How many times have you listened to the same Christmas songs in the shops? They start being played earlier and earlier each year, don't they? But how much do you know about our musical festive favourites? Here are some fun and interesting seasonal facts about Christmas music.
Interesting facts about the piano you should know
How much do you really know about the piano? Here are some fun and interesting facts about this family favourite musical instrument.
Music Book Review: Once Upon a Tune Stories from the Orchestra
Ever wonder what inspired some of the most famous pieces of music? Well in this wonderful book, Once Upon A Tune: Stories From The Orchestra by James Mayhew, the stories behind many brilliant pieces of music, including The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Flight of the Bumblebee and The William Tell Overture, are told.
Baker Ross DIY Castanets Kit
Reviewing a DIY castanets kit from Baker Ross, and demonstrating how to make your own castanets.
Black History Month – Composers
A tour through music history from the classical period highlighting the music of Black Composers, in celebration of Black History Month.
Music Book Review: Wheels on the Bus from Cocomelon
This Music Book Review looks at the board book of children's favourite song Wheels On The Bus. This version of the song if from YouTube children's animation channel Cocomelon. I challenge you not to sing along when reading this with your children.
Music Product Review: Kazoo that Tune game
A review of a silly, fun musical game- Kazoo That Tune!
Singing songs in rounds – a fun way to introduce harmony to your children
Have you seen the viral #GraceKellyChallenge and want to have a go either yourself or with your family. Perhaps you have never tried singing in harmony before and don’t know where to start. Singing a #songinrounds is a great way to start off singing together with other people.
About practice
Why is practice so important for learning a musical instrument? What benefits are there to practising? How can I, as a parent, support my child learning to play a musical instrument? What if I can’t play myself, can I still help with musical instrument practice?
Music Book Review: The Bear and the Piano
In this blog post I review the gorgeous book The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield.
Interesting facts about the violin you need to know
How much do you know about the violin? Here are some fun and interesting facts about the violin.
I have joined TikTok
I have joined TikTok. What will this be used for? Read more here and have a look at my first TikTok linked to in this post.
Spotlight on Halilit Calypso Band set for babies over 6 months old
Reviewing a gorgeous set of baby instruments, this set of shakers and tambourines are made specifically to be baby safe musical instruments.
A big hello from me!
In this blog post I introduce myself and let you know a little about my work and home life.
Music Book Review: Jazz Baby
This Music Book Review looks at the fun, rhythmic and joyful book Jazz Baby, written by Lisa Wheeler with beautiful illustrations by R. Gregory Christie.
An Introduction to Late Romantic Music – a Playlist
A suggested playlist introducing the music of the late Romantic period.
DIY Bottle Top Wind Chime
How to make a wind chime for the garden with just metal bottle tops, fishing thread and a dream catcher hoop.
Product Review: Music Instruments Colouring Book
Reviewing a children’s music-themed colouring book.
Baker Ross DIY Tambourine Kit
Reviewing a fun activity, making DIY tambourine using a kit from Baker Ross.
Product Review: I Love Music Coloring Book
Looking at a music-themed colouring book that is supposedly aimed at adults for relaxation and stress relief.
Spotlight on Rainsticks
This blog post puts a contemporary and child friendly version of a traditional instrument in the spotlight - rainsticks.
Spotlight on Handbells
For this month’s spotlight on a musical instrument, I am looking at handbells - tuned percussion instruments that your children will just love to play, if only because they can be played VERY loud!
Music Book Review: The Story Orchestra – Swan Lake
This Music Book Review tells the story behind Swan Lake with excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s music for the ballet.
Music Book Review: Giraffes Can’t Dance
This Music Book Review is one of my favourites: Giraffes Can’t Dance, a lovely story about finding your own music to help you express yourself.
Spotlight on Triangle
What is the triangle, and how do you play it? Some ideas and brief demonstrations are given in this blog post.
An Introduction to Early Romantic Music – a Playlist
A playlist introducing the music of the early Romantic period of music history.
An Introduction to Classical Music – Playlist
An introduction to music from the Classical period in music history. This playlist includes music from Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, CPE Bach and Gluck to give you a flavour of the music from this time.
DIY Windchime with bells
Fancy making an easy DIY windchime to enjoy in your garden this summer? I made one out of fishing wire and jingle bells, and tell you how I did it here.
Academy Tots from the Royal Academy of Music
A review of an online music class for 2-4 year olds from the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Should I Play Just Nursery Rhymes For My Young Children?
Is classical music really “best” for children to listen to? Can I play the music I like when I am with my children, or should I only play music that is written for children? I discuss these questions in this blog post.