Children's Books and More
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Books Thanksgiving Books for the Whole Family!
Animalia
by Graeme Base
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Reviews
Amazon.com
What's this elaborate illustration? "Horrible Hairy Hogs Hurrying Homewards on Heavily Harnessed Horses," of course. Graeme Base's astonishingly creative oeuvre begins with Animalia, the 1993 alphabet book that challenges the standard idea of how long reading a book for small kids ought to take. Animalia, like many of Base's books, is a vast puzzle, built with entrancing pictures that unfold into layers and layers of objects--all matched to each page's corresponding letter. Base leaves us stunned and amazed, painting reflections into the oddest surfaces and driving the urge to page-turn. This wonderful picture book works for 2-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and adults alike--something few other alphabet books can manage.
--Andrew Bartlett
Synopsis
This amazing alliterative "alphabet-alia" provides hours of fun for youngsters of all ages. "The fine art of the full-color alphabet bok is raised to new heights . . . Kids will love the outrageous illustrations, and get a kick out of the letter hunt."
--Child Magazine.
Synopsis
Now available for the first time ever in paperback, Animalia will be the source of endless enchantment and entertainment for children and adults alike. Graeme Base's masterful illustrations will sweep readers into a world of richly colored and intricately illustrated animals and objects with the turn of every page. "A delightful visual feast."--
Publishers Weekly.
Children Just Like Me
by Various Artists Reading level: Ages 9-12
Family Fun
The candid, approachable text, accompanying quotes, and nuggets of information make the lives of these children as vivid as a friend's.
Synopsis
Published to coincide with UNICEF's 50th anniversary, this book is the result of the efforts of a photographer and a teacher, who, for two years, have traveled the world meeting and talking to children. Readers will enjoy learning about the dreams, beliefs, hopes, fears, and day-to-day lives of other children. Over 500 color photos.
Synopsis
Published to coincide with UNICEF's fiftieth anniversary, a celebration of children around the world is based upon interviews with young people from all walks of life and reveals their diverse cultural backgrounds and universal similarities.
The publisher, DK Publishing, Inc.
"The candid, approachable text, accompanying quotes, and nuggets of information make the lives of these children as vivid as a friend's."
--Family Fun
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery
by Graeme Base
Reading level: All Ages
Reviews
Amazon.com
Reading The Eleventh Hour is like running a marathon: one finishes exhausted but satisfied. Graeme Base, creator of the popular Animalia, has crafted another intricately wrought, gorgeously illustrated picture book, this time a mystery in verse. When Horace the Elephant decides to throw himself a party for his 11th birthday, he never suspects a crime will be committed by lunchtime. Who has stolen the birthday feast? As with any good mystery, everyone is guilty until proven innocent. The proof lies in the myriad clues embedded in each glorious illustration. Young sleuths will delight in decoding the complex messages that pop up in unexpected places.
Graeme Base used the buildings he saw during his travels through Africa, Asia, and Europe to design and decorate Horace's fantastic house. Astute readers may recognize Roman cathedrals, Scottish palaces, and stone carvings from India. Best of all, secreted in these walls are cryptic messages in Egyptian hieroglyphics, anagrams, and even Morse code to challenge the perceptive and deductive abilities of any reader "of tender years or long in tooth." The Eleventh Hour is a brilliant, rigorous, creative romp that no child (or adult) should miss. (All Ages)
Free To Be ... You And Me
Marlo Thomas
Ages 9-12
Reviews
Amazon.com
There are thousands upon thousands of children's albums out there, but the one that quietly left its mark with more '70s children than perhaps any other album was this disc. Free to Be...You and Me was a pet project of proud feminist Marlo Thomas (a.k.a. "That Girl"), and it was born--according to the liner notes--by the desire to provide her niece with music "to celebrate who she was and who she could be." Harry Belafonte sings "Parents Are People," ex-football great Rosie Grier offers an incredible, touching melody titled "It's All Right to Cry," and Diana Ross waxes future-positive on "When We Grow Up." A great hour of brain food for young--and not-so-young--children.
--Denise Sheppard
Kids Make Music!
by Avery Hart, Paul Mantell, Loretta Trezzo Braren Reading level: Ages 4-8
Reviews
Synopsis
You don't need to have any special training or own an instrument to make music with kid-loving music makers Avery Hart and Paul Mantell. Kids everywhere will be doing the "Dinosaur Dance," singing the "Dishwashin' Blues," belting out "Jug Band" and learning to "Tap Dance." Those hands will be clapping, those feet will be tapping, and those faces will be grinning.
Synopsis
to make music with kid-loving music makers Avery Hart and Paul Mantell. Kids everywhere will be doing the "Dinosaur Dance, " singing the "Dishwashin' Blues, " belting out "Jug Band" and learning to "Tap Dance." Those hands will be clapping, those feet will be tapping, and those faces will be grinning.
The Kids' World Almanac of Music: From Rock to Bach
by Elyse Sommer, John Lane (Illustrator)
Synopsis
This fun and accessible almanac includes biographies of musical superstars throughout history, music from stage, screen, and television, information on musical awards and career choices, origins of different types of music--from opera to reggae to rap--and much more. Illustrated throughout.
Synopsis
An encyclopedic guide to music for young people features biographies of musical superstars throughout history; musical awards; music festivals; music for stage, screen, and television; famous people and their favorite music; and more.
Card catalog description
Explores the world of music, its history, origins, instruments, and terminology.
The Landry News
Andrew Clements Salvatore Murdocca (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Synopsis
Fifth-grader Cara Landry is an aspiring journalist who has created her own newspaper, The Landry News. In her first edition, she writes a harsh editorial that accuses Mr. Larson, her burned-out language arts teacher, of not doing his job. However, her criticism has positive results: It inspires Mr. Larson to become a real teacher again -- one who encourages his class to turn The Landry News into a classroom newspaper. But when the school principal uses something that's been printed in the paper to try to get Mr. Larson fired, the whole town gets involved, and Cara and her classmates learn about the First Amendment -- and the importance of tempering truth with mercy.
Click to read an excerpt from the book: The Landry News
Information on the THE LANDRY NEWS Classroom Writing Contest, open to students in grades 4-6.
Laugh-eteria: Poems and Drawings by Douglas Florian
by Douglas Florian
Click to see a sample spread.
Ages 4 to 9
Reviews
Amazon.com
Kids will find plenty to chuckle over in Douglas Florian's punchline-rich Laugh-eteria, his seventh poetry offering after walloping successes like Bing Bang Boing and Insectlopedia. Well loved for his shameless punnery, Florian never hesitates to manipulate the language to suit his whim: "Graffiti, graffiti, / On sidewalk and streeti, / On glass and concreeti, / And on subway seati," begins one poem. Some of his verse rhymes quite neatly, such as this stanza from "Don't Drag a Dragon": "Don't drag a dragon by its tooth. / To drag it such is most uncouth, / Discourteous, and impolite, / And it will eat you in one bite." "What I'd Like to Share" bounces jauntily as well: "I'd like to share a nasty cold / And all my clothing that's too old. / I'd like to share a rotten chore. / Perhaps you'd like to the sweep the floor?" Other poems seem more unfinished, as if Florian got so excited about a certain goofy upside-down idea that it simply spilled out onto the page. In any case, Laugh-eteria is third-grader paradise, bursting with poem-riddles, flipped perspectives, and references to stinky feet, slimy food, monsters, noses, bugs, and dinosaurs that invariably reduce 8-year-olds to giggling heaps. Much like in Shel Silverstein's collections, each double-page spread comes to life with the poet's own freestyle ink drawings. Florian fans will enjoy the punster's groan-worthy wordplay, and kids will no doubt relish the rampant silliness that's strangely akin to their own.
Text and illustrations from Laugh-eteria, copyright ©1999 by Douglas Florian. Reproduced by permission of Harcourt Brace & Company. (Ages 4 to 9)
--Karin Snelson
Making Simple Musical Instruments:
A Melodious Collection of Strings,Winds, Drums & More
by Bart Hopkin
The author, Bart Hopkin emi@windworld.com , August 5, 1998 A book of home-buildable musical instrument plans Making Simple Musical Instruments is a friendly, accessible and informative collection of home-buildable instrument plans, supplemented with generous amounts of additional background information, beautifully presented with lots of graphics (my thanks to the publisher, Lark Books, for arranging such colorful and lively photographs and for creating a layout of elegance and clarity.) Most of the instruments represented are home-buildable variations on conventional instruments; at the same time, there are plenty of ideas here that you won't find in other books. The level of difficulty for a non-specialist ranges from simple to moderately difficult, with most of the instruments falling in the moderate range -- some tools or shopwork required. For a more comprehensive book dealing with underlying principles of instrument design -- the sort of thing that will enable you to design your own instruments intelligently rather than following a ready-made recipe -- see my other book,! Musical Instrument Design, also available through Amazon.com. My qualifications for writing these books: My own explorations in instrument-making have been extensive and highly varied, and I have both the successes and the failures in abundance to show for all that I've learned. More importantly, for the last fourteen years I have been the publisher and editor of the quarterly journal Experimental Musical Instruments. In the course of that work, I've been in constant contact with musical instrument makers of all sorts, as well as acousticians, scholars and theoreticians -- lots of truly skilled, knowledgeable and creative people. Generous, too. I have them to thank for much of what you'll find in my writings on the subject.
The New Way Things Work
by David Macaulay, Neil Ardley (Contributor)
Click to see a sample spread of this book, illustrations and text copyright 1998 David Macaulay, Neil Ardley, published by Houghton Mifflin Co.)
(All ages)
Reviews
Amazon.com
"Is it a fact--or have I dreamt it--that, by means of electricity, the world of matter has become a great nerve, vibrating thousands of miles in a breathless point of time?" If you, like Nathaniel Hawthorne, are kept up at night wondering about how things work--from electricity to can openers--then you and your favorite kids shouldn't be a moment longer without David Macaulay's The New Way Things Work. The award-winning author-illustrator--a former architect and junior high school teacher--is perfectly poised to be the Great Explainer of the whirrings and whizzings of the world of machines, a talent that landed the 1988 version of The Way Things Work on the New York Times bestsellers list for 50 weeks. Grouping machines together by the principles that govern their actions rather than by their uses, Macaulay helps us understand in a heavily visual, humorous, unerringly precise way what gadgets such as a toilet, a carburetor, and a fire extinguisher have in common. The New Way Things Work boasts a richly illustrated 80-page section that wrenches us all (including the curious, bumbling wooly mammoth who ambles along with the reader) into the digital age of modems, digital cameras, compact disks, bits, and bytes. Readers can glory in gears in "The Mechanics of Movement," investigate flying in "Harnessing the Elements," demystify the sound of music in "Working with Waves," marvel at magnetism in "Electricity & Automation," and examine e-mail in "The Digital Domain." An illustrated survey of significant inventions closes the book, along with a glossary of technical terms, and an intro. What possible link could there be between zippers and plows, dentist drills and windmills? Parking meters and meat grinders, jumbo jets and jackhammers, remote control and rockets, electric guitars and egg beaters? Macaulay demystifies them all.
