As the former director of the Preparatory Department of Music at Tulane University, Jane Bastien has an extensive background in developing music teaching materials for children. The outstanding contribution of Jane and her husband, James, to the music profession got recognized by the reward of the 1999 MTNA (Music Teachers National Associate) Lifetime Achievement Award. As pianists, authors, composers and music educators, the Bastiens have more than 300 books to their credit, and have inspired millions of teachers and students worldwide.