Reddit reviews Gregorian Chant Practicum: Textbook (English) (Ward Method) (Bk. 4)

This is what I used GC Practicum in the seminary. It was a very good book. I also chanted for a long time before that and own a Liber Usualis as well as other texts.

Also, I was around priests, monks and solemn high masses all the time so I am familiar with the tones that are to be used. You can find full chanted offices on youtube. Even in the seminary we hardly ever did solemn tones unlesss it was a big feast, even in the Carmel we didn't do solemn tones that often.

The best way to show you would just be to hear someone else and get some training from a cantor. I could walk you through it over the phone or Skype since I have some formal training. I also know of others who could walk you through it, I am friends with 4 or 5 professional cantors on Facebook.

I wouldn't chant any solemn tones with your family unless everyone had it memorized. Like maaaaaybe the solemn Salve Regina, but I've heard adults struggle with that one and it's not that hard. If you have trouble with tones, monotone is the best way to go, even for the Salve Regina. But if you can sing Credo III and not miss a beat, you should be fine for the vast majority of plain chant.

Let me know if you want to talk, just pm me.

Edit: With that book I linked you to above, you should be able to play any chant on a keyboard or piano easily. It is very easy. Unfortunately I can't find any audio samples of plain chant on YouTube. I would have to sing it for you.