(Click to see a sample spread of this book, illustrations and text copyright 1998 David Macaulay, Neil Ardley, published by Houghton Mifflin Co.) (All ages)
--Karin Snelson
Nutcracker
by E.T.A. Hoffman, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Book Description
In Nutcracker, the premier children's book illustrator of our time adds his own magic to a story that has long enchanted children and grown-ups alike. Maurice Sendak created this illustrated version of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, basing his illustrations on the sets and costumes he designed for a dance production staged by the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Illustrations.
Customer Comments
A reader
Fascinating, for every season This book was a gift to my family when I was a child - I loved it then, and enjoy it more every time I re-read. The story is more than just the plot for a ballet. There is a lot of background, description, and insight included, and they do a lot to make the book fantastic. What elevates this work to magnificent is the artwork done by Sendak. It is lush, detailed, and beautiful. I can't say enough about the quality of this book, and urge everyone to find their own copy. This is not just a Christmas story, but a wonderful parable for every season.
Peter and the Wolf (with audio cassette tape)
Sergey Prokofiev
From The Publisher:
A series of 112 dramatic picture frames illuminate the story of how Peter and his friends, each represented by a different musical instrument, outsmart the Wolf and then lead a triumphant procession back to Peter's cottage. The accompanying 25-minute audio cassette features eloquent narration and Prokofiev's splendid music. Praised by School Library Journal for its richness and full characterizations, this handsome package makes a classic gift for any child.
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Babies
Offers busy parents quick, inexpensive, and exciting activities to do with your babies. Activity topics include: music and movement, language, and games.
(77 pages softcover)
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Babies is available from SmarterKids.com and other bookstores.
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For One Year Olds
Offers busy parents quick, inexpensive, and exciting activities to do with your one year old child. Activity topics include: music and movement, language, and games.
(77 pages softcover)
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For One Year Olds is available from SmarterKids.com and other bookstores.
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Two Year Olds
This book was written for parents looking for quick, inexpensive, and exciting activities designed to address the developmental needs of two year olds.
(77 pages softcover)
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Two Year Olds is available from SmarterKids.com and other bookstores.
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Three Year Olds
This book was written for parents looking for quick, inexpensive, and exciting activities designed to address the developmental needs of three year olds.
(77 pages softcover)
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Three Year Olds is available from SmarterKids.com and other bookstores.
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Four Year Olds
This book was written for parents looking for quick, inexpensive, and exciting activities designed to address the developmental needs of four year olds.
(77 pages softcover)
Quick and Fun Learning Activities For Four Year Olds is available from SmarterKids.com and other bookstores.
Real Love: The Drawings for Sean
by John Lennon, introduction by Yoko Ono
Recommended for all ages
Reviews
In addition to being a singer, songwriter, poet, and political activist, John Lennon was a devoted father to his son, Sean. Drawing pictures and creating funny captions was one of the ways they played together -- and one of the many ways John expressed his love. Real Love: The Drawings for Sean is filled with artwork John made with and for Sean -- and celebrates the special bond that exists between a father and his son. If there's anybody who truly understood John Lennon and the love he felt for Sean, it's Yoko Ono. She knew how ecstatic he was to be a father -- and watched him bond with Sean by spending time with him, drawing. To celebrate John and Sean's love -- and to share it with others -- Ono put together Real Love: The Drawings for Sean. In her own words, "I hope you enjoy the book. This book comes to you with love from all three of us: John, Sean, and me."
More about John Lennon.
The Sign of the Seahorse: A Tale of Greed and High Adventure in Two Acts (Picture Puffin)
by Graeme Base
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Reviews
Amazon.com
Romance, mystery and intrigue revolve around the Seahorse Cafe, where the beautiful Pearl Trout falls in love with Corporal Bert the Soldiercrab. But Reeftown is in danger, and soon Pearl, Bert, and Pearl's brother Finneus must journey through the ocean depths to find the source of the deadly poison that is destroying the coral reef. Graeme Base's witty rhymes [and] dynamic, radiantly colored illustrationsshould keep both reader and audience immensely entertained (Publishers Weekly). Base will surely delight his many fans with this latest high-color, high-action, high-density composition[with] a high-minded ecological message. -- School Library Journal Graeme Base is the author and illustrator of the international bestsellers Animalia and Eleventh Hour. He lives in Melbourne, Australia.
Swine Lake
by James Marshall, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Reviews
Wolves and pigs have always been excellent fodder for suspenseful children's stories, and Swine Lake proves it once again, this time in the masterful hands of the late James Marshall and Maurice Sendak. Marshall wrote the book fully intending to illustrate it himself, but when he died in 1992, his good friend Sendak was charged with the challenging task of bringing this delightful work to life. And come to life it does! The rollicking tale opens with a mangy, hungry wolf on the prowl in an unfamiliar part of town. Soon the wolf's nose twitches uncontrollably. He smells pigs! Just across the street is a theater marquee bearing the words Swine Lake. Boarshoi Ballet. The wolf can scarcely conceal his delight, and "soon the aroma of pig, thinly disguised by French perfume, was making him swoon." Snatching matinee tickets from a swanky ticket-scalping sow who arrives in a limousine, he enters the theater. "Had the ticket taker been more observant, he would have noticed the long claws and much that follows could have been avoided," Marshall adds parenthetically. The wolf is escorted by a distracted usher to his box seat, just a short pounce from the stage. When the show begins, the wolf ponders which might be the juiciest pig. But as he assesses the probable quality of the pork, he begins to get lost in the magical story, and decides to put off his attack until act 2... and in fact forgets to make his move altogether. That very night he breaks into his piggy bank and spends his last penny on a ticket for the evening performance of Swine Lake.
Anyone who is familiar with Swan Lake will be positively giddy to behold Marshall and Sendak's porcine take on this well-known ballet, but certainly no cultural context is necessary to appreciate the simple plot. With a winning story about the power of the theater to soothe the hungriest, toothiest of beasts, this fabulous team has made an absolutely historic contribution to children's literature. Fans will see a lighter, funnier side to Sendak than they've seen before, as Marshall's comic spirit gently guides his paintbrush and pens. (Click to see a sample spread.
Text copyright 1999 by James Marshall. Illustrations copyright 1999 by Maurice Sendak.
Reproduced with permission of HarperCollins Juvenile Books.)
--Karin Snelson
Synopsis: When a lean and mangy wolf stumbles into the Boarshoi Ballet, he finds tasty pigs-a-plenty, twirling and whirling in a performance of "Swine Lake". Faced with all those ludicrous porkers, what's a hungry wolf to do? Well, something totally surprising, as it turns out.
Full color.
Star Wars Episode I : Incredible Cross-Sections
by David West Reynolds, et al
Amazon.com
Want to get a battle-droid's-eye view of the inside of an AAT battle tank? Care to see what Darth Maul's hiding in the trunk of his sinister-looking Sith Infiltrator? You're in luck: the crew that brought us the super-cool Star Wars Visual Dictionary and the Incredible Cross-Sections for the first movie trilogy is back. Boy wonder archaeologist-author David West Reynolds has put together another Incredible Cross-Sections guide, this time pulling apart the vehicles and vessels in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. DK has mastered the art of making Star Wars fans drool, and this latest guide is definitely state of the art, opening up everything from Naboo starfighters to Trade Federation transports. As always, Reynolds approaches the Star Wars universe with the respect and love of a fan, putting each ship in context with his characteristic friendly but scientific style. The clean chromium lines and meticulous wiring of Queen Amidala's Royal Starship reflect the order and honor of Naboo royalty; the flowing, shell-like details on a tribubble bongo sub show off the Gungans' organic aesthetic. The best ships, of course, belong to the bad guys: you can check out the secret weapons and cloak field generator packed aboard Maul's Infiltrator (which, we learn, has an "experimental" ion engine that will later put the I-E in TIE fighters), and the Trade Federation's droid starfighter and control ship get a full giant fold-out. From the "bunker-buster" high explosive shells spit out by an AAT to the flame emitter weapon on Sebulba's podracer, this inside-out tour makes all the stops you want it to.
--Paul Hughes
For more
, see Star Wars at amazon.com
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace:
A Storybook Adapted from the Screenplay and Story
by David West
Reynolds, et al
by George Lucas (Star Wars Episode 1)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 64 pages (May 3, 1999)
Synopsis
The movie dialog is written in easy-to-read text, accompanied by the most exciting color photos from the movie.
For more
, see Star Wars at amazon.com
Time Traveler's Guide to Music History, Books 1 and 2 with MIDI disks
Alfred Publishing
Experience music's evolution through the melodies and stories of it's masters.
- Each chapter contains informative text on a time period and repertoire from that period
- Fascinating and fun "Did You Know?" anecdotes entertain while they teach
- Colorful, animated cartoons and illustrations bring music history to life
- With a general MIDI keyboard you can play each selection using an historically acurate instrument sound
The Worst Band in the Universe
by Graeme Base
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Reviews
Amazon.com
Australian author and illustrator Graeme Base's books are all musical, but The Worst Band in the Universe (with its accompanying 25-minute CD) clearly trumpets the loudest... in a Blippian sort of way. Like The Eleventh Hour, The Sign of the Seahorse, and Animalia, Worst Band takes place in a nonhuman context, this time in a dystopian planetary system far from Earth.
The premise is this: Sprocc, expert at the guitarlike splingtwanger, has the creative itch to write songs. But alas, his planet, Blipp, has strict creative rules about music. All songs must come directly from tradition, so Sprocc's desire to "call the tune... or else forsake the stage" leads to his exile from Blipp and a variety of galactic run-ins with authority. This includes the "Worst Band in the Universe" contest which, of course, is actually a best band contest that takes him deeper into dismal realms. Sprocc sharpens his musical delivery, hooks up with another long-time Blipp exile, and eventually the planet is freed from the rigorous creative restrictions with a mix of innovation and tradition.
In the tangle of rhyming couplets and fantastical illustrations is plenty of food for thought. On a purely musical level, The Worst Band in the Universe is an instructive volume, complete with a CD of Blippian music. It's a profound creation, conjured so that its ingredients will reward scrutiny. (Ages 7 and older)
--Andrew Bartlett
Compact Discs and Cassette Tapes Thanksgiving Music for the Whole Family!
21 Really Cool Songs
Sugar Beats
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Morrisville, Vermon
Music that appeals to kids and adults! 21 Really Cool Songs by Sugar Beats is just that, really cool! My kids love the music and so do I. It's wonderful to have a CD that we all enjoy!
A music fan from Bethel, CT, USA
The best children's CD to own!!!!! I discovered Sugar Beats 5 years ago and I've been recommending it to others since. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't like it. It's one CD you'll want to play even when the kids don't even ask you!!!! I own this and "Everybody is a star" and I plan to buy the rest!
from USA
Excellent Like the music and it really entertains my 4 1/2 year old daughter too. Wish the CD insert contained the lyrics for each song though. Otherwise, I highly recommend this CD
Audrey from Chicago, Illinois
Great CD for Kids and Parents!!! We checked this CD out from our local library and now I'm going to buy a copy for our own collection. My four year old son LOVES the music and so do we! I highly recommend "21 Really Cool Songs." It's a great CD to listen to in the car, too.
A music fan from Beijing, China
Great music for the kids and Mom & Dad This is a really fun CD. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, my daughter or my Wife & I. Theres an excellent mix with the kids singing & the songs all retain their original sounds. Listening to this music was like taking a trip down memory lane.
from Holland, Michigan
A must have for young families! This recording is absolutely the best! Its not just a kid CD - you will find yourself tapping your toes, singing along and humming their renditions long after you've stopped listening to the recording. It keeps the kids engaged and occupied for hours on end. Additionally, its a great way to get your kids exposed to "music from your day" in a fun way. I highly recommend!
This CD has listening samples.
African Lullaby
Performers include: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ayub Ogada, Samite, Stella Rambisai Chiweshe.
Reviews
Amazon.com
As with other Ellipsis Arts releases, African Lullaby is more than a stellar music collection. Its delightful liner notes provide ample context for these "love songs for children" and the collection's innovative earth-friendly packaging is a work of art unto itself. Commencing with the bewitching Zulu harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, "Thula Mtwana" sets the tone, creating an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and peace, and is followed by a baker's dozen that reflect the gentle rhythms of an abundantly diverse continent. "Kounandu Deni" marries the dancing melody of Malian guitar and African harp with lyrics of paternal providence. Broadway's Sarafina! and The Lion King cast member Ntomb'khona Dlamini wails soulfully on "Thula Thula," and "Chitsidzo" is a mystical reverie of parental love and spousal longing accompanied by the intense beauty of a mbira (thumb piano). Standing head and shoulders above others in its class, African Lullaby is testimony to the awesome power of music.
--Paige LaGrone
This CD has listening samples.
Arco Iris De Colores (cassette)
Grade: PreSchool - K
Children learn six songs in both Spanish and English. The songs are The Rainbow of Colors, Song of the Vowels, Let's Play Counting, The Days of The Week, and A Rainy Day. Included is a guide that suggests activities to do with the music.
Arco Iris De Colores is available from SmarterKids.com and other music stores.
Baby Beluga
by Raffi
Reviews
Baby Beluga is a fun-filled collection of favorite children's songs and Raffi originals, all performed in the singer's folksy, expressive style. Beluga begins with the sounds of whales communicating in their high-pitch squeaks (which presented here come across as cute and sweet) and features melodic lines that evoke vivid pictures of gentle waves and a frolicking whale. An illustrated sing-along book that is published separately is a nice companion to this first track, giving young listeners visual images of the song's narrative. The rest of this varied album blends traditional songs like "Oats and Beans and Barley" and "This Old Man" with four original pieces by Raffi, including the instrumental "Water Dance." Liner notes have the complete lyrics, a description and history of beluga whales, and explanations of Raffi's inspiration and ties to each song. This is an excellent album with catchy tunes that's sure to become a household favorite.
--Tami Horiuchi
This CD has listening samples.
Barney's Favorites, Vol. 1
Barney
This CD has listening samples.
Barney's Great Adventure Sing-Along
by: Barney and Friends
This CD has listening samples.
More Barney
Beauty & The Beat! Favorite Disney Tunes
Trinidad and Tobago Showboat Orchestra
Reviews
Amazon.com
In the tradition of Heigh-Ho! Mozart, the Trinidad and Tobago Showboat Orchestra perform Beauty and the Beat!, 14 Disney songs in steel-band style. What may seem a novelty is in actuality an innovative and intriguing way to hear such classics as Snow White's "Someday My Prince Will Come" and Mary Poppins's "A Spoonful of Sugar," as well as relative newcomers "Be Our Guest" and "Hakuna Matata" from Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, respectively. And the sunny syncopated tones of the steel band are perfect for the Calypso-flavored "Kiss the Girl" (reminiscent of "Sloop John B" and "Jamaican Farewell") and the vastly improved "Under the Sea," both from The Little Mermaid. In fact, parents who've grown weary of Ariel and Simba on repeat play will find the Trinidad and Tobago Showboat Orchestra's renditions thankfully exotic and festive.
--Paige La Grone
This CD has listening samples.
Beethoven for Babies - Brain Training for Little Ones
Click here for sample tracks.
Amazon Review
Best baby classical tunes for your buck!
This is one of the longest running CD's in the collection of classical music for babies. Others contain music running half the time of this one. For the most part, the music is upbeat - I'd recommend it for "awake time." Entertaining for all ages and will be a favorite even after baby is grown. I listen to it while still pregnant and enjoy it over all others I've bought.
Bernstein Century - Children's Classics
Composer: Sergey Prokofiev, Camille Saint-Saëns, et al.
Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Performer: Leonard Bernstein, Naomi Segal, et al.
Orchestra: New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Reviews
Amazon.com
As one would expect from the man who made Young People's Concerts famous, Leonard Bernstein's vintage 1960 treatment of this classic kids' piece is magically engaging. Lenny narrates it himself, and draws a radiant performance from the Philharmonic.
--Ted Libbey
This CD has listening samples.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach
Reviews
Amazon.com
As with its predecessor, Heigh-Ho! Mozart, Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach is a fine collection of Disney tunes in the style of master classical composers. In this format, "Whistle While You Work" receives the majestic treatment of Beethoven-like builds along with the playfulness of his symphony Pastoral (No. 6). Arranger Donald Fraser's adaptation of "Bella Notte," from Lady and the Tramp, is redone in the style of Erik Satie's three Gymnopédies; harmonies and pacing are adjusted to suit Satie's interplay of dark and light and the Disney melody is poignantly played atop the structure by sauntering flute and violin. Debussy's works, including "Clair de Lune," inspire the delicately ornamental piano flourishes heard on the rendition of "So This Is Love" from Cinderella. Piece by piece, from the Bach-inspired title cut to a Gregorian-chant version of The Lion King's "Circle of Life," these beloved songs are reevaluated, reinvented, and reaffirmed.
--Paige La Grone
This CD has listening samples.
Build Your Baby's Brain 2 - Through the Power of Mozart
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Performers: Gould, Glenn / Immler, Christian / Zukerman, Pinchas / Clevenger, Dale / Casadesus, Robert / Entremont, Philippe / Cieslewicz, Philip / Gunther, Christian / Muller, Carsten / Windbach, Gerhard
Conductors: Kubelik, Rafael / Zukerman, Pinchas / Kapp, Richard / Neidich, Charles / Szell, George / Schmidt-Gaden, Gerhard / Weil, Bruno / Rolla, Janos
Ensembles: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra / Franz Liszt Academy Chamber Orchestra / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Cleveland Orchestra / Philharmonia Virtuosi / Tafelmusik / European Baroque Soloists / Mozzafiato / Ensemble Wien-Berlin members / Tolz BoysChoir
This CD has listening samples.
Can Cockatoos Count by Twos?
(cassette)
Grade: K to grade 3
Children share the joy of music and movement while learning about rhymes, colors, months, seasons, comparisons, telling time, counting, and addition/subtraction. For each of the 13 songs, the accompanying guide outlines the lesson objectives, setting, and activities.
Can Cockatoos Count by Twos? is available from SmarterKids.com and other music stores.
Classical Baby: Mozart - Sleepy Time
Amazon.com
Customer Comments great album for infants
I bought this fabulous album two weeks ago, and since then my baby has been sleeping like an angel. Before, he usually cried 10 to 5 minutes then fell to sleep,even he was drowsy when put on bed; after I got music, I put him on the crib even when he was full awake but it is time for bed, it took him a few minutes to fall sleep and he did not cry for a second. It is so effective. I like the music very much.
Dave Digs Disney
by Dave Brubeck
Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Dave Brubeck's ensemble playing is lit with contradictions, many of them best caught by the particular quartet lineup that included alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and drummer Joe Morello (and, as on Time Out, bassist Eugene Wright, who may well have rounded out the best rendition of the quartet). For this set of Disney tunes, Brubeck and Desmond play craftily off the contradicting sounds each made. Brubeck's stiff phrasing, so consistent that its very stoicalness was core to the art, and Desmond's lithe execution and breathy tone get jostled swingingly by Morello's baby's-breath touch on the snare--a perfect mix of terseness, economy, bent phrases, and so much more. Many of the tunes are all familiar to anyone with an ear on 20th-century culture, from "Give a Little Whistle" to "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come." The familiarity of the material allows an extended level of rapport, giving Digs Disney a shine that many Brubeck recordings just can't match.
-- Andrew Bartlett
Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide
When this album was recorded Brubeck's quartet was just reaching its ultimate maturity. It is often thought that it finally did this when bassist Eugene Wright joined, but this is to undervalue Bates, who made up what he lacked in Wright's technical abilities with good jazz sense and feeling. Brubeck depended mightily on Desmond's unflagging improvisations and beautiful tone. If ever there was authority without the big fist, then it was in the alto player's deceptively limpid-sounding solos. Here they are almost without flaw. The Disney songs (made up from Give a Little Whistle, Some Day My Prince Will Come and others of the genre) work surprisingly well and Brubeck adapts them skilfully to his rhythmic methods. Perhaps, appropriately to Disney, there is just that little touch too much polish. Brubeck's earlier Jazz Goes to College for the same label had, along with a couple of other concert recordings, offered more warts but also more challenges to the four players, challenges rumbustiously taken up. For those who prefer their Brubeck compiled, the luxury version (with the music, from the Fantasy, Columbia and Brubeck archives, chosen by Brubeck himself) is available on the four-CD set Time Signatures (Columbia 472776-2), while the economy route is available for the price of the two-CD set, Jazz Collection (Columbia 480463-2).
-- © Gramophone Publications Limited 1997
This CD has listening samples.
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Fantasia 2000: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack |
Amazon.com review
Without the gorgeous visuals, the soundtrack to Fantasia 2000 is nothing more than a collection of some of classical music's greatest moments. But what moments they are! Conductor James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra provide new (though hardly groundbreaking) arrangements for these classical music warhorses. Piano virtuoso Yefim Bronfman joins in to record the Allegro section of Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 (if you like this track, check out Bronfman playing the entire piece on his 1999 disc with the Los Angeles Philharmonic), and soprano Kathleen Battle lends a high note to the climax of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance (MKO Note: This was arranged by Peter Schickele. We also get the classic Sorcerer's Apprentice from the original (and now out-of-print) Fantasia soundtrack. Performed by Philharmonia Orchestra, the Paul Dukas composition still steals the show. The original movie may have been a flop, but with any luck Fantasia 2000 will turn some young minds on to classical music, especially with such inspired choices as Respighi's Pines of Rome. Like what you hear? Remember, these are just excerpts and you really owe it to yourself to hear the works in their entirety--slow movements and all. That said, whether you're a Disney fan, an IMAX aficionado, or just a classical-lover-to-be, you can't go wrong with this disc.
--Jason Verlinde
MKO Note: The version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is wonderful!
This CD has listening samples.
Various Artists
This CD has listening samples.
Heigh-Ho! Mozart
Reviews
Amazon.com Customer comments
This is a real good child's introduction to various styles of classical music - my son (4) likes to hear the tunes he knows, then understand what style of music he is hearing.
If you like this approach to listening to music, you may like "Heigh Ho Banjo-Bluegrass Salutes...", searchable through popular music.
This approach can also be taken with different styles of Christmas music, although a parent may feel inhibited to play the Christmas music when there aren't gifts to open in a couple weeks . . .
This CD has listening samples.
How Sweet It Is
Sugar Beats
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Bethel,CT(USA)
Another fine CD by the Sugar Beats "gang"! Babyboomers are sure to love this! As with all of their CD's, this one will have you singing and dancing!! Your kids will love it and so will you!! The woman singing in the group is Carole King's daughter. So you know there's real talent there!!! A must have for young and old! Get all of their CD's!
This CD has listening samples.
Jungle Jazz Joint Jam
Oblinger, Mark Director: François Girard
Reviews
THE JUNGLE JAZZ JOINT JAM is a rockin' session of 10 swingin' and be-boppin- real jazz songs for kids and adults from the all-animal Jungle Jazz Band. Absolute fun!
This CD has listening samples.
Learning Basic Skills Through Music-Volume 1
(CD...also available on tape cassette)
Grade: Toddler to K
Children act out the ten songs in various ways, improving listening and motor skills. They also count to five and learn letter recognition. There are also songs on colors, body awareness, getting up in the morning, birds, and elephants.
Learning Basic Skills Through Music-Volume 1 is available from SmarterKids.com and other music stores.
Learning Basic Skills Through Music-Volume 2
(CD...also available on tape cassette)
Grade: Toddler to K
Children improve listening and motor skills while learning colors, shapes, number identification, and visual word matching. The accompanying guide explains the actions that go with the songs and lists the materials needed.
Learning Basic Skills Through Music-Volume 2 is available from SmarterKids.com and other music stores.
The Lion King
Elton John, Hans Zimmer, Tim Rice, Jason Weaver, Nathan Lane, Joseph Williams, Ernie Sabella
Reviews
Amazon.com
Elton John doesn't seem like a natural choice to write for a Disney musical, but he rose to the task on The Lion King, transcending his usual penchant for the softest of soft rock. Sir Elton's collaboration with Tim Rice (former writing partner of Andrew Lloyd Webber) helps connect the soundtrack to the theatrical lineage of all Disney musicals--so much so that, like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King was eventually adapted for Broadway. Undistinguished songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" are far outnumbered by stirring, stately tunes that lent the film so much of its sense of pageant and play.
--John Sanchez
This CD has listening samples.
Listening Lotto-ry Musical Instruments
Game with audio cassette
Grade: 1 through 3
A unique game that develops auditory discrimination skills. Includes audio cassette, 32 picture cards, 4 playing boards, and game instructions.
Listening Lotto-ry Musical Instruments is available from SmarterKids.com and other music and toy stores.
(Stock) Lulie the Iceberg
Composer: Jeffrey Stock
Performers: Winter, Paul / Ma, Yo-Yo / Frank, Pamela / Waterston, Sam
Conductor: Inouye, Derrick
Ensemble: Orchestra of St. Luke's / Betty Baisch's Choral Associates
Reviews
Amazon.com
Based on an original story written by Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako of Takamado, the musical tale Lulie the Iceberg is something of an anomaly in 1990's classical music: a new work composed specifically for children. Narrated by actor Sam Waterston, Lulie is the story of an iceberg drifting south from the North Pole, through various ecosystems, until he reaches the South Pole. The music, composed by Jeffrey Stock, is both whimsical and melodic. Cello superstar Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Pamela Frank, and saxophonist Paul Winter perform Stock's kinder-tone-poem alongside the Orchestra of St. Luke's and Betty Baisch. While no Peter and the Wolf, Lulie does have a positive, eco-friendly message and a wide range of sounds for budding lovers of classical music. Recorded live at Carnegie Hall, Waterston's narration is the only real drawback here; it's too harshly stoic to engage the short attention spans of many children.
--Jason Verlinde
This CD has listening samples.
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Mannheim
Steamroller Meets The Mouse: Unique Musical Creations Based On Disney Songs by Mannheim Steamroller |
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Reviews
Amazon.com
From the heartland of Nebraska, under the creative guidance of Chip Davis, the enormously popular Mannheim Steamroller has made some of the country's bestselling faux-classical synth-pop New Age music, as witnessed by the Fresh Aire and Christmas serials. Beginning in 1974, Mannheim Steamroller cleverly and skillfully created a niche--and more lucratively, a market--for their outfit and for a genre that has grown to encompass the likes of Yanni and Zamfir. On Mannheim Steamroller Meets the Mouse, Davis and his cast of accomplices tackle Disney stalwarts such as "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" (from Song of the South) and "Chim Chim Cheree" (from Mary Poppins), as well as relative newcomers to the Mouse catalog, including "Go the Distance" (from Hercules) and "You've Got a Friend in Me" (from Toy Story). Sadly, despite sweet moments in their rendition of Mulan's "Reflection" or the beloved Pinocchio tune "When You Wish Upon a Star," on which there is a lovely hand-bell choir sound, at best the Mannheim Steamroller registers a tepid nice.
--Paige La Grone
This CD has listening samples.
More Singable Songs For The Very Young
by Raffi
This CD has listening samples.
Mr. Bach Comes To Call
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Orlando, Florida , January 22, 1999 A great investment! This is my eight-year-old's favorite CD. The story line is very creative and catches a child's attention from the beginning. My son now recognizes fugues and cantatas, knows when Bach lived and remembers many details about his life. We also own "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" and have enjoyed it.
A music fan from Aviano, Italy , November 18, 1998 Good story CD to introduce young kids to Bach. The winner of several parents choice awards, this CD is the story of Bach, as told by Bach to a young girl (8) practicing her piano.
This CD has listening samples.
The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies
Click here for sample tracks.
The Mozart Effect: Music For Children,
Vols. 1-3 [BOX SET]
Click here for sample tracks.
Reviews amazon.com Two hundred years after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's death, French physician Dr. Tomatis discovered a relationship between listening and learning. Remarkably, he found that children develop their listening ability in the womb. According to medical studies, we now know that the music of Mozart in particular has a profound effect on the human mind, body, and spirit. Working in accordance with this philosophy, internationally known teacher and musician Don Campbell wrote The Mozart Effect, a seminal book correlating music with health, well-being, and increased intelligence. Campbell's musical collection of the same name presents compositions carefully chosen for the benefit of children. Volume 1, "Tune Up Your Mind," is formulated to gently stimulate young minds. Volume 2, "Relax, Daydream, and Draw," includes excerpts from Symphony Nos. 6 and 18, and volume 3, "Mozart in Motion," a delightfully playful disc, includes an excerpt from "The Magic Flute."
--Paige La Grone
Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Pacific Palisades, California
If there were a better word than FANTASTIC, I'd use it!!!! I have the entire series in my car. My kids (three of them, various ages and sexes) WORE OUT the tapes so I have upgraded to CDs. Since I am a musical nit-wit these incredibly well-done stories are an absolute God-send and a pleasure for Mom as well as the kids! Now I am no longer "Clueless about Classical".
A music fan from Northern California, SF Bay Area
Spectacular!!! A wonderful & exciting introduction for children to classical music. My children 5 & 7 listen to it over and over. Which lead us to purchase each one available, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach now waiting for the Mozart magical mystery adventure.
A music fan from Murphy, NC
An exciting introduction to Mozart and The Magic Flute My 6 year old can't get enough of this tape. She wants to listen to it all the time, and I don't mind because it is well done, excellent music, and lots of fun. A great introduction to Mozart and opera. I am ordering the Beethoven and Bach tapes in the same series.
This CD has listening samples.
Mozart TV
Reviews
Amazon.com
In recent years British composer and conductor Donald Fraser has given us "Heigh-Ho! Mozart!" and "Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach" compilations of Disney tunes deftly rendered in the style of classical composers. Now he's back with more. This time we get famous TV show themes that Mozart, Satie, and Hovannes would have written them--or so Fraser claims. A sturdy tune will withstand a lot, one is reminded, hearing the "Brady Bunch" theme "by" Mozart. "Mr. Ed" in the style of Joachim Rodrigo is disturbing in its authenticity. These expert performances by the Hollywood Chamber Symphony make these knock-offs more convincing. Fraser has thrown his heart and soul into this, declaring in the notes that "'Jeopardy' is a very simple tune, crying out for variations."
--Gwendolyn Freed
This CD has listening samples.
Mulan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack
Jerry Goldsmith, Lea Salonga, Donny Osmond, Marni Nixon, Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Wilder
Reviews
Amazon.com
Lea Salonga, best known as the voice of Jasmine in Aladdin, steals the show here as the title character in Disney's Mulan. The former star of Miss Saigon adds touching elements to the feature, especially on introspective numbers such as "Reflection." Unfortunately, the voice of Donny Osmond, relegated to anthems such as "I'll Make a Man Out of You" doesn't really enhance the story line, a saga set in ancient China. Jerry Goldsmith provides the Far East tinge to the score, almost reminiscent of early Les Baxter. While Mulan is a far cry from the memorable Beauty and the Beast, it is both funny and charming.
--Jason Verlinde
This CD has listening samples.
Muppets From Space: The Ultimate Muppet Trip - Music From The Motion Picture [SOUNDTRACK]
Reviews
Amazon.com
Get ready to clap your hands, shake that thang, and boogie! Accompanying the film Muppets in Space, wherein the gang goes in search of Gonzo's hitherto unknown lineage, this soundtrack features classic '70s funk that's good for the soul. G. Love and Special Sauce shine on their poppin'-with-flava cover of Brick's "Dazz" and George Clinton gets down with new Muppet star, Pepe, on "Starlight," a reworking of his classic "Flashlight." A party atmosphere is evident from the first strains of the Dust Brothers cover of "Shining Star" through to the Alien Gonzos rockin' out on the dance favorite "Celebration." Other high moments come in the form of James Brown's enthused "Get Up Offa That Thing" and the Commodores still superfabulous horn and bass driven "Brick House," both guaranteed to promote bustin' a move till the whole family's dizzy with pleasure.
--Paige La Grone
This CD has listening samples.
Muppets From Space website
Nature's Experience
Baby Genius
Your Baby Genius will experience the sounds of Mother Nature by hearing the artful blend of music and nature, featuring songbirds, gentle rain, thunder, forest, jungle and more.
On a Starry Night
by Various Artists
Customer Comments
A music fan from St. Louis MO
My all time favorite The last song on the CD is amazing I think everyone should have it in thier collection.
A music fan from Marblehead, MA
Superb mix of melodies appropriate for all ages This compilation features music sounds from around the world--both familiar and new. The melodies are catchy, and we find ourselves humming them throughout the day, especially Common Threads, by Bobby McFerrin. Best of all, it's a great stress-reducing, going to bed CD. Absolutely would recommend this to everyone who loves soft, alternative music.
This CD has listening samples.
Peter and the Wolf (with book)
Sergey Prokofiev
From The Publisher:
A series of 112 dramatic picture frames illuminate the story of how Peter and his friends, each represented by a different musical instrument, outsmart the Wolf and then lead a triumphant procession back to Peter's cottage. The accompanying 25-minute audio cassette features eloquent narration and Prokofiev's splendid music. Praised by School Library Journal for its richness and full characterizations, this handsome package makes a classic gift for any child.
