Is there a curriculum, books, CDs that introduce music (I'm interested in introducing all kinds) to children? Something perhaps where they listen to music and learn to identify composers, instruments, periods of music, etc? I am interested in something somewhat structured -- not just listen to whatever you like which we already do.

I will search on Google but am interested to know if anyone has recommendations or experience with anything like this.

Natalia

I don't think there is one that has what you are asking. I have thought about trying to create one for a while - at least if I did that then I would have some justification for the tens of thousands of dollars in student loans I am still paying on my music degree!

Some things you might want to look at:

Young People's Guide to the Orchestra - this introduces all differnet orchestral instruments and some cd's are even narrated.

Peter and the Wolf - this is a story set to music... also The Scorcerer's Apprentice (like from Fantasia).

The Moldau - story through music

And Berstein had a series in the 50's that taught kids all about music... you might want to google that, as well.

We did most of Story of the Orchestra : Listen While You Learn About the Instruments, the Music and the Composers Who Wrote the Music! (Hardcover) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579121489/sr=8-1/qid=1142286605/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-5141176-0011145?%5Fencoding=UTF8) (link to Amazon) last year. We found it at the local library.

We did most of Story of the Orchestra : Listen While You Learn About the Instruments, the Music and the Composers Who Wrote the Music! (Hardcover) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579121489/sr=8-1/qid=1142286605/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-5141176-0011145?%5Fencoding=UTF8) (link to Amazon) last year. We found it at the local library.

That looks cool Jenn, thanks!

ALL of what they above is really really good!!

We LOVE Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2...they sing silly songs to orchestra music and the kids love it. It helps them appreciate it and recognize it. They also then play it without the words too!! This is something we really enjoy!!

PS...I think I spelled Beethoven wrong!!!:)

I have thought about trying to create one for a while - at least if I did that then I would have some justification for the tens of thousands of dollars in student loans I am still paying on my music degree!


Do this and now Heather:cuc: I'm thinking "Music to go with Story of the World." Wouldn't that be the best? Maybe art too... I know I could find things on my own, but I love the convenience of the prepackaged curriculum. I'll be your test market :-)


Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Gives me something to explore.

Do this and now Heather:cuc: I'm thinking "Music to go with Story of the World." Wouldn't that be the best? Maybe art too... I know I could find things on my own, but I love the convenience of the prepackaged curriculum. I'll be your test market :-)


Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Gives me something to explore.

I don't have any great suggestions for the music....but we have been doing an art class with a group of homeschooling families....we're following the artists in "Discovering Great Artists" and are including composers that were contemporaries of the artists we're studying each week. So far, we've done Botticelli/Joscan Desprez and Rembrandt/Bach. The kids have absolutely loved it thus far!

I don't have any great suggestions for the music....but we have been doing an art class with a group of homeschooling families....we're following the artists in "Discovering Great Artists" and are including composers that were contemporaries of the artists we're studying each week. So far, we've done Botticelli/Joscan Desprez and Rembrandt/Bach. The kids have absolutely loved it thus far!

That sounds great. Next year I will definately add something like that. We are still in Medieval times now so it will be easier to find music for the next period too. And I will have some time to explore the how to...

Natalia

How to listen to and understand great music. Part I, The ancient world through the early Baroque [(DVD) videorecording]

I am interloaning this from the library. Sounds good.

you might want to get some recordings of gregorian chant from the library. Those would go well with Medieval times.

There is a composer that starts with P - pergolessi, maybe - that wrote some beautiful stuff in the middle ages that has lasted. The problem is, so much that was done then is either not written, or was destroyed during the dark ages.

Anotehr thing you might want ot search is troubador songs. Those traveling minstrels sang songs that were passed down from generation to generation telling old stories.

oops... meant to add:

the order of musical 'times'
medieval, renaissance, baroque, calssical

Those might help you with coordinating with history timelines. :)

Have you looked at the Classical Kids cd's? There's quite a few of them...they all tell a bit of a story about the composer and incorporate the music. My kids really enjoy them. They are pretty basic but entertaining nonetheless.

The Story of the Orchestra that Jenn recommended is really good too. ;) I think it's recommended for 4th or 5th and up but all my kids like it.

Surprisingly, Little Einsteins, on NICK, is a really fun show that amazingly enough captivates all my kids. I usually DVR it for Curran...he's allowed that and Magic School Bus :p Anyway, he loves it and they learn to identify instruments, music, etc.

I had looked at Discoveries in Music to use with my kids. I'ts kind of pricey, but I think it spans several years of instruction. We ended up doing piano lessons and Kindermusic but I liked the way DIM looked.

http://www.veritaspress.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=105195&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=18&Grade=First&Subject=Music

We have the complete set of Leonard Bernstein's Concerts for Young People, purchased new from eBay or Amazon, can't remember which. They are very good. They were made in the late 50s (I believe) and the format consists of Bernstein presenting various aspects of music theory, as well as some composers, to an audience of children. Each concert focuses on one thing, like rhythm. He'll define it, and give some short examples using the orchestra, and talk some more about it. Then the orchestra plays a complete piece that is a good illustration of the concept. We really like them for an at-home easy-peasy music theory item. He's so articulate and doesn't talk down to children like so many of the current popular 'educators' that we very much appreciate his approach.

We also have a music co-op group that meets once a week and does some work with musical theory in a small group of children.

And we make a point to experience live music on a regular basis. Usually classical, jazz, or rock.

Tara

Thank you for the recommendations! I clicked through your Amazon link and ordered a used copy of "Story of the Orchestra". This will be great for our music requirements... Still having a hard time with Vermont's homeschool laws :eyes: