Julie Lovison, Director of The Lake Shore Music Studio in Chicago presents Essential Music Concepts that can be introduced to piano students (or general music education students) using the simple tune Frere Jacques (Brother John) . The idea is to see that you can explain important music theory at any level of learning and also that simple melodies and music phrases are found within more complex pieces as the student’s repertoire advances. This was presented as part of the Lee Roberts Music Publications Showcase at the MTNA Conference Milwaukee 2011. 

This is just a 10 minute “taste” of her longer program “One Stop Shopping With Brother John – Exploring 35 music concepts using the tune Frere Jacques.” By focusing on only one melody it is enlightening for teachers and students to see the various concepts within the structure of one simple musical theme.