The study of music is something I leave to our expert piano teacher because she can do a better job than I can. However, I have found a few supplements which have enriched our history, language, and music studies.
My friend bought this book of composers in Europe, but I’m sure it’s not exclusive. It groups musicians by period and discusses their country of origin, family life, etc. It’s a good little reference book. As we study history I like to focus on individuals, not just events. Learning about composers is a nice way to talk about culture, history, and language. This month we are focusing on German composers for a presentation the kids will give at the library.
These books on CD are popular with the kids, especially Daniel. There is a narration of the composer’s life and excerpts from his works throughout. These are an hour long and they are easy history lessons. They are also a fun introduction to the works of the great composers. I don’t know, but there is something right about a child getting excited when he hears a famous symphony on the radio and says, “I know that song!”
Grieg, Schumann, Sousa, and Chopin are the favorites from this series.
Our kids enter a piano composition contest each year. It’s the best exercise in music theory that I know. I love hearing what they write. Paige wrote a waltz and sarabande this year. Daniel wrote a theme and variations. Timothy wrote an A-B-A theme. We get the results from the judges this week.
Now, if I can just commission a bust made of each of my own little composers, my shelf would be complete.