Peter and the Wolf is available from barnesandnoble.com and other stores.
The Planet Sleeps
by Various Artists
Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (5/9/97) ...more than a hip multi-culti soundtrack for putting the kids to bed. It's about the need for sanctuary that's reflected in every country's lullabies.
This CD has listening samples.
Radio Disney Kid Jams
Performer: Various Artists
Reviews
Amazon.com
Radio Disney is a nationally syndicated children's program, and Radio Disney: Kid Jams pulls together 17 of the show's "greatest hits." It's a cornucopia of high-energy, parent-approved pop and classics from The Lion King and Mulan. Represented are teen idols (the Backtsreet Boys, Hanson), hip-hop (Technotronic, MC Hammer, and a Mickey-ized version of Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There it Went)"), dancefloor (2 Unlimited, "Macarena"), silly favorites (Weird Al Yankovic, I-8-Paste), and even James Brown. There's a lot to like about a compilation that draws no divisions between Yankovic's "Yoda" (a takeoff on the Kinks' "Lola"), Sponge's take on the Speed Racer theme, Steve Vai's cover of "Wipeout," and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business (Brown). The only complaint here is that some parents may resent getting "Macarena" stuck in their heads again.
--Randy Silver
This CD has listening samples.
Really Rosie [soundtrack]
Carole King
Reviews
Amazon.com
Carole King's 11 songs for the Really Rosie TV special (it originally aired in 1975) came from characters found in Maurice Sendak's books The Sign on Rosie's Door and Nutshell Library, but it can easily be argued that the characters never really lived until given voice by King. Ostensibly the story of Rosie--a little girl from Avenue P, who, dontcha know, is a star just waiting to be discovered--there are other delightful characters here, including Johnny ("who lived by himself and liked it like that!") and Pierre (who learns to care after being eaten by a lion). There are also a couple of straight-up educational songs: one an alphabet song (the wonderfully alliterative "Alligators All Around"), the other a calendar song ("Chicken Soup with Rice"). Great music that's delightful for children and parents alike, Really Rosie remains a family favorite for all the right reasons.
--Randy Silver
This CD has listening samples.
Singable Songs For The Very Young
by Raffi
Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Though recorded in the 1970s, this classic Raffi album is still one of the children's troubadour's bestsellers. The gentle, joyful style; simple musical arrangements; and easy-to-follow up-front vocals have made Singable Songs for the Very Young a favorite among tiny tots, parents, and preschool teachers. By combining traditional songs like "The More We Get Together," "Down by the Bay," and "Going to the Zoo" with Raffi originals like "I Wonder If I'm Growing," "Peanut Butter Sandwich," and a jazzy near-cover, "Old MacDonald Had a Band," the album has a familiar feel while giving young children the opportunity to learn new songs and rhythms. Other notable titles include the interactive "Brush Your Teeth," "Five Little Pumpkins," and the tongue-twisting "Willoughby Wallaby Woo."
--Deborah Moore
This CD has listening samples. Also available, More Singable Songs For The Very Young
by Raffi
Singin' In The Bathtub
John Lithgow
Reviews
The famous and hilarious John Lithgow (3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN) brings you this whimsical collection of fanciful tunes for parents and children to enjoy. Bill Elliott conducts the swingin' ensemble. Try "Everybody Eats When They Come to My House" (#1). In the jaunty, big-band opening track "Everybody Eats When They Come to My House," Lithgow rattles off a litany of first names that rhyme with food, while on "A - You're Adorable," he engages a studio full of children to sing the alphabet along with him. SINGIN' IN THE BATHTUB is as light-hearted a recording as you are likely to hear, and Lithgow's versions of "Swingin' on a Star" and Frank Loesser's "The Inchworm" are sure to get the kids singing along.
This CD has listening samples.
Sing With Me
Pat The Bunny
This CD has listening samples.
Sweet Dreams Lullabies
Baby Genius
Sweet Dreams Lullabies is the perfect end to your little ones day. Lush strings and grand piano softly embrace the timeless lullaby.
Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack [SOUNDTRACK]
Phil Collins, Mark Mancina
Reviews
Amazon.com
If anyone belongs in the "Whatever Happened To?" category of a game show, it's Phil Collins. Back in the 1980s, Collins was everywhere, having retinkered Genesis into a smooth, hit-making machine and embarking on a solo career that redefined adult contemporary music. He's still been busy, but nowhere near the spotlight. His latest project has been writing five songs for Disney's animated Tarzan. "You'll Be in My Heart"--presented here in two versions, one with actress Glenn Close--is exactly the sort of ersatz orchestrated power ballad you expect from this sentimental guy. A duet with 'N Sync in "Trashin' the Camp" (also issued in two versions) is Phil's concession to the kids. Producer Mark Mancina's instrumental score mixes the expectant ambient sounds of the jungle with the slowly unfolding sounds of daybreak and jungle rhythms (provided by Collins on drums) that denote inevitable conflict.
--Rob O'Connor
This CD has listening samples.
Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack [SOUNDTRACK]/Spanish
Phil Collins, Mark Mancina
This CD has listening samples.
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
I highly recommend this delightful recording. Tschaikovsky Discovers American, along with the other Classical Kids titles, are a delightful way to introduce young children to classical music and composers. The engaging stories on the tapes are filled with the music of the composers but the music and stories are so well intertwined that the children learn the music by osmosis as they listen to the stories over and over. My young children are forever recognizing the music of "Mr. Tschaikovsky" and "Mr. Vivaldi" as a result of repeated exposure to the Classical Kids series. The Tschaikovsky work in particular has made my very active 5 year old son a devoted fan of The Nutcracker which he sat through beautifully at Lincoln Center in New York last year.
This CD has listening samples.
Toddlers on Parade
(cassette)
Grade: Toddlers
Children act out the songs on this cassette. For example, in "Hop Like a Bunny", kids hop, run, walk, jump, and circle their arms. With the 18 songs, children develop listening, gross motor, and fine motor skills.
A parent/teacher guide explains the activities for infants and toddlers.
Toddlers on Parade is available from SmarterKids.com and other music stores.
UltraSound - Music for the Unborn Child (DVD and VHS)
Composers: Wolfgang AmadeusMozart; Johann Sebastian Bach; Johannes Brahms; Robert Schumann; Frederic Chopin; Franz Schubert; Claude Debussy; Giacomo Puccini; Antonio Vivaldi; Edvard Grieg; Jules Massenet; Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductors: James Galway; Erich Leinsdorf; William Self; Leonard Slatkin; Charles Gerhardt; Vladimir Spivakov; Andrew Litton; Arthur Fiedler
Performers: James Galway, ; Leontyne Price; Andre Previn; George Decker; Alicia De Larrocha; Gerhard Oppitz; Marisa Robles; Vladimir Spivakov; Alexander Brailowsky; Anne Akiko Meyers
Ensembles: Philharmonia Orchestra; St. Louis Symphony Orchestra; National Philharmonic Orchestra, London; Boston Symphony Orchestra; RCA Italian Opera Orchestra; RCA Italian Opera Chorus; Boston Pops; Chamber Orchestra of Europe; Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra; St. Thomas Men and Boy's Choir
Reviews
Amazon.com
While many hospitals across the country send new mums and babes home equipped with discs of classical music to soothe and gently stimulate babies' tender minds, Ultrasound brings together a delightfully well-rounded set specifically chosen for those still in the womb. Expectant moms will appreciate the effects of the mellow strains of Bach's Suite No. 3, the delicate playfulness of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," and Mozart's proven-to-make-you-smart Sonata for Two Pianos featuring André Previn. Debussy's "Clair de lune" is especially lovely as conducted and fluted by James Galway, and Leontyne Price is a warm blanket of comfort giving voice to Schubert's "Ave Maria." Indeed, these songs are aural balm to both parent and child long after birth.
--Paige La Grone
This CD has listening samples.
Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Switzerland
"enchanting" story for young and old With 3 girls (4,6,9), this is a captivating story for all ages, transporting you to Venice. Children and parents will want to hear it over again! We play them at home and in the car for trips. Get a touch of history and music appreciation for your children in this series of CDs. These CDs can be the "spark" to instill in your children an interest for the classical composers.
A music fan from Luray, Virginia
Outstanding introduction to Vivaldi's music for children Our children, now ages 7 and 11 have greatly enjoyed hearing about Katarina, Giovani and Vivialdi. We visited Venice last summer and had to take a vaparetto to the Isle of the Dead, visit the Church of the Pieta and take a gondola ride. Our seven year old asked the goldolier of his name was Giovani! The music comes alive through the story and for us the story came alive in Venice.
A music fan from Long Island
Music hath charms to calm the savage breast Just when we thought that nothing can stop the kids from screaming and tearing the house apart, we found this CD. It works (at least for a short while) to capture their attention and get them thinking.
A music fan from Colorado
wonderful I got this for my 2 year old daughter and she listens to it intently when I put her to bed or if it is "quiet" time. I find myself listening to it as well. I bought more in the series.
This CD has listening samples.
Composers
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(Bach) Mr. Bach Comes To Call
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Orlando, Florida , January 22, 1999 A great investment! This is my eight-year-old's favorite CD. The story line is very creative and catches a child's attention from the beginning. My son now recognizes fugues and cantatas, knows when Bach lived and remembers many details about his life. We also own "Beethoven Lives Upstairs" and have enjoyed it.
A music fan from Aviano, Italy , November 18, 1998 Good story CD to introduce young kids to Bach. The winner of several parents choice awards, this CD is the story of Bach, as told by Bach to a young girl (8) practicing her piano.
This CD has listening samples.
(Beethoven) Beethoven for Babies - Brain Training for Little Ones
Click here for sample tracks.
Amazon Review
Best baby classical tunes for your buck!
This is one of the longest running CD's in the collection of classical music for babies. Others contain music running half the time of this one. For the most part, the music is upbeat - I'd recommend it for "awake time." Entertaining for all ages and will be a favorite even after baby is grown. I listen to it while still pregnant and enjoy it over all others I've bought.
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Clarke in the Adult Section
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Debussy in the Adult Section
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(Handel) Hallelujah Handel!
Various Artists
This CD has listening samples.
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(Mozart) Build Your Baby's Brain 2 - Through the Power of Mozart
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Performers: Gould, Glenn / Immler, Christian / Zukerman, Pinchas / Clevenger, Dale / Casadesus, Robert / Entremont, Philippe / Cieslewicz, Philip / Gunther, Christian / Muller, Carsten / Windbach, Gerhard
Conductors: Kubelik, Rafael / Zukerman, Pinchas / Kapp, Richard / Neidich, Charles / Szell, George / Schmidt-Gaden, Gerhard / Weil, Bruno / Rolla, Janos
Ensembles: St. Paul Chamber Orchestra / Franz Liszt Academy Chamber Orchestra / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Cleveland Orchestra / Philharmonia Virtuosi / Tafelmusik / European Baroque Soloists / Mozzafiato / Ensemble Wien-Berlin members / Tolz Boys Choir
This CD has listening samples.
