastern Illinois University; California teaching credential.
Children’s Music Workshop
Founder of Children’s Music Workshop and supervisor of music programs in more than eighty public and private institutions from kindergarten through college levels.
All Schools Elementary Honor Orchestra at UCLA
Founder and musical director of an award-winning citywide elementary honor orchestra now in its 26th year.
Emmy Awards and arts education recognition
The orchestra’s annual broadcast performances from UCLA’s Schoenberg Hall earned five Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards for excellence in children’s and arts education programming.
Photos and highlights
Photos from Music Fun Books and Music Education Projects
These photos help tell the story: the author, the Music Fun Books catalog, the Emmy-recognized honor orchestra productions, and Larry Newman’s background as a professional trumpet player.
Children’s Music Workshop
Recognized by the City of Los Angeles and the Television Academy.
Larry Newman was honored by the Los Angeles City Council at City Hall for his contributions to music education in Los Angeles. His work with the All Schools Elementary Honor Orchestra has also been featured on CityView’s Channel 35 series “Faces of LA.”
Music Fun Books grew out of a simple teaching need: better music written especially for young beginning musicians.
Larry E. Newman
Professional trumpet background
A performer’s perspective in beginner-friendly materials.
Larry Newman’s performance background includes touring, show work, recording-related instruction, freelance trumpet performance, and leadership of the Pacific Palisades Brass Quintet.
Touring and performance
Larry Newman has toured the United States, Canada, and Japan with The Glenn Miller Orchestra, performed in The Claridge Hotel Casino Orchestra in Atlantic City, and sailed with the S/S Norway Big Band and other cruise ship orchestras.
He has performed with entertainers and musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Jack Jones, Florence Henderson, Jerry Lewis, Billy Eckstine, The Fifth Dimension, Al Martino, Shirley Jones, The Lettermen, Jim Nabors, Michel Legrand, Stephane Grappelli, Clark Terry, Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Bobby Rydell, Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, Rita Moreno, and others.
Film, freelance work, and instruments
Mr. Newman worked as a trumpet instructor on the 2004 Universal release Ray, starring Jamie Foxx, and the 1999 movie Anywhere But Here, starring Susan Sarandon and Natalie Portman.
He is leader of The Pacific Palisades Brass Quintet, works as a freelance trumpet player in Southern California, and plays Van Laar trumpets and flugelhorns.
Explore related resources
Helpful links for teachers, parents, and young musicians.
Use these links to browse the Music Fun Books catalog, download samples, and learn more about the programs and recognition behind the materials.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Larry Newman and Music Fun Books.
Who is Larry E. Newman?
Larry E. Newman is a nationally recognized music educator, author, founder of Children’s Music Workshop, Emmy Award-winning producer, and professional trumpet player. He writes Music Fun Books materials for beginning elementary musicians.
How many books has Larry Newman written?
He is the author of more than 400 instructional music books and arrangements for elementary music students, including materials for strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, recorder, piano, guitar, and ukulele.
What kind of students are Music Fun Books written for?
Music Fun Books are written especially for elementary-age beginners and young developing musicians. They are used by school music programs, private teachers, parents, homeschool families, and students learning at home.
What is the All Schools Elementary Honor Orchestra?
The All Schools Elementary Honor Orchestra at UCLA is a citywide ensemble founded and directed by Larry Newman. It has brought together elementary students from many Los Angeles area schools for high-level performance opportunities.
Where can I find free samples?
Free samples are available through the Music Fun Books free samples page, where teachers and parents can preview materials before ordering for students.
Ready to explore the books?
Find beginner-friendly music materials created by a lifelong music educator.
Browse Music Fun Books, download free samples, and choose practical materials for young musicians, school programs, private lessons, and home study.