What is a saxophone? Who invented it and why is it a surprise he made it to adulthood at all? How do you play saxophone? These and more questions are answered in this post.
Saxophone
Music Book Review: When Step met Skip by Vicky Weber
This Music Book Review is a lovely book When Step Met Skip by Vicky Weber, illustrated by Geneviève Viel-Taschereau. Written by an Early Years music teacher, the book introduces simple music theory concepts in a fun and engaging way for young readers.
Can You Buy Sheet Music From The National Book Chains?
Is it worth going into one of the National Chain book shops if you are looking to buy sheet music? I went into 2 in Birmingham, UK and this is what I found.
Where to Buy Sheet Music Online?
So your child is learning a musical instrument? Where would you go to to buy the sheet music they need? Starting with online retailers I talk about where to go to buy sheet music from.
Composition Game to Play with your Children
Musical games to play at home. A fun way to get your children to have a go at composition, and to make their own music. Great for homeschool music composition class.
Music Book Review: Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Music
This month’s Music Book Review looks at Usborne Books’ Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Music. This is a good book for younger readers to learn more about music. It is a lift-the-flap book which will engage even younger readers.
What do children study creative arts for?
Why do we teach children creative arts? If children are not going to be professional artists or musicians etc is it worth teaching them these subjects? My answer is a resounding yes, for the reasons outlined in this post.
Facts about the Clarinet
Fun facts about instruments of the orchestra - this time a member of the woodwind family, the clarinet. How much do you know about this musical instrument?
Facts About the Oboe
This month’s featured instrument of the orchestra is a member of the woodwind family: the oboe.
Hello Bird, Hello Fish! Review of new Work In Progress Opera from B’Opera
A review of the new work in progress opera Hello Bird, Hello Fish by Birmingham based children’s opera company B’Opera.
Interview with Zoë Challenor, B’Opera
In this post I interview Zoe Challinor, one of the founders of an opera company for under 5s and their families based in Birmingham, UK.
Music Book Review: Rhythm Rescue by Vicky Weber
Tala is a little girl who lives in Music Metropolis and who has special powers through the power of music. Read my review of the book Rhythm Rescue by Vicky Weber and illustrated by Geneviève Viel-Taschereau.
Music Book Review – The Story Orchestra, Four Seasons In One Day by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
A review of Four Seasons In One Day, one of The Story Orchestra series of books that bring famous musical words to life for young children.
Facts about the flute
How much do you know about the flute? Some interesting facts about my favourite wind instrument (the one I play myself).
Music for Winter – Playlists
A couple of winter themed music playlists to listen to with your children. Grab an instrument and play or sing along, dance around, grab pens and paper and make art inspired by the music you hear. Whatever you want to do, I hope you enjoy this playlist at home, or in your music homeschool.
Living In A Musical House
What are the consequences of children being encouraged to enjoy music? Well yours will never be a quiet home if that is the case. Actually, it is quite fun!
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.
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 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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