Unlike many "method book" composers who focus on a specific finger pattern or rhythm, Gillock focused on mood. A piece like "Arietta" teaches a student how to phrase a melody as if they were singing. "Autumn Leaves" teaches tone color and rubato. These aren't just notes; they are lessons in artistry.
If you absolutely need a physical copy but can’t afford new, buy used from AbeBooks, ThriftBooks, or eBay. Many old Gillock collections (like Let Us Have Music for Piano) cost $4–$8 used. Then, if you want a digital backup for your tablet, scan your own personal copy. Fair use generally allows a private digital duplicate for the owner.
William Gillock (1917–1993) was an American composer and educator born in LaRussell, Missouri. While he wrote music for various levels, he is most celebrated for his contributions to intermediate piano literature. william gillock piano pdf
His nickname, the "Schubert of New Orleans," stems from his lyrical, melodic style combined with his residence in Louisiana. He understood the student experience intimately. He knew that students wanted to play music that sounded impressive—music that had romantic sweeping melodies, jazz-tinged harmonies, or rhythmic drive—but they often lacked the virtuoso technique to play Chopin or Rachmaninoff.
Gillock solved this problem. He wrote pieces that fit comfortably under intermediate hands but sounded rich, sophisticated, and mature to the audience. Unlike many "method book" composers who focus on
They offer official, watermarked PDFs of most Gillock collections. Search for Accent on Solos (Books 1–3), Lyric Preludes in Romantic Style, or 24 Melodic Studies. You buy, download, and print immediately.
William L. Gillock (1917–1993) was an American composer and pedagogue best known for short, well-crafted piano pieces for children and early-intermediate students. His works remain staples in piano teaching because they combine idiomatic pianistic writing, clear musical character, and pedagogical value. These aren't just notes; they are lessons in artistry
| Source | Format | Cost per book | |--------|--------|----------------| | Willis Music Store | PDF or print | $6–12 | | Sheet Music Plus | Digital print | $5–10 | | Musicnotes | Interactive PDF | $4–8 per piece |
Before diving into the digital search, it is worth understanding why the demand for these PDFs is so high.
William Gillock (1917–1993) was an American composer and educator based in Louisiana and Texas. Unlike many composers of educational piano music, Gillock did not write dry technical exercises. Instead, he infused early-intermediate repertoire with sophisticated harmonies, blues scales, Latin rhythms, and deep emotional expression.
He is often referred to by two nicknames: