Percussionist, Marcel Jorand (b. 1937) studied at the Paris Conservatoire where he won many prizes, including first prize for his instrument. His professional work as a performer and teacher combined produced many well-informed study books for Percussion, including First Book for Xylophone.

Following his graduation from the Paris Conservatoire, Jorand worked with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France as a soloist. In 1978, he went on to teach at the Regional Conservatory of Montpellier and direct the Ecole municipale de Juvignac. Soon after his move to the South of France, Jorand produced First Book for Xylophone. These studies address a wide range of aspects of technique for beginners of the instrument. Marcel Jorand's First Book for Xylophone is imperative to the technical progression of all aspiring Xylophone players.