Terms and Conditions

The history

Traditionally keyboard players have been solitary in their music-making. In 1999, Nancy Litten set out to change this by providing courses, and together with fellow composer John Caudwell, repertoire, for ‘keyboard orchestra’. In ensemble the players learn to listen to each other, balancing their volume; they strengthen their rhythmic awareness and realize the need for continuity in performance; and on occasions, (if no backing style is used) they learn to follow a conductor. Their reading skills improve, and perhaps most important of all, they are able to enjoy the social interaction which has long been a part of the orchestral player’s experience.

Keyboard groups are now developing within many county music services, but hard-pressed teachers are sorely in need of repertoire, as little music is produced commercially for this genre. This is where NEKC can be a useful resource. It is hoped that the range of keyboard composers will be extended in due course. Please contact Nancy Litten on director@keyboardcourses.com if you would like your music to be considered.

In August 2006 the first national residential summer school for keyboard players was held at New Hall School, Chelmsford, Essex, and the next is planned for 14-17 August 2007. Please peruse the website for more details. Brief CVs of the composers can be found, as well as short clips of the music.

The product

All the music for sale is for ‘keyboard orchestra’, the aim being to provide ensemble experience for keyboard players. The number of different parts and their difficulty is indicated in the catalogue. Individual parts may be played by one person or a group of players. For large groups, amplification of the backing style and solos may be advisable. The pieces have all been performed by keyboard players during day and residential courses in Kent and elsewhere. At present only a small percentage of the available repertoire is advertised. There are many more pieces to be added, so be sure to check for updates. Commissions are also possible.

Copyright

Scores are copyright and may not be copied. Please order more as needed. Pupil parts are however Photocopiable; you are permitted to make as many copies as you need for the players.

Making a purchase

Buying from the shop is easy. Just browse the catalogue and click on ‘Add to basket’ for any items you wish to buy. After you have finished selecting your purchases click on ‘Place Order’ and you will be asked for a few details which we need to be able to satisfy your order. Please fill in your details and click 'Place Order'. You will then be asked to verify your details before clicking the Checkout button. Once clicked you will be taken to our secure payment partner, PayPal for secure payment processing. Once your card details have been verified NEKC will then charge your card and dispatch your goods.

Delivery schedule

We aim to send off the required items within a week, so they should arrive with you within two weeks from ordering. (It will take longer if being posted abroad.) If you need an item in a particular hurry, let us know by phone. (01622 679481)

Shipping and handling

Postage is free and included in the price.

Guarantee

We hope that you will be totally satisfied with your order from NEKC. If any items do not meet your expectations, please let us know and we will provide the authorisation to return them, where appropriate. If you need to contact us for any reason, the telephone number is 01622 679481.

Privacy policy

We do not disclose buyers’ information to third parties. Cookies are used on this shopping site but only to keep track of the contents of your shopping cart once you have selected an item.

Our commitment to you

We are aware of our responsibility to you under The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. These regulations, which can be found by visiting The Stationery Office website, protect you, the customer, and provide guidelines for the information we must make available to you on this website, including price information, shipping charges, and an address in case of a complaint arising. Please do not hesitate to contact us if for any reason you are dissatisfied with our service.