This music book review looks at the book I Spy Music Instruments which teaches very young children the names of musical instruments by playing the game “I spy with my little eye”
Music Book Review: I Spy Music Instruments
DIY Guiro
Are you looking for something easy to make for your children to play with over the holidays? How about trying out a homemade musical instrument. This percussion instrument is probably one of the easiest instruments to "make" and involves gathering a few items you already have at home. Hours of wholesome musical fun awaits. Or at least 15 minutes.
Why Listen to Nursery Rhymes?
Should you listen to nursery rhymes with your little children? And why are they good for your child to listen to or sing? These questions are explored and suggestions made for some nursery rhymes to choose in this blog post.
Music Book Review: Poppy and Mozart
This month’s Music Book Review is an introduction to the work of composer Mozart through two friends celebrating the festival of music in Paris.
Call And Response Games To Play With Your Children
Playing music games is a great way to pass some time at home, and with the educational benefits of call and response rhythm games. A fun way to teach your child turn taking.
DIY Slide Whistle
I currently have both children at home given the situation in the UK at the moment. My eldest is set work from school which occupies him (and me with cajoling him to get back to it and helping him understand what he is supposed to be doing), but not the whole day. So we are... Continue Reading →
My Favourite Christmas Songs
Christmas songs are everywhere from about mid October to December every year, aren't they? We all have our own festive favourites, and here is a playlist featuring some of my favourite Christmas songs. All of the songs are family friendly, so grab a drink and snack and enjoy these lovely Christmas songs.
Music Book Review: The 12 Engines of Christmas
This Music Book Review is a Thomas the Tank Engine themed re-writing of the classic Christmas song The 12 Days of Christmas.
Classical Music For Christmas
Are you looking for some ideas for music to listen to with your children? Perhaps you want to do some festive activities and have some background music on? Here is a curated festive playlist full of Christmas-themed classical music. Grab a drink and a snack, put the playlist on and settle down for some beautiful Christmas music.
My Favourite Christmas Carols
Looking for some lovely seasonal music to listen to with your little ones? Here is a playlist featuring some of my favourite Christmas Carols. Put them on while you do some festive crafting, or just have a good sing-a-long with the playlist.
Music Book Review: The Twelve Days of Christmas, or Grandma is Overly Generous by Alex T Smith
This month’s Music Book Review is a retelling of a Festive Favourite song, The Twelve Days of Christmas or Grandma Is Overly Generous, by Alex T Smith, 2014’s World Book Day illustrator.
Our Ukuleles
A quick look at the Ukeleles I got for my 2 children to play, and looking at the difference between one I got as a proper instrument, and one that is more of a toy.
Spotlight on Sensory Scarves
What are sensory scarves and why should you get some to use in musical play?
Spotlight on Sleigh Bells / Jingle Bells
A post shining a spotlight on a festive favourite instrument- sleigh bells. Make music with your children to get you into a festive mood with sleigh bells.
Classical Music for Halloween
Photo by Gabby K on Pexels.com I made some suggestions of songs that could feature on a Halloween playlist in a previous blog post, but it is not just pop songs/soundtracks that are appropriate for the spooky season. While we may or may not play these works at our Halloween party I will certainly be... Continue Reading →
Performing Arts and the Pandemic
What are the consequences for UK musicians and performing artists now in the pandemic.
Learning to Listen to Music: What Does This Music Make You Think Of?
Introducing a new series of blog posts: children’s (my children’s) responses to music. Imaginative responses to music
Music Book Review: Welcome to the Symphony
My Music Book Review for today is the sound book Welcome to the Symphony by Carolyn Sloan and illustrated by James Williamson. It is an exploration of both the instruments that play in a Symphony Orchestra, and also the 5th Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. You almost certainly have heard this symphony before as it... Continue Reading →
Spotlight on Mini Tambourines
Mini tambourines are a good instrument choice for smaller children. They are easier for small children to hold onto, and therefore play independently; and for very small children who mouth objects, enclosed mini tambourines are available, which are much safer for them to use on their own. What Is a Tambourine? Tambourine means little drum,... Continue Reading →
Spotlight on Wooden Sticks
How to learn music with wooden sticks. Developing a sense of musical pulse, motor skills and turn taking with wooden sticks.
Music Book Review: The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle
Music book review, The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle. A review of this book by David Litchfield. This is a lovely story about music and friendship.
Music Book Review: We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
A review of the book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and its musical qualities.
Saying hello and introducing myself
A blog post to introduce myself to you all.
Animals in classical music
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I have previously put together a playlist of children's songs that have animals as their subject matter. Animals are not only a good subject for children's songs, but also provide great subject matter for composers of classical music. Here are some classical music pieces that feature animals as their subject.... Continue Reading →
Animals in Children’s Songs
A children’s music playlist-songs about animals.
Back to school
The children are back at school and now it is time to get back to normality! Well some normality at least.
Learning to love music
It is a fairly common idea that in order to become a professional musician a child will have amassed 10,000 hours worth of practice by the time they are starting music school. Photo by Pok Rie on Pexels.com When I was a child I did not spend the hours required practising and I am not... Continue Reading →
Classical Music for Autumn/Fall Playlist
Playlist: classical music written about and for Autumn or Fall
Songs for Halloween
Halloween is a celebration that has been growing in popularity over the years. In our little community we have had a lovely tradition each year where most of the houses in the streets near us decorate the front of their houses, and on one Sunday afternoon near to Halloween all of the families who want... Continue Reading →
Live Music!!
Live music has returned, albeit with smaller ensembles. But how wonderful to have live music outside our front door.
getkidsintomusic.com 