(Mozart) Classical Baby: Mozart - Sleepy Time
Amazon.com Customer Comments
great album for infants
I bought this fabulous album two weeks ago, and since then my baby has been sleeping like an angel. Before, he usually cried 10 to 5 minutes then fell to sleep,even he was drowsy when put on bed; after I got music, I put him on the crib even when he was full awake but it is time for bed, it took him a few minutes to fall sleep and he did not cry for a second. It is so effective. I like the music very much.
(Mozart) The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies
Click here for sample tracks.
(Mozart) The Mozart Effect: Music For Children,
Vols. 1-3 [BOX SET]
Click here for sample tracks.
Reviews Two hundred years after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's death, French physician Dr. Tomatis discovered a relationship between listening and learning. Remarkably, he found that children develop their listening ability in the womb. According to medical studies, we now know that the music of Mozart in particular has a profound effect on the human mind, body, and spirit. Working in accordance with this philosophy, internationally known teacher and musician Don Campbell wrote The Mozart Effect, a seminal book correlating music with health, well-being, and increased intelligence. Campbell's musical collection of the same name presents compositions carefully chosen for the benefit of children. Volume 1, "Tune Up Your Mind," is formulated to gently stimulate young minds. Volume 2, "Relax, Daydream, and Draw," includes excerpts from Symphony Nos. 6 and 18, and volume 3, "Mozart in Motion," a delightfully playful disc, includes an excerpt from "The Magic Flute."
--Paige La Grone
(Mozart) Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Pacific Palisades, California
If there were a better word than FANTASTIC, I'd use it!!!! I have the entire series in my car. My kids (three of them, various ages and sexes) WORE OUT the tapes so I have upgraded to CDs. Since I am a musical nit-wit these incredibly well-done stories are an absolute God-send and a pleasure for Mom as well as the kids! Now I am no longer "Clueless about Classical".
A music fan from Northern California, SF Bay Area
Spectacular!!! A wonderful & exciting introduction for children to classical music. My children 5 & 7 listen to it over and over. Which lead us to purchase each one available, Handel, Vivaldi, Bach now waiting for the Mozart magical mystery adventure.
A music fan from Murphy, NC
An exciting introduction to Mozart and The Magic Flute My 6 year old can't get enough of this tape. She wants to listen to it all the time, and I don't mind because it is well done, excellent music, and lots of fun. A great introduction to Mozart and opera. I am ordering the Beethoven and Bach tapes in the same series.
This CD has listening samples.
More Mozart in the Adult Section
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Piazzolla in the Adult Section
(Prokofiev) Bernstein Century - Children's Classics Composer: Sergei Prokofiev, Camille Saint-Saëns, et al.
Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Performer: Leonard Bernstein, Naomi Segal, et al.
Orchestra: New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Reviews
Amazon.com
As one would expect from the man who made Young People's Concerts famous, Leonard Bernstein's vintage 1960 treatment of this classic kids' piece is magically engaging. Lenny narrates it himself, and draws a radiant performance from the Philharmonic.
--Ted Libbey
This CD has listening samples.
Sergey Prokofiev
From The Publisher:
A series of 112 dramatic picture frames illuminate the story of how Peter and his friends, each represented by a different musical instrument, outsmart the Wolf and then lead a triumphant procession back to Peter's cottage. The accompanying 25-minute audio cassette features eloquent narration and Prokofiev's splendid music. Praised by School Library Journal for its richness and full characterizations, this handsome package makes a classic gift for any child.
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(Saint-Saëns) Bernstein Century - Children's Classics Composer: Sergei Prokofiev, Camille Saint-Saëns, et al.
Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
Performer: Leonard Bernstein, Naomi Segal, et al.
Orchestra: New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Reviews
Amazon.com
As one would expect from the man who made Young People's Concerts famous, Leonard Bernstein's vintage 1960 treatment of this classic kids' piece is magically engaging. Lenny narrates it himself, and draws a radiant performance from the Philharmonic.
--Ted Libbey
This CD has listening samples.
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(Tchaikovsky) Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
I highly recommend this delightful recording. Tschaikovsky Discovers American, along with the other Classical Kids titles, are a delightful way to introduce young children to classical music and composers. The engaging stories on the tapes are filled with the music of the composers but the music and stories are so well intertwined that the children learn the music by osmosis as they listen to the stories over and over. My young children are forever recognizing the music of "Mr. Tschaikovsky" and "Mr. Vivaldi" as a result of repeated exposure to the Classical Kids series. The Tschaikovsky work in particular has made my very active 5 year old son a devoted fan of The Nutcracker which he sat through beautifully at Lincoln Center in New York last year.
This CD has listening samples.
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(Vivaldi) Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery
Various Artists
Customer Comments
Amazon.com
A music fan from Switzerland
"enchanting" story for young and old With 3 girls (4,6,9), this is a captivating story for all ages, transporting you to Venice. Children and parents will want to hear it over again! We play them at home and in the car for trips. Get a touch of history and music appreciation for your children in this series of CDs. These CDs can be the "spark" to instill in your children an interest for the classical composers.
A music fan from Luray, Virginia
Outstanding introduction to Vivaldi's music for children Our children, now ages 7 and 11 have greatly enjoyed hearing about Katarina, Giovani and Vivialdi. We visited Venice last summer and had to take a vaparetto to the Isle of the Dead, visit the Church of the Pieta and take a gondola ride. Our seven year old asked the goldolier of his name was Giovani! The music comes alive through the story and for us the story came alive in Venice.
A music fan from Long Island
Music hath charms to calm the savage breast Just when we thought that nothing can stop the kids from screaming and tearing the house apart, we found this CD. It works (at least for a short while) to capture their attention and get them thinking.
A music fan from Colorado
wonderful I got this for my 2 year old daughter and she listens to it intently when I put her to bed or if it is "quiet" time. I find myself listening to it as well. I bought more in the series.
This CD has listening samples.
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Computer Software
CakewalkThe O'Connor Music Studio has a copy of Cakewalk for any student who wishes to try it out.
Children's Sing Along
For ages 2 through 8
Tons of fun for everyone! Turn your PC into a sing along machine with Children's Sing Along. Includes a free microphone and 50 popular songs. Large bold and colorful buttons guide children through the steps of choosing and singing their favorite songs.
Children's Sing Along is available from BrainPlay.com and other software sources.
Classical Pop
For all ages
Classical Pop from the past with piano book and lyrics to twelve favorites.
Classical Pop is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Discovering Keyboards
For ages 10 and up
Discovering Keyboards is the perfect software companion for the multimedia PC equipped with a MIDI keyboard. More than just piano lessons on a CD, Discovering Keyboards provides a well-rounded multimedia environment for learning basic keyboard skills and offers a comprehensive overview of MIDI technology and the history of keyboards.
By utilizing all of the interactive features of today's multimedia PCs, Discovering Keyboards makes it easy for beginners to play and read music right away. You'll experience the fun of performing with the interactive songbook and reinforcing your musical skills with educational music games. Computers, MIDI and synthesizers make it easier than ever for anyone to create professional-sounding music.
Discovering Keyboards provides a quick, easy and fun way to learn how!
Features
- Learn how to play the keyboard-regardless of your musical skill
- Play along with on-screen music ~ your PC serves as a backup band
- Print out the music that you've learned to play
- Explore the history of musical keyboards
- Learn about the fundamentals of MIDI and digital audio technology
- Have fun and reinforce musical skills with interactive games
Discovering Music
For ages 10 and up
Discovering Music provides an intriguing educational environment for exploring the world of music with amultimedia PC. Unlike Encyclopedia-style CDs that are often no more than books displayed on the screen, Discovering Music brings music to life with a unique combination ofcreative tools. Its interactive learning environmentencourages you to create your own music as you acquire fundamental musical skills. Discovering Music is fun, easy to use, requires no musical background and works with or without an external MIDI keyboard.
Discovering Music is available from BrainPlay.com and other software sources.
Favorite Hymns
For all ages
Favorite Hymns, including unique fully orchestrated accompaniments, songbook, interactive lessons and Musicware's advanced Song Player software.
Favorite Hymns Includes:
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- For the Beauty of the Earth
- Come, Ye Thankful People
- Nearer, My God, to Thee
- Rock of Ages
- Abide with Me!
- Christ the Lord is Risen Today
- Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow
- Onward, Christian Soldiers
- Praise the Lord is Risen Today
- Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow
- Onward, Christian Soldiers
- Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him ( In Humility, Our Savior)
- America the Beautiful
- Sweet Hour of Prayer
Folk Classics
For all ages
Twelve Classic Folk Songs, 72 lessons and 60 play-along accompaniments to reinforce and practice Course One skills. Folk Classics includes:
- Ode to Joy
- Good Night Ladies
- Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be?
- Love Somebody
- Frere Jacques
- Hot Cross Buns
- Du, Du, Liegst mir im Herzen
- J'ai du bon Tabac
- German Waltz
- The Cuckoo
- I know where I'm Going
- Sweetly Sings the Donkey
Guido
For all ages
The GUIDO Learning System contains six ear-training lessons (Intervals, Melodies, Chord Qualities, Harmonies, Rhythms, and Rhythmic Melodies) that help students master dictation skills.
Since 1973, students have helped refine the system by making suggestions for improving the question formats and the answering tools.
Guido is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Haunted Island (JumpStart Adventures 4th Grade)
Grade: 4
This JumpStart Adventure offers nine multi-level games and activities designed to reinforce skills in math, language arts, science, history, music, and art.
Haunted Island is available from SmarterKids.com and other software stores.
Interactive Songbook
For all ages
Now you can learn to sing and play some of the greatest Beatles songs of all time! You will be amazed at how quickly and easily you can master the songs that moved an entire generation. Your personal computer becomes an interactive songbook that teaches you note-by-note and measure-by-measure to both sing and play ten legendary tunes.
Interactive Songbook is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Juilliard Music Adventure
Suitable for ages 9 and up.
Take a musical mystery tour with Juilliard Music Adventure. Explore the Queen's enchanted castle and defeat a mischievous gnome as they solve musical puzzles with the Rhythm and Melody Tools. Based on the musical expertise of the esteemed Juilliard School, this animated CD-ROM explores the elements of music in a way that is guaranteed to bring out the natural musician in you!
As you advance through three levels of difficulty in the five-room castle, you will learn about rhythm, melody, orchestration, and musical styles including Classical, Jazz, Latin, Pop, and Rock and Roll.
Juilliard Music Adventure was developed in collaboration with The Juilliard School, one of the world's most respected schools of music, dance, and drama. The Juilliard School provided themusical expertise and recorded all of the music in this CD-ROM.
Features
- Two programs in one: first, an exciting adventure game where players solve musical challenges and, second, a suite of music composition tools that allow you to create your own music.
- When your musical masterpiece is done, set it to one of three animated performances: the Royal Fireworks, the Reflecting Pond, or Fiddle's Dream.
Make your own kind of music
Making Music
Grade: K through 9
A tool that helps children create music. Presents an introduction to the basics of musical structure which children then apply as they play in the "composition area".
Making More Music
All ages
An exciting new way for kids and grown-ups alike
This one-of-a-kind CD-ROM lets you become the composer, musician and audience all at once. Compose musical masterpieces quickly and easily by drawing notes with a mouse. Learn about everything from tempo to scale to standard music notation as you play with almost two dozen musical instruments.
So grab a mouse and create your own virtual orchestra!
The O'Connor Music Studio has a copy of Making More Music for any student who wishes to try it out.
Making More Music is available at local computer stores. Making Music is available from SmarterKids.com and other software stores.
MIDI Orchestrator Plus
For ages 13 and up
Whether you are an accomplished musician or a beginner-even if you can't read a note-with MIDI Orchestrator Plus you can turn your multimedia PC into a complete desktop MIDI recording studio!
Work at your own pace as you create multitrack MIDI recordings of your own music or modify prerecorded MIDI songs. Compose songs step-by-step by entering notes with a mouse or MIDI keyboard. Then edit every detail on the PC screen. Quick Keys let you switch instantly between different views of the song. Multiple-levels of undo/redo are available on all editing operations. You can even print out sheet music for yourself and others to enjoy!
Features
- MIDI Mixer: This intuitive audio mixer control panel shows MIDI activity in 16 channels on any MIDI port.
- Re-orchestrate music as you listen.
- Change instrument assignments, volumes, track names, key transposition, tempo and other settings.
- Single out specific instruments with mute and solo buttons.
- Each channel also includes a pan controller and two extra dials that you can assign to various MIDI controllers, such as chorus or reverb.
- MIDI Track Editor: Record multiple MIDI tracks from any MIDI port, then rearrange song structure with full editing controls.
- Copy, move or delete a single track or any range of measures and tracks with simple drag-and-drop commands.
- Control volume, panning, channels, patches and more.
- View track data as numerical values or in easily recognizable formats such as patch names, volume sliders, etc.
- MIDI Piano Roll Editor: Arrange and edit MIDI notes of any duration with simple point, click, drag, cut, copy and paste.
- Double-click any note to see and edit every MIDI parameter-velocity, duration, pitch, etc.
- Music notation updates automatically as you edit.
- Insert notes of any duration-including tuplets-with a point and click.
- Grid feature quantizes notes as they are added.
- Zoom to any magnification, from an individual note to the entire song.
- MIDI Event Editor: With the MIDI Event Editor you can view and edit every detail of any MIDI event, including controller parameters, key signature, tempo and more.
- Filtering options enable you to quickly locate events by type.
- Conductor track lets you place tempo changes anywhere in the song.
- Music Notation: Convert MIDI data into standard music notation and print sheet music on any Windows compatible printer.
- Set transcription options independently by track.
- Choose treble, bass, alto, and tenor clefs, drums, grand staff or auto select.
- Preview your score on screen with variable zoom.
MIDIsaurus!
For ages 4 to 10
6 Levels plus programs concentrating on Instruments, Composers, Notation and Rhythm
An Innovative Entry-Level Music Software Series for Children: Music learning has never been so fun! MIDIsaurus is a complete music learning system for children ages 4 to 10. This revolutionary series uses an edutainment approach to teach music as fun and encourage children to be musically creative. MIDIsaurus, the musical dinosaur, introduces children to the wonderful world of music through colorful animation, fun-filled games and songs to play and sing along with! Optional use of a MIDI keyboard with your computer or use of the onscreen keyboard teaches basic musical and keyboard skills in the only complete multimedia music curriculum currently available.
Sample Level 1 material
- Hands and Fingers
- Black and White
- Ascending and Descending Keys
- The Musical Alphabet
- Listening Skills
- Note and Rest Values: Quarter, Half and Whole
- Middle C Close Position
- Dynamics: loud and soft
- Steps and Skip
- Sing-Along Songs
MIDIsaurus! is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Music (JumpStart Learning Games)
For ages 4 through 8
Hopsalot the Bunny is ready to introduce you to the magical world of music. Learn the basics of rhythm, melody, harmony, musical scales and more. As you explore the four different lands in Music World, don't miss the chance to jam with Billy and the Goat-T's band. Give the instruments their "voices" back and gather up all the "sour notes" you can find!
The O'Connor Music Studio has a copy of (JumpStart Learning Games) Music for any student who wishes to try it out.
(JumpStart Learning Games) Music is available at the music studio, from beyond.com, from BrainPlay.com and other software sources.
Music Ace
All ages
Winner of more than 28 awards and honors, Music Ace is a fun, engaging and non-judgmental music education software program designed to provide an introduction to music fundamentals for beginning music students of all ages. Following the friendly direction of Maestro Max and his choir of singing notes, users participate in a series of 24 comprehensive lessons, play a variety of challenging games, and easily compose and listen to their own music on the innovative Music Doodle Pad.
Lessons - 24 engaging, self-paced lessons that accelerate development and reinforce fundamental music skills and an understanding of music theory. Lessons cover:
- Staff & keyboard relationship
- Pitch identification
- Note reading
- Listening skills
- Sharps & flats
- Intro to key signature
- Keyboard basics
- Major scales
- Octaves
- Treble, bass & grand staff
- Whole & half steps
Tracking Progress - Special feature allows individuals to track progress through lessons and games. A "completion count" provides the number of times the user has gone through each section of a lesson, and "games progress" provides high scores.
Music Doodle Pad - Unique feature allows individuals to easily compose their own music using a variety of instrument sounds. These creative compositions can be saved and played back for others, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired from the lessons and games. Users can also listen to and modify popular music selections from the Jukebox section of the Music Doodle Pad.
Music Ace is available locally. A download is available at Music Ace Download.
Music Ace 2
All ages
Music Ace 2 the second title in the highly-acclaimed Music Ace series from Harmonic Vision, is designed for beginning and intermediate students. Featuring 2,000 musical examples and covering treble, alto and bass clefs, Music Ace 2 picks up where Music Ace leaves off to introduce standard notation, rhythm, melody, harmony, intervals and much more. Maestro Max and his choir of Singing Notes return for an encore performance with a variety of new instruments to provide students with a continuing introduction to music fundamentals and theory. Music Ace 2 continues the same fun and engaging format of 24 comprehensive lessons, challenging games and a creative composition tool.
Lessons - 24 engaging, self-paced lessons that accelerate development of fundamental music skills and music theory. Lessons cover:
- Standard Notation
- Tempo
- Comparing Rhythms
- Rhythmic Dictation
- Echoing
- Counting
- Quarter Notes
- Eighth Notes
- Rests
- Measures
- All Key Signatures
- Hearing Melodies
- Melodic Contour
- Syncopation
- Half Notes & Ties
- Dotted Quarter Notes
- Sixteenth Notes
- Rhythmic Composition
- Time Signature
- Major & Minor Scales
- Intro to Intervals
- Three Sounds Per Beat
- 6/8 Time
- Intro to Harmony
- Ear Training
- Composing Melodies
- Distinguishing Melodies & Harmonies
Games - 24 exciting multi-level games (one per lesson) sharpen music skills and improve retention of important lesson concepts. Colorful animated 3-D graphics, digitized sound effects, bonus points and high scores provide fun, interactive entertainment. Users can select novice or advanced difficulty settings.
Tracking Progress - Special feature tracks an individual's progress through lessons and games. A "completion count" provides the number of times the user has gone through each section of a lesson and "games progress" provides high scores.
Music Doodle Pad - Unique feature allows individuals to easily compose their own music using a variety of instrument sounds. These creative compositions can be saved and played back for others, showcasing the knowledge and skills acquired from the lessons and games. Users can also listen to and modify popular music selections from the Jukebox section of the Music Doodle Pad.
Instructional and Appearance Settings - New features enable user to select clef instruction (treble and bass, treble only, bass only or alto only), determine rhythmic stringency (relaxed or strict), determine game difficulty (novice or advanced), and also adjust the appearance of the notes and instruments (with or without faces).
Music Ace 2 is available locally. A download is available at Music Ace Download.
Music Lab
For all ages
Music Lab, a comprehensive music curriculum that teaches sight-reading, rhythm, singing, and music transcription. Music Lab has been used by thousands of college students and is now available to everyone. For use with IBM compatibles and for Macintosh.
Music Lab is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Music Write Plus
All ages
Key Features
- Cut, copy, and paste music just as easily as editing text in a word processor.
- Play back your music using your PC sound card or an external MIDI synthesizer.
- Choose from any of 128 general MIDI instruments.
- Compose music by inserting notes, chords, and ties with just the click of a mouse.
- Insert dynamic symbols, and hear them affect your score when it plays back.
- Record music from your MIDI keyboard, and see it instantly converted into music notation.
- On-screen video tutorial gets you started quickly.
- Zoom in to edit in fine detail.
- Add your name, song title, copyright information, and more.
- Hear your music at any tempo with adjustable tempo control.
- Add chord names and guitar chord symbols.
- Add lyrics and display them with any Windows Font.
- Auto Formatting feature makes your score look clean and professional every time.
Nightingale
For all ages
Nightingale 3.0 for Macintosh Desktop Music Publishing: the first Internet-ready notation program. The Nightingale product line also includes NoteScan, which allows printed sheet music to be scanned into Nightingale and NoteView, which allows for world-wide publishing of your scores on the Internet.
Nightingale is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
PIANO
For all ages
3 Levels
Piano, the most complete piano education system for Microsoft Windows™. Using the power of your personal computer, you can learn sight-reading, hythm, ear-training and music theory. Three graded levels of piano instruction are currently available, as well as a variety of Song Packs.
Using the power of your personal computer, you'll soon be playing fifty complete songs using both hands! Along the way, you'll learn sight reading, rhythm, ear training and music theory. Musicware Piano is available in three courses
- Course 1 (first year piano)
- Course 2 (second year piano)
- Course 3 (third year piano)
Play Piano (with MIDI Cable)
Suitable for all ages.
Midisoft Play Piano is the easiest way to learn piano. It turns your computer into a powerful piano tutor that teaches you the songs you want to play and lets you learn at your own pace without boring exercises or drills.
Midisoft Play Piano™ comes with 40 songs including these popular categories: Rock, Classical, Holiday, Traditional. Plus, you never run out of songs - add MIDI song files from any CD-ROM library, the Internet, or on-line service and Midisoft Play Piano™ will create a lesson plan just for you. It's not only fun for beginners, it's the perfect way for more experienced musicians to sharpen their skills too.
Play Piano is available from BrainPlay.com and other software sources.
Rhythmaticity
For all ages
Rhythmaticity is the most effective software available to develop keen rhythmic reading, perception and performance skills.
Rhythmaticity is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Sesame Street: Elmo's PreSchool Deluxe
Grade: Toddler through PreSchool
Features fifteen interactive learning activities designed to develop a variety of skills. Players interact with letters, numbers, shapes, and music.
Sesame Street: Elmo's PreSchool Deluxe is available from SmarterKids.com and other software stores.
SING!
New Musicware Sing! is the first complete beginning vocal course on CD-ROM. Using advanced software to "read" your voice, Sing! helps you develop your natural vocal skills using a computer an the power of Windows 95. Sing! is designed to train your ear, control your voice and help you breathe easy, just the way you should. Just bring along your musical interest and Sing! will improve your natural abilities.
SING! is available at local computer stores or through Musicware.
Sonic Foundry's Acid Style
Teach Me Piano
Ages 8 and up
Whether you have some piano playing background or you/ve never taken a lesson before, Teach Me Piano is the piano course for you. Beginners can learn basic techniques while intermediate players can reinforce their musical skills.
Using your computers multimedia capabilities, Teach Me Piano combines video demonstrations, animations, sound and illustrations to enhance the lessons. An interactive scoring system evaluates your playing and tracks your progress. You'll find that it's like having your own private music teacher!
With Teach Me Piano and a MIDI keyboard connected to your computer, you?ll discover how easy and fun it is to learn to play the piano!
Features
- Provides a full course of piano lessons ~ from beginner through intermediate skills
- More than 150 lessons and over 100 exercises
- Learn to play more than 75 well-known songs all with full background accompaniment
- Learn at your own pace
- Study with a professional teacher who demonstrates piano techniques through videos you watch right on your PCs monitor
- Receive feedback on your performance from the interactive scoring system it's like having your own private music teacher!
Voyetra Turtle BeachThe O'Connor Music Studio has a copy of several Voyetra Programs for any student who wishes to try them out.
Toys and Games 
Barney's Song Magic Banjo
by: Hasbro
Age range: 2-4
Performers: Barney and friends
Reviews
Amazon.com
With Barney's award-winning toy banjo, a purple plastic music-maker, even the youngest child can "play" eight songs with eight different instrument sounds. Press one button to vary the song (everything from "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" to "Oh! Susanna") and another to vary the instrument (everything from xylophone to wind instruments to plain old guitar). Kids play their chosen song by air-strumming the stringless center of the banjo. Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio awarded Barney's Banjo both its Platinum award, which goes to the most innovative, engaging products of the year, and the SNAP Award, which means that the product is especially suitable for special-needs kids. Includes three AA batteries. For those who just can't get enough of Barney, Barney's Great Adventure Sing-Along cassette would be a great compliment to the Magic Banjo. (Ages 2 to 4)
--Elisa Murray
Barney's Song Magic Bongos
by: Hasbro
Age range: 2-4
Performers: Barney and friends
Product Reviews
Amazon.com
Everybody's favorite purple dinosaur gives junior musicians a leg up with this magical bongo set, a tough plastic music machine that lets kids belt out any of 11 different songs on two separate drum pads. Featuring five different instrument sounds--everything from electronic strings to winds to strange-sounding beeps--drummers magically drum out the notes to Barney favorites such as I Love You, Yankee Doodle, and Itsy Bitsy Spider. Two buttons shaped like notes let kids switch between instruments and songs while they're playing.
--Paul Hughes
More Barney
Blues Band Harmonica
Skill Set Description: Music education, small motor skills
Educational Objective: Musical skills
Product Reviews
Amazon.com
This Hohner Blues Band Harmonica is the genuine item. It comes packed in its own case with instructions and packs a lot of bluesy sound into its shiny, 4-inch body. Little blues brothers and sisters will have fun making a range of sounds, while older players can use the instructions to really get down. This harmonica is a great lightweight traveling toy for entertainment on car trips and stroller rides. Since it's easy enough to master simple chords and tunes, it also makes an excellent introduction to music.
--Lee Strucker
Product Description A great harmonica at an unbelievable price! You'll be suprised how such an inexpensive instrument can really deliver the blues... and it carries the world-famous Hohner nameplate recognized by musicians and novices alike. What a fabulous stocking stuffer!
Bop It
by: Hasbro
Age range: 8 years and up
Educational Objective: auditory development, concentration, memory recall, taking turns
Reviews
Amazon.com
We're groovin', we're movin', we're boppin'! This hilarious game requires speedy reflexes and a rhythm section in the brain! Musical and spoken commands instruct players to "Twist it! Pull it! Bop it! Pass it!" Electronic impulses move the random play faster and faster; players have to keep up or risk the disappointment-filled recorded scream: "Aoowww!" Played alone or with a group, Bop It keeps score and keeps the beat. All the players have to do is keep on bopping, pulling, and twisting the button, knob, and ratchet! Cymbals crashing, bass drum booming, whistles shrieking ... who can resist? The 15-inch turquoise, black, purple, and yellow toy requires 3 AA batteries (not included). For one or more players.
--Emilie Coulter
Drum Orchestra
Manufacturer's age: 3 years and up
Skill Set Description: Creativity
Product Reviews
Amazon.com
Here's a nine-piece instrument set that stores inside a drum! A 12.75-inch diameter, 7.5-inch-tall clear plastic drum has colorful plastic rims and frame, a 41-inch-long webbed nylon neck strap, and a removable clear plastic lid. It contains jingle bells and drum sticks, a xylophone with mallets, a pair of maracas, a tambourine, a kazoo, a plastic recorder, and a clapper. The oversized plastic maracas are easy to grasp, nicely weighted, and sound great. The kazoo is very easy to blow, and the clapper makes a nice clacking sound. However, the xylophone is poorly tuned, the drum has a marginal tone and a neck strap that's probably too long for most children, and the jingle bells are secured to a soft rubber wristband only by slip rings. In addition, the recorder's plastic joints are thin and could easily be chipped. This gift set includes a wonderful assortment of instruments, but if you're looking for quality rather than quantity, it may be wiser to purchase each instrument separately.
--Tami Horiuchi
Elmo's Rock & Roll Guitar
Product Reviews
Amazon.com
Your child will be rockin' and rollin' before you know it with this fun guitar. Complete with flashing lights and friendly buttons, this easy-to-use instrument makes music child's play. To start, kids can press any of the four character buttons, each with a different Sesame Street friend, to make different sounds. Press Elmo and he'll say a different phrase every time. Try the whammy bar for a little pizzazz, or strum the yellow roller to play one of three lively tunes like Shake, Rattle & Roll. Watch as the colorful lights dance in time to the music. Just like the real deal, it even has a volume control.
Requires three AA batteries.
Listening Lotto-ry Musical Instruments
Game and audio cassette
Grade: 1 through 3
A unique game that develops auditory discrimination skills. Includes audio cassette, 32 picture cards, 4 playing boards, and game instructions.
Listening Lotto-ry Musical Instruments is available from SmarterKids.com and other music and toy stores.
Video Thanksgiving Video for the Whole Family!
Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days (Notes Alive) (1998)
Reviews
The third in the Notes Alive series with the Minnesota Orchestra is another fine introduction for kids to the arts. This computer-animated version of the Dr. Seuss story about the mood of colors (narrated by Holly Hunter) is combined with footage of a concert symphony. We follow a boy and his dog juggling his various moods, something soaring like a bird ("a blue day") or moping around the house ("a gray day"). The music is outstanding; Richard Einhorn created a new composition, which focuses on the individuality of instruments in the 30-minute piece. A percussive, hand-clapping sequence is quite fun. The animation doesn't seem as fresh in this day and age of A Bug's Life--it's quite bulky. Yet the film is brisk enough to entertain the youngsters and they will undoubtedly ask questions about the various instruments shown.
There's also a 15-minute short on the making of the film. It includes interviews with the animators, the composer, and, most notably, with Theodore Geisel's (Dr. Seuss) wife, who talks about her husband's influences and gives a tour of their house. (Other Notes Alive titles are On the Day You Were Born and Nutcracker: The Untold Story.)
--Doug Thomas
Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days is available from Amazon.com and other music and video stores.
Return To Pooh Corner [VIDEO]
by Kenny Loggins
Nutcracker: The Untold Story. (Notes Alive) (1998)
Reviews
Nutcracker: The Untold Story is an odd but satisfying mix of ballet, animation, and a symphony performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. The Minnesota Orchestra scores points for finding new ways to introduce symphonic music to youngsters (most notably On the Day You Were Born). This 40-minute presentation features animation of Maurice Sendak's illustrations created for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's version and rhymed text from E.T.A. Hoffmann's original tale. This production delves into the land of the seven-headed mouse king and the curse that turned the prince into a nutcracker (that's the untold part, dropped from the famous ballet). James Sewell's choreography and the lush voice of Keith Jochim (the narrator and Herr Drosselmeier) should keep kids entranced. All of Tchaikovsky's famous musical passages are here, even if they are heard out of context. There's a short "making-of" feature at the end of the tape.
--Doug Thomas
Nutcracker: The Untold Story is available from Amazon.com and other music and video stores.
On the Day You Were Born (Notes Alive) (1998)
Ages 2 and up
Reviews
This creative video from the Minnesota Orchestra is a great way to introduce youngsters to symphony music. Author Debra Frasier reads her bestselling children's book that celebrates the world we live in, and her colorful drawings are changed into computer animation and scored to new music by Steve Heitzeg. The Aaron Copland-style symphony includes very curious instruments (goat hooves and seashells). The 30-minute program cuts back and forth between the computer animation and the symphony performance, and conductor Bill Eddins is a dynamic host when he introduces the concept of a "storyconcert" and takes a few minutes to interview the composer and author. This first tape in the Notes Alive series (which includes My Many Colored Days and Nutcracker: The Untold Story) is fun for audiences ages 2 and up, but 5- to 7-year-olds are at an especially great age to be introduced to such music. This is a unique, creative tape that won several awards, including the American Library Association's Carnegie Medal for Best Children's Video of 1997.
--Doug Thomas
On the Day You Were Born is available from Amazon.com and other music and video stores.
Sesame Street's 25th Birthday - A Musical Celebration
Starring: Muppets, et al.
Rated: NR
Review
Amazon.com
Yes, Virginia, there was a Sesame Street before the Age of Elmo. This 1993 collection highlights the role of music in the long-running series from Children's Television Workshop, and reminds us that such Jim Henson creations as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and Ernie and Bert were once part of a true ensemble of Muppet superstars. Nothing against Elmo, of course: kids adore him and he makes enough appearances in this anthology (including the show-stopping "Happy Tappin' with Elmo") to keep today's tykes happy. Also included is Ernie's classic "Rubber Duckie" (really, who doesn't know the words to that?), Oscar's anthemic "I Love Trash," you-know-who's "C Is for Cookie," and Big Bird's Big Finale, a rendition of "Sing" that includes the entire cast. There are 27 tunes in all, and they don't all involve singing puppets: Ladysmith Black Mambazo turns up for one track, and the "Sesame Street Jam Session" includes some actual playing of instruments.
--Tom Keogh
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Sesame Street - Elmo Saves Christmas |
By: by Charles Durning(Primary Contributor), et al
Rated: NR
Review
Amazon.com
The show opens on a Christmas scene, featuring Maya Angelou explaining to Muppet characters how Elmo once got his wish that every day could be Christmas--and soon regretted it. Charles Durning and Harvey Fierstein are also on board, and there's a new friend in Lightning the reindeer, plus lots of songs. The whooshing Christmas-season feel to the story is infectious.
--Tom Keogh
Sesame Street - Elmo's Sing-Along Guessing Game
Starring: Muppets, et al.
Rated: NR
Sesame Street - Elmo Says Boo!
Starring: Muppets, et al.
Rated: NR
Review
Amazon.com
A Halloween treat. Elmo visits fellow Sesame Street Muppet the Count in the latter's castle--and gets scared for a moment. But only a moment, as more friends from the television program show up, and jokes, songs, and surprises abound. Among the clever tunes: "Transylvania 1-2-3-4-5," "We Are All Monsters," and "Frazzle."
--Tom Keogh
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